How to Vet Your Tax Representative and Why It Matters More Than Ever
In tax resolution, the wrong representative can cost you time, money, and options. With more CPAs, tax preparers, and even attorneys claiming to “handle the IRS,” it’s become harder for clients to tell who’s actually qualified.
Let’s be clear: tax representation and tax preparation are not the same thing and most people claiming to do both aren’t trained for IRS disputes. Bottom line: “Tax Planning and Tax Preparation” does not mean someone disputes, defends, litigates with the IRS.
Tax Law Has Lanes: Make Sure They’re in the Right One
Tax work falls into different categories:
Tax planning (forward-looking, transactional)
Tax preparation (filing)
Tax controversy and resolution (fighting back)
Just because someone has “tax” in their title doesn’t mean they’ve handled:
IRS Collection Defense
IRS Collection Reversals and Protections from IRS Collections
IRS Back Tax Negotiation, Settlements, Agreements, etc.
IRS Disputes and Litigation
Collection Due Process hearings or Equivalent Hearings
Escalations with Revenue Officers or State Tax Officers
Escalations with Auditors or Audit Appeals
Appeals negotiations
IRS ACS Collection disputes and Escalations to Supervisors/Managers
How to Vet Your Tax Rep (Questions You Must Ask)
Don’t be shy. Ask directly:
Have you handled cases with Revenue Officers?
Have you filed an Offer in Compromise that was accepted?
Have you negotiated with Appeals or gone through CDP?
Do you escalate cases to supervisors or managers when needed?
Can you show examples (anonymized) of resolved IRS disputes?
If they hesitate: walk away.
Beware the B.S. Artist
Some professionals will use theoretical tax language to sound qualified. Don’t fall for jargon. Tax resolution is real-world trench work, not theory.
If they’ve never had to call the IRS 20 times in a month, follow up on faxed POAs, or rebuild a client’s file after years of noncompliance: they’re not in this lane. Be blunt: your representation should be able to tell you that they honestly speak to the IRS every week (at minimum).
Conclusion: Always Vet; Qualified Representation won’t be offended if they’re qualified.
A license doesn't mean someone knows how to deal with the IRS. You need a practitioner who has done it: successfully, repeatedly, and recently.
At PRP Tax Law | A Tax Representation Firm this is all we do. And we’re not afraid to prove it.