Managing Client Expectations:
The Roadmap to Resolution
What to Expect When Resolving Your Tax Debt
Many clients who retain my tax relief services are interested in knowing two things: 1) Can you settle this for less that I owe; and 2) How long will it take?
Upon retaining my firm to resolve your tax issue, some of the relief will be immediate and some will be over time. It is important to keep in mind that IRS problems didn’t come about overnight and will take time to resolve. The good news is that generally you won’t have to meet or speak with the IRS while I am representing you. An average Offer in Compromise (OIC) case can take anywhere from 6-12 months (or longer) depending on the amount of tax liability owed, the complexity of the case, and your individual facts and circumstances.
Road Map to Resolution
Free Consultation: If you have never been a client of mine, the first step is to call or come in for your confidential, no obligation free consultation. At this meeting, I, Marjorie J. Skidmore, CPA, an experienced Tax Resolution Specialist, will evaluate your situation and discuss all available options for resolving your matter. This generally takes about 30-45 minutes; however, there are times where the information provided at this meeting is not sufficient to determine a course of action. It is advised therefore to have all recent notices and correspondence from the IRS available during our first in-person or telephone consultation. The first step is to hire me to obtain your IRS transcripts and Record of Account so I can best evaluate all of your alternative settlement options.
- Retaining My Firm: At the end of your consultation, and if selected as a good “fit” for my firm, you will be given the opportunity to retain me as your tax representative. You will be required to sign an Engagement Letter and make financial arrangements in order to pay for my services.
I will file a Power of Attorney (POA) with the IRS. This will provide you with immediate relief because I will attempt to get a collection hold (no enforced collection) on your account and from this point forward, the IRS will be required to contact me instead of you. If an IRS representative should happen to contact you, all you need to do is provide my contact information, including phone number, and politely request that he or she contact the firm of Marjorie J. Skidmore, CPA directly. A separate POA will be required for any state problem you have retained me for as well.
- Beginning the Tax Resolution Process: I will develop a phased strategy for resolving your case and advise you on what steps to take for the most effective resolution. As your case manager I am available to you by direct dial telephone, individual e-mail, or in person. At my firm I believe in keeping my clients informed about every step taken to resolve your tax problems.
- IRS Compliance: Generally, before any negotiation/settlement will be accepted by the IRS, you must become a compliant taxpayer. Compliance means that all past due delinquent income tax returns must be prepared and filed. Compliance also means you have to be “current” on your quarterly estimated income tax payments and you must be withholding at the correct rate if a wage earner. I am experienced in what must be done to achieve compliance and will advise you accordingly. If you cannot furnish records necessary to prepare your taxes, I have developed methods, in accordance with IRS regulations, for completing the preparation of tax returns in order to get them filed right away.
- Your (the Client’s) Responsibilities: Clients who achieve successful resolution of their tax matters have the following traits in common: They view the relationship with me as a collaborative one. They view this as a “project” that requires cooperation. They follow through, in a TIMELY fashion, with my requests for information and documentation. Clients who achieve stated resolution goals return my phone calls and e-mails timely, and stay in contact with me throughout the duration of their case.
- Tax Settlement Negotiation: I will propose a plan of resolution to the IRS that you can live with and see it through to acceptance. I have an excellent IRS settlement track record and pride myself in obtaining the best (lowest) settlement for you under the law. It is rare, however, that a proposal is accepted right away. Through diligence, persistence, and follow-up I will monitor the case progression and provide additional information to the IRS as needed. I will also negotiate your proposed resolution until a resolution is achieved.
- Tax Resolution is Reached: I will review the final resolution of your case by the IRS to make sure it is as agreed upon. If not, I will insist that it be changed to reflect what was agreed upon. If the IRS is unwilling to do this, I will advise you as to what your options are for the next step. Finally, you will be advised on what you must do in order to succeed with your resolution and avoid future tax problems.