Before the Call
Gather what you can. IRS notices, tax returns, a rough idea of what you owe and for which years. If you do not have this information, that is okay. A good tax attorney can work with whatever you bring. But the more information you have, the more specific the advice will be during the consultation.
During the Consultation
The attorney will ask you questions about your tax situation. How much do you owe? For which years? Are your returns filed? Have you received any IRS notices? Do you have a revenue officer? Are your wages being garnished or your bank account levied? Have you filed any prior offers in compromise or installment agreements?
Do not be embarrassed about your situation. Tax attorneys hear it all. We are not there to judge you. We are there to figure out how to fix it. Be honest about your situation. If you have unreported income, say so. If you have not filed in 10 years, say so. Attorney-client privilege protects everything you tell us.
What the Attorney Should Tell You
A good attorney will give you a realistic assessment of your options, not a sales pitch. They should be able to explain what resolution strategies are available based on your situation, what the likely outcome is, how long the process will take, and what it will cost. If an attorney cannot give you straight answers to these questions, find another attorney.
After the Consultation
You should leave the consultation with a clear understanding of your situation and your options. You are not obligated to hire the attorney. Take the information, think about it, and make an informed decision. If you decide to hire them, the next step is signing a fee agreement and filing a power of attorney with the IRS to get the process started.