If a taxpayer is under IRS pressure to pay delinquent taxes they won’t be looking for the least expensive service. They will be hiring a qualified tax resolution company. Is your company a match? There are 5 things taxpayers look for when hiring tax resolution firms:
Skilled Professionals
When a taxpayer is dealing with IRS issues, they want to be sure they hire a competent tax pro to help get them through the process.
Enrolled agents, CPA’s, attorneys and other tax professionals are all able to represent clients in front of the IRS. We at IRS Solutions give you the tools and the skills to help you look like a pro in front of the IRS as well as your client.
Variety of Service Offerings
Bookkeeping may bring in revenue on a monthly basis but IRS issues warrant taxpayers choosing a company that does more than bookkeeping and business taxes. When taxpayers feel backed into a corner, they need to work with a company that is more skilled.
Basic services include client representation during tax audits and tax return examinations. Prudent taxpayers will also perform due diligence with the companies they’re considering to evaluate the full gamut of tax issues each resolves.
Other critical services your company may perform are providing help with tax liens and levies. Wage garnishment is a common concern. That’s when the IRS collects directly from the taxpayer’s paycheck.
Solutions Offered
Your company may offer services, but can you provide solutions? There are several alternative tax relief solutions. An offer in compromise (OIC) is one of them. This allows a taxpayer to settle with the IRS for a fraction of what they owe. This is only granted when the taxpayer is unable to pay the full amount due.
Before a settlement option is considered, or if the taxpayer is denied, some tax resolution companies work on their clients’ behalf to create installment agreements. This solution allows the taxpayer to pay what they owe over an extended period of time in monthly payments.
Solid Track Record
When a taxpayer is facing IRS dealings, they are often intimidated and quite honestly, pretty nervous. Most aren’t willing to risk working with a tax pro without a solid reputation. They will often ask family or friends for referrals. They might also check with The Better Business Bureau or the Chamber of Commerce.
The best thing you can do for your business is to build a track record. Collect testimonials and endorsements from happy clients. Many people value privacy but some will allow you to use their first names. Others will sing your praises from the rooftops.
Educate Yourself
If you are qualified professional offering realistic solutions to tax problems, you’re halfway there. The next step would be to answer these questions:
- Do you know how to expedite piles of paperwork?
- Do you feel competent when helping clients understand settlement options?
- Can clients trust that you have the expertise and knowledge to represent them before the IRS?
- How well educated are you in offering tax resolution services?
You must understand how to qualify customers before promising a settlement, and you need to know how to charge for services.
