How Our Engagement Works
Three phases. Each quoted in writing before it begins. You approve every step — and you can stop at the end of any phase.
Pull Your Transcripts
IRS Form 8821 — Tax Information Authorization
$0 – $150 / tax year
$0 if you provide your own · $150/year if we pull them
We review your IRS notice and transcripts to understand the full scope of what you owe, which years are open, and what enforcement actions are pending. Form 8821 authorizes us to view your information — it does not authorize us to represent you before the IRS (that is Phase 3, Option C).
You may send us your own transcripts at no cost, or we retrieve them on your behalf for $150 per tax year requested.
Diagnose the Problem
Form 433-F, 433-A, or 433-B — Collection Information Statement
$350 – $2,000
By complexity and form type — confirmed in writing before work begins
With your transcripts in hand, we prepare the appropriate Collection Information Statement and review your full financial position. This tells us exactly what resolution options are available to you and what they will cost. We confirm the form and fee in writing before this phase begins.
Resolve Your Matter
You choose Option A, B, or C — quoted in writing
Quoted by case
Written quote before any work begins · Fees earned when work begins
Following Phase 2, you choose from three options. Fees depend on the service required and the amount owed. A written quote is provided before any Phase 3 work begins.
Do It Yourself
We provide a roadmap and the IRS forms suited to your situation. You complete, file, and manage the resolution yourself. We do not prepare filings, submit documents, or represent you.
Flat fee, quoted
We Prepare Filings
We prepare and assemble the resolution filing you select: Currently Not Collectible (CNC), Installment Agreement, Offer in Compromise (OIC), Penalty Abatement, Audit/Examination, or other resolution options.
Quoted by case
We Represent You
You sign Form 2848 (Power of Attorney), which authorizes us to communicate and negotiate with the IRS directly on your behalf. This is in addition to the preparation work under Option B.
+$1,000 added to Option B
Transcript Pull + 433-F Diagnosis bundled. Includes Form 8821 authorization (up to 2 tax years) + 433-F Collection Information Statement. Best for straightforward individual cases under $25,000.
Schedule of Fees
You are charged only for the phases you authorize. All fees confirmed in writing before work begins.
| Phase | Service | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | You provide your own complete transcripts | $0 |
| 1 | We obtain your transcripts (if requested) | $150 / yr |
| 2 | Diagnosis, streamlined individual case | $350 – $750 |
| 2 | Diagnosis, individual or self-employed | $750 – $1,500 |
| 2 | Diagnosis, business | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| 3A | Do It Yourself (you file) | Flat, quoted |
| 3B | We prepare your resolution (CNC, IA, OIC, exams, and more) | Quoted by case |
| 3C | We represent you before the IRS | +$1,000 on B |
| + | Additional work (CDP appeal, partial-pay IA) | By quote |
* Use the Phase 2 Calculator for exact 433-F/A/B quotes, and the Phase 3 Calculator for resolution service fee estimates.
Resolution Services (Phase 3B)
Select any service to learn more. Services marked Priced have fee estimates in the calculator. All others are quoted by case.
Offer in Compromise (OIC)
Installment Agreement
Currently Not Collectible (CNC)
Penalty Abatement
Audit / Examination Defense
Trust Fund Recovery (TFRP)
Unfiled Returns
Bank Levy Release
Wage Garnishment Release
Property / Asset Seizure Defense
Lien Release / Withdrawal
Appeals / CDP Hearing
Innocent Spouse Relief
Payroll Tax / Employment Tax
State Tax Issues
How Billing Works
A flat fee per phase
Each phase carries a single flat fee. Work on a phase begins once its fee is paid.
You decide what happens next
At the end of each phase you receive a written summary, and you decide whether to continue, pause, or stop.
Fees are earned when work begins
We assign staff and begin work as soon as a phase is paid. Each fee is therefore earned when work begins and is non-refundable.
Services Not Included in This Engagement
We perform only the services you have approved and paid for. The following are not part of this engagement unless covered by a separate written agreement.
- Preparing or filing any federal, state, or local tax returns (income, payroll, or corporate).
- Representing you before the IRS, unless you select Phase 3, Option C and sign Form 2848.
- Resolution filings under Phase 3, Option B, unless that work has been quoted, approved, and paid for in advance.
- Appeals, lawsuits, or state and local tax matters not engaged under Phase 3, Option B.
- Any supplementary service (e.g., a CDP appeal or Partial-Pay Installment Agreement) not separately quoted and approved in writing.
Ready to Start?
Schedule a free consultation. We'll confirm the scope and fee for Phase 1 in writing before any work begins.