Reputable service for negotiating back taxes & penalties w/ IRS?
I'm helping an extended family member deal with back taxes & penalties from years ago. We've gotten their tax filings up to date, and we are hoping to negotiate down the amount they owe to the IRS because they're retired, no work income and very little savings. We tried submitting an offer in compromise ourselves but it was rejected. We've received many solicitations for services claiming they can get massive reductions in the amount owed, but we don't know how to select one who is reputable (if any are) and how to assess their claims of what they can do if we hire them. Our CPA isn't able to help us with this. Has anyone worked with a reputable service for negotiating back taxes - can you recommend one?
Also open to any info about how much you paid the service in fees, or other tips for this situation. Thanks very much!
Parent Replies
Have you tried the low income taxpayer clinic? The SF Bar Association has one: 415-782-8978.
My ex-husband owned back taxes at one point and he negotiated successfully with the IRS directly. I don’t think you need a service. He found the IRS to be very fair and understanding. Click around on IRS.gov to see if you can find some information on how to do this.