Now That You’ve Hired a Licensed Tax Professional,
Here’s How to Optimize Your Relationship
1. Be accurate and specific when asked to provide financial and other information.Be detailed and accurate when you provide financial and other information.
Don’t leave anything out.
Let the tax pro determine whether a given fact is relevant.
Bear in mind that the forms you submit to the IRS must generally be signed under penalties of perjury.
2. Be punctual.Your representative will be working under deadlines.
Provide all requested information in a timely manner.
3. If you don’t understand, ask.Don’t assume anything.
If you don’t understand something, ask questions until you do.
It’s best for you to have a list of questions in hand when visiting or calling your tax professional so as to cover all your concerns.
Don’t be intimidated by your tax professional. His job is to help you.
4. Have a clear legal fee agreement with your tax attorney. Make sure you understand your obligation for fees and costs.
Don’t be afraid to ask for this in writing.
The agreement should also state the tasks your tax professional will perform.
5. Always maintain original documents.Do not give your original documents to your tax professional.
Provide clear photocopies only, unless original documents are needed for a trial.
Even if there is a court trial, make sure you keep clear photocopies of all your original documents.
6. Know what you’re signing.You will be asked to sign numerous IRS Forms and documents, which may include:
IRS Form 2848 Power of Attorney,
Form 656 Offer in Compromise document,
Form 433-A and/or Form 433-B financial Information Statement documents,
Waiver documents
Be sure you understand all of the implications of every document you sign, especially Waiver Forms.
1. Obtain copies of all documents.Make sure you have an agreement with your tax professional to get copies of all documents he submits to the IRS and copies of all those received from the IRS.
2. Don’t expect miracles.Resolving tax problems take time.
The IRS moves very slowly.
But do expect updates on your case’s status from your tax professional as it progresses.