| Sound the Alarms! If you're having a tax issue and you | | | | print. |
| filled out an online application looking for help, be careful! | | | | Pennies on the Dollar! Make sure the information you |
| Some of the companies that you speak with can end | | | | are being told is correct; especially on Offer in |
| up doing more harm than good. Take a look at the | | | | Compromise Programs. Remember that with an OIC, |
| warnings below so you can be prepared for some of | | | | 83% of cases are rejected by the IRS. A lump sum |
| the things you'll hear: | | | | down payment is required, and you must make a |
| Prices Subject to Change! Beware of any company | | | | five-year agreement to join the program. Before you |
| that requires a "Retainer Fee" or "Retainer | | | | let anyone tell you what you qualify for, do some |
| Agreement." These companies will charge you what | | | | research and find out for yourself. |
| seems to be a fair price, when they really intend on | | | | You Can't Change your Mind! Make sure the company |
| charging you a higher price later. Retainer means they | | | | has at least a three-day rescission or "opt-out" on their |
| have the legal rights to change your fee at any time. If | | | | contract. Fast talking companies just want your |
| a company you speak with mentions the word | | | | money; they don't want you to get out of their |
| "Retainer," hang up the phone. | | | | contract. If a company doesn't offer some kind of |
| No Refunds! Watch out for companies that don't have | | | | rescission, it's just like a refund policy. Make sure the |
| a refund policy. Some companies don't have one | | | | company can stand behind their work. |
| because they aren't prepared to give you your money | | | | Power of Attorney Tricks! Some companies will tell |
| back if they fail. You want a company that can stand | | | | you that just by filing the Power of Attorney (POA) |
| behind their work; if they don't offer a refund; ask them | | | | you case is put on hold. They also say that filing POA |
| "Why Not?" | | | | can lift bank levies and garnishments. That's not true! |
| Bait and Switch! Look out for hidden fees. | | | | The truth is, filing POA makes negotiation with the IRS |
| Convenience fees are a big red flag! These | | | | possible but it does not put your case on hold! If a |
| companies will tell you one price and when you get | | | | company tells you that, take off running! |
| their contract, you'll read a higher price. These | | | | With these tips, you can make sure that you know |
| companies just want your money so they'll do anything | | | | exactly what to expect from your Tax Resolution |
| to rope you in and then change the price. Keep your | | | | Company. |
| eye out for these hidden fees; always read the fine | | | | Now you have the Smoking Gun...Use it! |