The things people ask us first

It depends on the complexity of the case — the number of years involved, whether returns need preparing, and which resolution is being pursued. The first consultation is free, and you'll have clear fee terms before you commit to anything. Be wary of any firm that quotes a price before understanding your case, and of large upfront payments taken before your transcripts have even been reviewed.

You describe what's going on, we ask questions, and you get an honest read on which options are plausible. Nothing is charged and nothing is decided. Bring any letters you've received, including ones you haven't opened.

No. Cases are handled remotely across the Pacific Northwest, and federal representation doesn't depend on where you live. Documents can be exchanged securely without an in-person meeting.

Yes — from the first conversation, whether or not you become a client.

Sometimes, through an Offer in Compromise — but only where you genuinely qualify, and qualification is a formula based on your equity and disposable income rather than a negotiation. We'll look at your actual finances and tell you honestly whether it's realistic. Anyone guaranteeing a settlement before seeing your numbers isn't being straight with you.

Anywhere from a few weeks to well over a year. A levy release can be fast. An installment agreement is usually a matter of weeks. An Offer in Compromise commonly takes many months from filing to decision. We give you a realistic timeline once we've seen your transcripts.

The IRS has a limited window to collect an assessed balance, after which it generally can no longer pursue it. The dates are specific to each tax year and certain events pause the clock. Those dates appear on your transcripts and often drive which strategy makes sense.

Interest continues to accrue on the underlying tax while a balance is outstanding, including during a payment plan. Penalties may be removable through abatement — often a meaningful share of what's owed.

Almost never. Getting current is usually the first step and it's one we handle constantly. Filing late generally puts you in a far better position than staying unfiled — and if the IRS filed a substitute return for you, an accurate return can replace an inflated assessment.

Often we can move quickly toward a release once representation is in place and there's a credible resolution to present. A bank levy is more urgent still because of the short holding period before funds transfer. If that's your situation, call rather than emailing.

Once we're authorized to represent you, we become the point of contact and correspondence generally routes through us. For most clients that's the single biggest relief in the first week.

Yes, alongside the federal matter. Oregon's Department of Revenue and the Idaho State Tax Commission collect independently and often faster than the IRS, and Washington businesses face B&O and sales tax issues. Working one while ignoring the other is how people get caught out.

Watch for guaranteed outcomes or a settlement amount quoted before anyone has reviewed your finances, large upfront fees demanded before transcripts are pulled, pressure to decide immediately, and vagueness about who is actually licensed to represent you. Legitimate representation is limited to Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and attorneys.

For a modest balance with no complications, often yes — the IRS has straightforward online options and that's a perfectly reasonable choice. Representation earns its keep on larger balances, on financial-disclosure agreements where the monthly figure is negotiable, on active collection, and where multiple years or agencies are involved.