OT - Those "Tax Fighter" Services - Recs, Anyone?

 I have had some clients come to me that are needing assistance in regard to claims that the IRS has against them for unfiled returns, back income taxes owed, etc.       

 I really don't know which of those popular services you see on T.V. to recommend to these clients, as I have heard bad (and sometimes good conflicting) stuff about almost all of them ..   

 I had heard that Ronnie Deutch (sp. ?) charges a lot and really doesn't do much for the money by one friend of mine, yet  I have another friend who highly recommends them b/c they did a good job for her and her husband ..    .  I had one client come to me recently re:   Taxmasters   wanting to sue them b/c they were to prepare her and her husband's tax return for one year and charged them like $3K in advance via direct bank account withdrawal to do so, but then took out $5K or so instead.      She said they never did actually authorize them to go ahead and prepare the tax return, and although they knew that, they took the money out anyway (and more than they were supposedly authorized to!)  .   I have not heard anything either way about J.K .Harris & Associates or any of the other popular services advertising on T.V. of late .. 

   I've also been told that any good, experienced C.P.A. can usually do just as good a job negotiating with the IRS on back taxes as those popular services and usually charge a whole lot less than them ..   

    What do you guys think?  (PM if you prefer)    

If the person can afford an attorney or CPA (or EA) they might be better off approaching the IRS themselves.  I had a friend who had IRS issues...they offered a great reduction if he came up with a lump sum within a few months or a year.  I personally have gone through 3 IRS audits.  Two of the three came up with nothing.  The other one cost me $100. (because I spoke when I shouldn't have, and my CPA didn't file a 1099 when he should have).  I use a CPA, but like to do my own audits...since my wife and I are very careful with our books.  I know you have heard being your own attorney is the worst representation possible.  Yet, it may not hold true for small amounts with the IRS.  Larger amounts (I'm guessing over $20,000.), I would retain an attorney.  Just my thoughts.  Brian 

It depends on the type of claim. H&R Block has enrolled agents on staff that can help even clients who were not with them. I had a client who owed like 12000.00 on a tax bill and between Block and the IRS got it down to like a 1000.

The tax settlement place wanted 4500 up front which he didn't have. You can negotiate with the IRS it is just a lot of paperwork etc. I mean you have to disclose everything you own and make plus everything you owe. Hope this helps.