Top 6 Alerts When Speaking to a Tax Firm
This is another addition to the series
“Mistakes made when choosing a paid tax preparer”.
1. Beware of Retainer Fees: Beware of any company that has a “Retainer Fee.” Retainer means that fees are subject to change. And chances are good that they will.
2. No Refund Policy: Watch out for companies that don’t have a refund policy. You want a company that stands behind their work; if they don’t offer a refund, ask them “Why?”
3. Watch Out for Hidden Fees: Look out for hidden fees. Convenience fees are a big red flag. These companies will tell you one price, and once you get their contract, you’ll read another. It’s a perfect example of a “Bait and Switch” scam.
4. Right to 3-Day-Rescission: Make sure the company has at least a three-day rescission or “opt-out” on their contract. Fast talking companies just want your money; they don’t want you to get out of their contract.
5. Power of Attorney Tricks: Some companies will tell you that just by filing the Power of Attorney (POA) you case is put on hold. They also say that filing POA can lift bank levies and garnishments. That’s not true! The truth is, filing POA makes negotiation with the IRS possible but it does not put your case on hold! If a company tells you that, take off running!
I would like to thank Richard. For more from him please visit his site IRS-Hitman.
Again, I want to invite any and all guest post on this subject. I want to hear from all bloggers or just readers with their own input. Let’s see what you see I am missing. If you have some words of wisdom on this subject please let us share it with everyone, if it is something that has already been covered, so what, I am looking for others to tell what they know or have learned about finding a paid preparer. Repetition drives the point home.
© 2008, Bruce Mc. All rights reserved.
