Got Questions? We Have Answers

Our fees vary depending on the complexity of your case and which services you need. Typical costs range from:

• Simple cases: $1,500 - $3,500 (unfiled returns, penalty abatement)
• Moderate cases: $3,500 - $7,500 (installment agreements, wage garnishment release)
• Complex cases: $7,500 - $15,000+ (Offer in Compromise, audit defense, multiple years)

We offer free consultations to assess your situation and provide an accurate quote. We also offer payment plans so you can get help without a large upfront payment.

Important: While our fees may seem significant, we typically save clients 5-10x more than what they pay us in reduced tax debt, removed penalties, and favorable settlements.

Technically yes, but it's challenging and often leads to unfavorable outcomes. Here's why professional representation matters:

• The IRS knows you're vulnerable: They can pressure you into accepting unfavorable terms
• You might volunteer damaging information: Anything you say can be used against you
• Mistakes are costly: Filing the wrong forms or missing deadlines can disqualify you from relief programs
• You lack leverage: Tax professionals have relationships with IRS personnel and know what they'll accept

Studies show that taxpayers with professional representation achieve significantly better outcomes—often saving tens of thousands of dollars compared to negotiating alone.

Timeline varies by service:

• Stop wage garnishments: 24-48 hours (emergency)
• Installment agreements: 1-4 weeks
• Penalty abatement: 30-90 days
• Unfiled tax returns: 2-4 weeks per year
• Offer in Compromise: 6-9 months
• IRS audit defense: 3-18 months depending on audit type

We prioritize urgent cases (wage garnishments, bank levies) and handle them immediately. For longer processes, we keep you informed every step of the way.

If you genuinely cannot afford to pay, you have several options:

• Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status: The IRS temporarily stops all collection activities because you cannot pay basic living expenses. While interest and penalties continue to accrue, you won't face garnishments or levies.
• Offer in Compromise: Settle your debt for pennies on the dollar based on your ability to pay
• Partial Payment Installment Agreement: Make small monthly payments and the remaining balance is forgiven after the collection statute expires

We analyze your complete financial situation and recommend the best strategy to minimize your payments while staying compliant.

Important: Even if you can't pay, you must still file your tax returns to remain compliant and avoid criminal prosecution.

The IRS accepts approximately 40% of Offers in Compromise. However, our acceptance rate is much higher (around 85%) because we:

• Only submit OICs when you genuinely qualify
• Prepare thorough financial documentation
• Present your case in the most favorable light
• Know exactly what the IRS is looking for
• Can appeal and renegotiate if initially denied

During your free consultation, we'll honestly assess whether you're a good candidate for an OIC. If not, we'll recommend alternative solutions that are more appropriate for your situation.

Red flags that hurt OIC acceptance: Significant equity in assets, ability to pay through installment plan, unfiled returns, or recent luxury spending.

Simply owing taxes is NOT a crime. The IRS cannot put you in jail for being unable to pay your tax debt.

However, you CAN face criminal prosecution for:

• Tax evasion: Willfully attempting to evade taxes through fraud or deception
• Willful failure to file: Intentionally not filing tax returns (not just forgetting)
• Filing false returns: Knowingly providing false information
• Payroll tax fraud: Collecting payroll taxes from employees but not paying them to the IRS

Criminal tax cases are relatively rare—the IRS typically only prosecutes when there's substantial income, multiple years, and clear intent to evade taxes.

Key protection: Voluntary compliance significantly reduces criminal prosecution risk. If you come forward and file returns (even late), you're far less likely to face criminal charges than if the IRS comes after you first.

The IRS notifies you of an audit by mail only—never by phone, email, or text. Beware of scams!

Common audit notices include:

• CP2000: Proposed changes based on mismatched income reporting
• Letter 566: Office audit appointment
• Letter 3572/4564: Field audit (most serious)
• Correspondence audit: Requests for specific documentation by mail

What to do if you receive an audit notice:

1. Don't panic—audits are manageable with proper representation
2. Don't ignore it—deadlines are strict
3. Don't contact the IRS yourself—anything you say can hurt you
4. Call us immediately—we'll handle everything on your behalf

Professional representation during an audit typically results in significantly lower adjustments and better outcomes.

All three can represent you before the IRS, but they have different expertise:

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): Licensed accountant who can prepare returns, provide financial advice, and represent clients before the IRS. Best for accounting and financial planning.
• EA (Enrolled Agent): IRS-licensed tax professional specializing in tax matters. Must pass rigorous IRS exam. Can represent anyone before the IRS. Often the best value for pure tax resolution.
• Tax Attorney: Lawyer specializing in tax law. Can provide legal advice, represent you in Tax Court, and handle criminal tax matters. Best for complex legal situations or criminal cases.

Our team includes all three types of professionals, so you get the right expertise for your specific situation. Most tax resolution cases are handled successfully by EAs and CPAs, with attorney support when needed.

Bottom line: What matters most is experience with IRS resolution—not just credentials. Our team has resolved 10,000+ cases successfully.

Yes—but only after a very long time. The IRS has 10 years from the date of assessment to collect tax debt. This is called the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED).

Important caveats:

• If you never filed a return, the 10-year clock never starts—the IRS can collect forever
• Certain actions extend the 10-year period (Offer in Compromise applications, bankruptcy, leaving the country)
• Interest and penalties continue to grow, often doubling your debt
• The IRS can seize assets, garnish wages, and levy bank accounts during those 10 years

Waiting it out is rarely a good strategy because:

• Your debt grows significantly due to penalties and interest
• You face aggressive collection actions
• Your credit is ruined by tax liens
• You can't get payment plans or settlements if you wait too long

It's almost always better to address tax debt proactively than to wait and hope it goes away.

Beware of any tax resolution firm that guarantees specific results. It's unethical and often illegal for tax professionals to guarantee outcomes because every case depends on:

• Your unique financial situation
• IRS policies and personnel
• Your compliance history
• How much documentation you can provide

What we CAN guarantee:

• We'll work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome
• We'll handle all IRS communication and representation
• We'll be transparent about your options and realistic expectations
• We'll keep you informed throughout the process
• We won't take your case if we don't think we can help

Our 95% success rate and 15+ years of experience speak for themselves. During your free consultation, we'll provide an honest assessment of what we can realistically achieve for your situation.

Red flag: If a company promises to settle your debt for "pennies on the dollar" without reviewing your finances first, walk away—they're likely a scam.