What Happens During a Tax Resolution Consultation?
Many taxpayers delay asking for help because they do not know what a tax resolution consultation involves.
They may worry that their records are too messy.
They may feel embarrassed.
They may think they need to have all the answers first.
You do not need all the answers before asking for help.
The purpose of a tax resolution consultation is to understand the IRS problem clearly and identify practical next steps.
At EverGreen Financials LLC, I help individuals and small business owners understand IRS notices, back taxes, payment options, penalty issues, and related IRS problems. Clients work directly with me, an Enrolled Agent.
Step 1: Identify the IRS Issue
The first step is identifying what kind of problem exists.
That may include:
IRS notices
Back taxes
Unfiled returns
Payment plan issues
Penalty notices
Payroll tax problems
Estimated tax problems
Collection notices
The goal is to name the problem accurately.
A taxpayer cannot choose the right option until the issue is understood.
Step 2: Review the Tax Years or Periods
IRS problems are tied to specific tax years or tax periods.
For individuals, that may be one or more tax years.
For business owners, it may include payroll tax quarters.
A consultation should identify which years or periods are involved and whether anything is missing.
Step 3: Review Filing Compliance
Before many resolution options can be considered, filing compliance matters.
That means reviewing whether required returns have been filed.
If returns are missing, the first step may be catching up on filings before discussing long-term payment options.
For business owners, payroll tax returns may also need review.
Step 4: Understand the Balance
The total balance is important, but it should be broken down.
A tax balance may include:
Tax
Penalties
Interest
Prior unpaid amounts
Multiple years
Payments not properly credited
This breakdown matters because different parts of the balance may have different possible solutions.
Penalty relief is different from paying the tax.
A payment plan is different from disputing an error.
Step 5: Review Current Ability to Pay
If the taxpayer cannot pay in full, the consultation may include a basic review of income and expenses.
This helps determine whether monthly payments may be realistic or whether another option should be reviewed.
For business owners, cash flow is especially important.
A payment plan that does not fit the business will not help for long.
Step 6: Discuss Possible Options
Depending on the facts, possible options may include:
Filing missing returns
Correcting an IRS notice issue
Setting up a payment plan
Reviewing Simple Payment Plan eligibility
Requesting penalty relief
Reviewing currently not collectible status
Reviewing offer in compromise eligibility
Addressing payroll tax compliance
Not every option applies to every taxpayer.
The facts decide the direction.
Step 7: Create a Practical Next Step
A good consultation should end with clarity.
The taxpayer should understand:
What the IRS issue appears to be
What documents are still needed
What deadlines matter
What options may be worth reviewing
What step should happen next
Tax resolution is easier when the next step is specific.
What to Bring to the Consultation
Helpful documents include:
IRS notices
Recent tax returns
Unfiled return information
Income records
Basic monthly expenses
Bank statements
Proof of IRS payments
Payroll tax records, if applicable
Business financial records
Prior payment plan information
If you do not have everything, start with the IRS notices.
The letters usually tell the first part of the story.
Final Thoughts
A tax resolution consultation is not about judgment.
It is about clarity.
The goal is to understand the IRS issue, review the facts, and discuss practical options.
At EverGreen Financials LLC, clients work directly with me, an Enrolled Agent, and my focus is clear communication and plain-English guidance.
