Putting your personal information and money in the hands of a tax relief professional or firm can be a daunting task no matter how reputable they seem. The following list should get you started in your search for the right tax pro.

1. What are their credentials?
Only an Attorney, CPA or Enrolled Agent can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all tax matters, including matters regarding collections, appeals, audits and Offer in Compromise.

2. What is their experience?
Being an Attorney, CPA or Enrolled Agent does not mean they have the experience to represent you in your tax matters. Many tax professionals limit their practice to tax preparation. They do not have the knowledge or experience in the collection dept. or Offer in Compromise dept. of the IRS.

3. How long have they been in business?

4. What is their rating with the BBB?
Although it in not all inclusive, a BBB rating can tell you a great deal about a company.

5. Beware of Inexperienced Salesperson.
Many tax firms hire sales people to handle calls of potential clients. They do not tax experience or knowledge and are not licensed to represent taxpayers. They are hired to generate business for the company.

6. Are you speaking with the Tax Professional who is going to handle your case?
I hear this one more than any. Tax payers hire companies and do not know at any given time who is handling their case and some have never even spoke with them or had contact with them. It is important that you know who is representing you and are able to speak with them directly.

7. How easily accessible is the Tax Professional?
Ask from the beginning if this is the one who will be assigned to your case and how accessible are they? How frequently will you be update? Will they stay in contact with you? It can be very frustrating if you hire a tax professional and can never get past the secretary.

8. How thoroughly is your specific tax situation evaluated at the beginning?
This is very important. Beware of firms making promises that seem unattainable or specific resolutions before they have thoroughly evaluated your unique situation and your current financial situation.

9.  Beware of Scams.
Unfortunately, there are many tax resolution companies that are nothing short of scams.  Beware of sales people. If the person you are speaking with is more interested in your credit card or bank account information than analyzing, evaluating and providing options and solutions to your needs, you are better off without them. The IRS itself has issued warning on this.
Ask yourself if they genuinely seem interest in you and your case and what they can do to benefit you. After all that is what tax professionals and tax resolution companies are supposed to be here for, to help the taxpayer and to offer tax solutions to their needs.

10. Are their fees discussed upfront once they have evaluated your tax situation and offered options?
There should be no sense of hidden fees or fees that are known and not disclosed.

11. What, if any, is their Guarantee?
Make sure expectations are discussed upfront. What type of Guarantee is offered on each service and are they willing to put it in writing? What are their refund policies?

12. Does this Tax Professional or Tax Firm seem like a “fit” for you?
After speaking for a few minutes, you should have a sense of whether there is a “fit”. Are you comfortable with them, do you have a sense that they are competent to handle your case? Do you sense you can trust them? You want someone you feel is genuinely concerned about you and your needs and is competent and available to handle your questions and concerns throughout the case.