Here is some basic information to know when you are interviewing a "tax professional" for hire.

1. Do not be frightened into paying high fees for representation. "Tax professionals" are well aware of the fact that the general public greatly fears the IRS and therefore, many play upon those fears in quoting high fees to you. Paying more money does not mean that you are receiving better quality service; it just means that you are paying more.
2. Do not be coaxed into an office visit in order for the "tax professional" to quote you a fee. Once in their office, you are a captive audience and may feel intimidated into paying excessive fees.
3. Ask the "tax professional" direct questions about your case. If they are evasive or intentionally complex, it is possible that he/she is trying to disguise direct answers to your questions.
4. Be sure that you seek the assistance of a "tax professional" who only handles IRS disputes. A great deal of focus, specialization, and familiarity with different IRS branches and personnel (which requires daily involvement) is necessary for anyone to be effective in dealing with the IRS.
5. Do not make emotional decisions. When you decide to hire a "tax professional" you are seeking peace of mind that your problem will be handled. Regardless of whom you hire, you should feel that you are being properly taken care of.
6. Be sure that your "tax professional" personally handles your case. Many "tax professionals" will refer your case to others or have their office staff handle most of the work. The greatest portion of any case involves direct telephone contact or face-to-face meetings with the IRS.
7. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Enrolled Agents (EAs), and former IRS employees may be valuable "tax professionals" for tax accounting, but are not necessarily the proper answer in solving an IRS matter. Solving an IRS dispute involves administrative law, as well as access to U.S. Tax Court, not accounting. Tax accounting services are already provided by most "tax professionals."
8. Beware of organizations and telemarketers that are paid on an incentive basis for bringing your business to their firms. Be especially aware of unrealistic promises or impossible results for the purpose of gaining your business. You want to be sure that you receive top quality work and that you get the services you pay for.