Any certified tax resolution specialists out there?

[taxea]

Do you use an online or other program? Can you recommend one? How do you determine your fees? Do you charge hourly or by set fee based on the different services provided?

[taxmandan]

Certified by whom?

As an EA I handle tax problems for clients, what other certification are you thinking of?

[lenboush]

As an EA I handle tax problems for clients, what other certification are you thinking of?

The poster is referring to one of those companies out there who provide an opportunity for you to pay for their training in the area of representation and then offer a "certification" after completion of that training.

My comment is not meant as either a positive or negative statement as to the quality of the training. It was merely meant to respond to the question about the certification.

Here is a link to a site: http://www.astps.org/ctrs.php

[Bees Knees]

My comment is not meant as either a positive or negative statement as to the quality of the training. It was merely meant to respond to the question about the certification.

Enrolled Agents are understandably touchy about this. Our certification comes from the federal government after having taken a very difficult test and maintaining yearly CPE requirements.

However, when you look at the link provided, it says their certification is restricted to Enrolled Agents, CPAs, or Attorneys. Thus, even though this organization has some kind of certification for taking their course and becoming a member, those certified have to have already been certified by the IRS or the state as an EA, CPA, or Attorney.

[erchess]

Software

I use Pit Bull Software for anything that's complicated.

[jimmcg]

These days it is possible to "purchase" any type of diploma or certification a person would wish to purchase. This is a very low investment and high return on investment for these types of companies.............As long as there are people out there willing to send in their money.

[joanmcq]

I don't know about 'certified', but if you are going to represent clients at audit or in collections, it helps a lot to know what the heck you are doing. Just because you are an EA, CPA or attorney doesn't mean you know beans about audit rep.

See nearby thread on 529 distributions for folks that don't know beans about a simple CP2000 issue, even though you know tax. A full blown audit is even more tricky.

[taxea]

Thank you one and all for your comnents. Yes I was referring to the certificate received from the company and I do agree that the training received certainly is worthwhile if one is taking their business in that direction...as I am. The certificate, if nothing else, tells the client that you are more than just bumbling through the required procedures to help the client.

I just wondered how the rest of you had obtained the knowledge to do this type of tax work.

[OtisMozzetti]

continuing education in the skill of representation

Enrolled Agents are understandably touchy about this. Our certification comes from the federal government after having taken a very difficult test and maintaining yearly CPE requirements.
...

Within the category of yearly Continuing Professional Education requirements, there is every appetite on the part of Enrolled Agents to have that yearly continued education in some large fraction address the skill of representing taxpayers who have problems with tax authorities.

EA in California

[taxmandan]

I just wondered how the rest of you had obtained the knowledge to do this type of tax work.

After getting my EA designation, I completed the NAEA program National Tax Practice Institute and am a Fellow of the Institute. I can't imagine a better program for learning about representation for both exam & collections. It has served me well over the years.

[joanmcq]

I have a coworker that was an IRS agent and is a Fellow of the National Tax Practice Institute and recommends it highly. I am thinking of paying for the course of out pocket.

I am getting my experience by working for a firm that only does audit rep.

[Corduroy Frog]

Sacramento Connection

Hmmm, Joan working for a firm that does audit representation?

Roni Deutsch is in Sacramento area. Wonder if.....

[joanmcq]

NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!

I am not in any way associated with that...that...well I can't swear on this board, and she might sue me for slander, or defamation of character, or whatever. I do audit rep, not resolution ripoff.

[Lion]

No Way!

We all know Joan actually does something, many things, for her clients. We can tell that from her posts and her anecdotes and the help she provides so many of us. So, I can be very positive that she is not connected with that firm that does nothing for its clients except take their retainers!

[Davc]

NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!

I am not in any way associated with that...that...well I can't swear on this board, and she might sue me for slander, or defamation of character, or whatever. I do audit rep, not resolution ripoff.

How do you defame that character of an admitted lawyer?