Questions to Ask a Tax Resolution Specialist Before Hiring

Questions to Ask a Tax Resolution Specialist Before Hiring

Figuring out your taxes can be super confusing and stressful. Especially if you owe money to the IRS! That’s why hiring a tax resolution specialist is a great idea. These pros know all the ins and outs of tax law and can help you resolve issues with the IRS. But not all tax resolution specialists are created equal! You’ll wanna ask some key questions before hiring someone to make sure they’re the right fit for you.

What credentials do you have?

There are a few main credentials to look for in a tax resolution pro:

• CPA – Certified Public Accountant
• EA – Enrolled Agent
• JD – Juris Doctor (that means they’re a tax attorney)

These show the person has specific training and expertise in taxes and working with the IRS. Make sure to ask what licenses or designations they hold so you know you’re getting someone qualified.

How long have you been practicing tax resolution?

You’ll want someone with plenty of hands-on experience resolving tax issues. At least 5 years is good, 10+ years is ideal. The longer they’ve practiced, the more situations they’ve encountered and can handle for you.

What is your success rate?

Any tax pro worth their salt should have a high success rate resolving cases. Ask what percentage of their clients end up with a satisfactory outcome. Over 80% is great. Under 50% could be a red flag.

What does your process look like?

Make sure to understand what working with the tax specialist will entail. Will they handle communicating with the IRS for you? How often will you meet or speak? Do they walk you through every decision? Understanding the process upfront ensures no surprises down the road.

Can you provide references?

Reputable tax pros should be able to provide references from past clients. Speaking with previous customers gives you an idea of what to expect working with that person.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

How do you charge for your services?

Tax specialists set fees in a variety of ways:

• Hourly rate
• Flat fee per service
• Contingency fee based on amount of tax savings

Make sure you understand how you’ll be billed so you aren’t shocked by costs.

Do you offer payment plans?

Many tax resolution services require large upfront payments, which can be difficult for taxpayers already struggling financially. Ask if they offer payment plans to spread costs over time.

How quickly can you start working on my case?

You’ll want someone who can start tackling your tax issues ASAP, so ask how soon they can begin. The longer you wait, the more penalties and interest may accrue.

Do you handle negotiations with the IRS?

Dealing with the IRS directly can be intimidating, so ideally your tax pro handles all communication for you. Make sure to clarify if they will negotiate on your behalf or if you’ll be expected to talk to the IRS yourself.

What are my options for resolving my tax debt?

A knowledgeable tax specialist should explain all potential options to address your tax issues, such as:

• Payment plans
• Offers in compromise
• Penalty abatement
• Currently not collectible status
• Innocent spouse relief

They should outline pros and cons of each option for your situation.

Can you guarantee the outcome?

Reputable tax pros won’t make outright guarantees since the IRS decides the final resolution. But they should express confidence in their ability to get you the best possible outcome.

Do you have experience with cases like mine?

Make sure to choose someone familiar with situations similar to yours. For example, if you’re a small business owner or self-employed, you want someone used to working with those types of taxpayers.

Will you defend me if audited in the future?

It’s good to know if the tax pro will represent you in any future audits or issues stemming from your current tax problems without charging additional fees.

Do you offer tax planning services?

Some tax specialists provide tax planning and advice to help prevent issues in the future. This added service can be beneficial.

Finding the right tax pro takes a bit of research, but it’s worth it. Asking these questions helps you identify red flags and find someone truly qualified to resolve your tax problems. With the right tax specialist on your side, you can finally put your tax troubles behind you for good!