In this exclusive interview, the Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team discusses how consumers can help protect themselves from deceptive tax relief agencies.

Interviewing Experts: Good afternoon and thank you for joining us.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We are always happy to offer taxpayers information on our industry.

Interviewing Experts: There has been a great deal of bad press lately regarding the tax services industry. Can you tell us how firms like Instant Tax Solutions handle that?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: It can be difficult at times, since one bad news report can reflect badly on the industry as whole.

Interviewing Experts: We’ve seen that all too often in almost every profession.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Yes, that’s true. All we can do is make sure that consumers are away that not every business of our nature is out for a fast buck; many of us are very dedicated to what we do.

Interviewing Experts: What are some of the deceptive practices that Instant Tax Solutions believes need addressing?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We believe that TV and radio spots should be restricted to only the facts. No one should be able to tell a taxpayer that their tax problems are over without any kind of consultation.

Interviewing Experts: What about fees?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Fees should be fair and negotiated only after a good faith review of an individual taxpayer’s situation.

Interviewing Experts: After the good faith analysis, then the parties can enter into an agreement?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Yes, exactly. Many of the “as seen on TV” agencies require a service agreement before even getting the taxpayer’s last name. Those groups are notorious to making false promises.

Interviewing Experts: Which is why the industry is viewed negatively sometimes?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Unfortunately, yes.

Interviewing Experts: We understand that the IRS has pretty strict requirements before offering any reduced fees. How hard is it to do this alone?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We won’t say that it can’t be done. It can; but without someone who is familiar with IRS procedure, it can be difficult to say the least.

Interviewing Experts: So no one can guarantee easy relief on a wide scale? There are no “Bail out” or “Stimulus Programs” offered by the IRS?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: No, and that is a topic that we believe needs to be addressed – that some agencies advertise to sound like they are offering a government sanctioned benefit.

Interviewing Experts: That sounds like a topic your firm is passionate about.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: It is very close to our hearts. Our IRS enrolled agents, legal counsel, and other tax professionals are the best in the industry. We think that taxpayers are entitled to education and learning to spot a scam is one way they can protect themselves when they are most vulnerable.

Interviewing Experts: Thank you for your time today. We appreciate the information.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: You are very welcome.

The Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team is a group of tax professionals who are devoted to teaching consumers the importance of education when facing the IRS. The group offers ratings and reviews of industry practices and IRS policy. For more information or for Instant Tax Solutions ratings and client testimonial, please visit www.instanttaxsolutions.com