Choosing a Tax Professional For An IRS Problem Case - Isn"t Just Any Old Accountant Good Enough?
Tax professionals come in many forms.
They can be attorneys, CPAs, or Enrolled Agents.
No matter which professional you choose, you will want someone with the knowledge and experience needed to help you make good decisions regarding your finances.
What's the Difference? Tax attorneys are lawyers who specialize in complex tax and estate matters, IRS dispute resolution, and complex tax return preparation.
They should have either a tax law degree or be certified as a tax law specialist.
CPAs are accountants with college degrees and experience with a CPA firm.
They prepare tax returns, do accounting, and audit work.
They are licensed and regulated in all states.
It will depend on the training and experience the CPA has received as to whether they will be able to deal with the IRS comfortably.
Enrolled Agents are fulltime tax advisors and tax preparers.
They are licensed to practice before the IRS.
They have either passed an IRS exam or have five or more years of IRS work experience.
They are not able to represent you in tax court.
A good tax professional will know about the laws that govern the IRS and its many facets.
They will keep up-to-date on the many changes in tax laws.
They will have experience with the resolution of tax debts, with dealing with the IRS, and with IRS collections.
How to Find a Good Tax Professional oPersonal referrals oTax preparer recommendation oPrepaid legal plans oAudit assistance or preparer guarantee oAdvertising oProfessional associations oDirect solicitation Questions to Ask a Tax Professional oAre you an attorney, CPA or Enrolled Agent? oWhat licenses do you have? oHow long have you been in practice? oHow many clients do you handle? oDo you have IRS experience? oWhat are your fees? oDoes your fee include preparing IRS forms, documentation backup, and negotiating with the IRS? oDo you provide a written fee agreement? oDo you provide monthly itemized statements? oDo you specialize in tax issues? oDo you think you can handle my tax situation? oDo you perform your work personally? oWhat is your privacy policy? You should feel comfortable with your tax professional.
You should be able to communicate with them.
You should feel confident that they would do their best for you.
You should trust them.
They can be attorneys, CPAs, or Enrolled Agents.
No matter which professional you choose, you will want someone with the knowledge and experience needed to help you make good decisions regarding your finances.
What's the Difference? Tax attorneys are lawyers who specialize in complex tax and estate matters, IRS dispute resolution, and complex tax return preparation.
They should have either a tax law degree or be certified as a tax law specialist.
CPAs are accountants with college degrees and experience with a CPA firm.
They prepare tax returns, do accounting, and audit work.
They are licensed and regulated in all states.
It will depend on the training and experience the CPA has received as to whether they will be able to deal with the IRS comfortably.
Enrolled Agents are fulltime tax advisors and tax preparers.
They are licensed to practice before the IRS.
They have either passed an IRS exam or have five or more years of IRS work experience.
They are not able to represent you in tax court.
A good tax professional will know about the laws that govern the IRS and its many facets.
They will keep up-to-date on the many changes in tax laws.
They will have experience with the resolution of tax debts, with dealing with the IRS, and with IRS collections.
How to Find a Good Tax Professional oPersonal referrals oTax preparer recommendation oPrepaid legal plans oAudit assistance or preparer guarantee oAdvertising oProfessional associations oDirect solicitation Questions to Ask a Tax Professional oAre you an attorney, CPA or Enrolled Agent? oWhat licenses do you have? oHow long have you been in practice? oHow many clients do you handle? oDo you have IRS experience? oWhat are your fees? oDoes your fee include preparing IRS forms, documentation backup, and negotiating with the IRS? oDo you provide a written fee agreement? oDo you provide monthly itemized statements? oDo you specialize in tax issues? oDo you think you can handle my tax situation? oDo you perform your work personally? oWhat is your privacy policy? You should feel comfortable with your tax professional.
You should be able to communicate with them.
You should feel confident that they would do their best for you.
You should trust them.