A first tax resolution consultation is where a scary IRS or state problem turns into a plan, and it is a lot less intimidating than most people expect. It is a conversation about what you owe, what has already happened, and what your realistic options are. We do these for Uniondale and Long Island taxpayers, and the initial consultation is free, so it costs you nothing to find out where you actually stand. Here is what happens at the meeting, what to bring, and what comes after.
What Happens at a Tax Resolution Consultation
The consultation is a working conversation, not a sales pitch. We start by understanding your situation, what you owe, to whom, and what notices or actions have already landed. From there we can explain in plain terms which IRS or state programs might fit and what the road ahead looks like. You should leave the meeting understanding your problem better than when you walked in, even if you decide not to hire anyone. If you want a sense of the bigger picture first, our guide on going from an IRS notice to real resolution covers the paths we might discuss.
What to Bring to Your First Meeting
The more you bring, the more specific we can be. You do not need to have everything perfectly organized, but a few documents move the conversation from general to useful.
IRS Notices, Returns, and Income Documents
Bring any IRS or New York State notices you have received, even the ones you set aside unopened, because the notice type tells us how far along collection is. Bring copies of your most recent filed tax returns and a note of any years you know are unfiled. Have a rough picture of your income and your monthly expenses, and a general sense of what you own. None of this has to be exact at the first meeting, but it lets us give you real answers instead of hypotheticals.
Is the Consultation Free
Yes. Our initial consultation is free, and we offer it virtually or in our Uniondale office. No one should have to pay just to learn whether they have a problem worth solving. You get a straight read on your situation, and if the numbers say you do not need a firm, that is what you will hear.
What We Will Ask You
Expect us to ask about the shape of your finances, since that is what determines which programs you qualify for. We will want to know roughly how much you owe and for which years, whether all your returns are filed, what your income looks like, and what major assets and expenses you carry. We may ask what notices you have received and whether a levy or garnishment has already started. The questions are not a test. They are how we figure out whether a settlement, a payment plan, penalty relief, or hardship status is the realistic path for you.
What You Should Ask Us
A consultation runs both ways, and the questions you ask tell you a lot about a firm. Ask who will actually handle your case and what their credential is. Ask how the firm prices the work and when you would know the fee. Ask whether they pull your IRS transcripts before quoting any outcome, because a firm that promises a result before seeing your transcripts is guessing. Our guide on how to evaluate a tax resolution firm without getting misled lays out the questions worth asking, and our piece on whether to hire a tax resolution expert helps you weigh the answers.
How Long Does a Tax Resolution Take
The consultation itself is usually about an hour, but the resolution that follows takes longer, and how long depends on the program. A straightforward installment agreement can be set up relatively quickly once your returns are current. An offer in compromise is a months-long process, because the IRS or the state reviews your full financial picture before deciding. We give you a realistic timeline at the consultation based on your specific case rather than a generic promise, so you know what you are signing up for before you start.
What Happens After the Consultation
If you decide to move forward, the next step is usually a power of attorney so we can speak to the IRS or the state on your behalf and pull your transcripts to confirm exactly what is owed. From there we build the plan we discussed, file anything missing, and deal with active collection. If you decide not to move forward, you still leave with a clearer understanding of your situation and no bill. Either way, the consultation is the low-risk first step, and our FAQ answers the questions we hear most from first-time callers.
Book Your Free Uniondale Consultation
If a tax problem has been sitting in the back of your mind, a free consultation is the easiest way to trade the worry for a plan. We are a tax resolution firm in Uniondale serving Nassau and Suffolk taxpayers, and you will leave that call knowing your real options, before you owe us anything. Read about our practice to see who you would be working with, then book your free consultation when you are ready.
FAQ
What does a tax resolution specialist do?
A tax resolution specialist represents you before the IRS or a state tax agency under a power of attorney. They pull your transcripts, confirm what is actually owed, file any missing returns, stop collection actions like levies and garnishments, and negotiate the program that fits your finances, whether that is a settlement, a payment plan, penalty relief, or hardship status.
How much do tax resolution services cost?
There is no single price, because the cost depends on how complex your case is, how much you owe, how many years are unfiled, and which program fits. A transparent firm reviews your situation and quotes a fee before you pay, so you know the cost up front rather than being handed a flat number before anyone has looked at your file.
How do I stop getting tax resolution calls?
Unsolicited tax-relief robocalls usually follow a public tax lien filing, and you can reduce them by registering your number on the national Do Not Call list, blocking the numbers, and never sharing details with a cold caller. A legitimate firm you contacted yourself, not one that called you out of the blue, is the safer way to get help with a tax debt.
How long does a tax resolution take?
The consultation takes about an hour, but the resolution itself depends on the program. An installment agreement can be set up relatively quickly once your returns are current, while an offer in compromise runs for months because the agency reviews your full financial picture first. A good firm gives you a realistic timeline based on your specific case at the consultation.