Our Process
Our Process: From First Call to Resolution
No mystery, no runaround. Here’s the exact path your case follows at Clarity — what happens at each stage, what we need from you, and what you walk away with.
Every case moves through three stages — a free consultation, a full IRS investigation, then resolution. We start by understanding your situation at no cost, pull your complete IRS record so nothing’s a surprise, then pursue the best option your facts support and handle the IRS for you the whole way.
Stage 1: The Free Consultation
Everything begins with a no-cost conversation. You tell us what’s going on — the letters you’ve gotten, what you think you owe, what’s keeping you up at night — and an experienced tax professional listens, answers your questions, and tells you honestly whether you actually need a firm at all. Some people just need twenty minutes of straight answers, and we’re happy to give them.
What we need from you: a quick description of your situation and any IRS notices you have on hand. That’s it — no documents to dig up, no money down.
What you get: a clear read on where you stand, a sense of which programs might fit, and a flat fee quoted in writing before any work starts — so you can decide with the full picture in front of you.
Rough timeline: usually the same day you call, or whenever works for you.
Stage 2: The Tax Investigation
If you decide to move forward, the real work starts with facts, not guesses. We file a power of attorney and pull your complete IRS account transcripts — every balance, every penalty, every deadline, and the collection statute dates the IRS rarely volunteers. This is the step that turns a vague worry into a concrete plan, because now we know exactly what the IRS knows.
What we need from you: a signed power of attorney form and a short financial snapshot. Once that’s in place, the IRS deals with us, not you.
What you get: a full picture of your IRS situation and a recommended strategy built on your actual record — not a sales pitch. From here on, the IRS calls and letters come to us.
Rough timeline: typically a few weeks, since this is the part of the process we control.
Stage 3: The Resolution
With the facts in hand, we pursue the resolution your situation actually supports — that might be an Offer in Compromise, an affordable payment plan, penalty removal, or hardship status if paying anything right now isn’t realistic. We prepare the filings, make the case to the IRS, and manage every round of back-and-forth. If one path stalls or no longer fits, we pivot to the one that does.
What we need from you: a few signatures and the occasional document as the IRS asks for it. We tell you exactly what’s needed and when.
What you get: a resolved tax problem and a plan to keep it resolved — plus a single point of contact who handles the IRS so you don’t have to.
Rough timeline: this stage depends on the IRS. A payment plan can be set up quickly; an Offer in Compromise often takes the IRS six to twelve months to review. We give you a realistic timeline up front and keep you posted as it moves.
What Makes Our Process Different
Plenty of firms run a version of these three stages. Here’s where we don’t cut corners:
- Transparent flat fees, quoted in writing. You get the full price before you commit — no hourly meter, no surprise add-ons halfway through.
- Experienced tax professionals, not commissioned closers. The person who reviews your case is there to solve your problem, not hit a sales quota. If we can’t help, we’ll tell you.
- You always know where your case stands. No black box. You get a real point of contact and plain-English updates as your case moves, so you’re never left wondering what’s happening behind the scenes.
Ready to Find Out Where You Stand?
Start with a free, confidential review. We’ll walk you through your real options in plain English and tell you honestly whether we can help — no pressure, no obligation.
Common Questions
How long does the whole process take?
The consultation and investigation usually wrap up within a few weeks because those are the parts we control. Resolution depends on the IRS - a payment plan can be quick, while an Offer in Compromise often takes six to twelve months. We give you a realistic timeline once we've reviewed your account.
What do you need from me to get started?
For the consultation, just a quick description of your situation and any IRS letters you've received. If you move forward, we'll have you sign a power of attorney so we can pull your full IRS file and deal with the IRS for you.
Do I have to deal with the IRS myself?
No. Once your power of attorney is on file, the IRS contacts us instead of you. We handle the calls, letters, and paperwork so you can stop dreading the mailbox.
How much does it cost?
We quote a flat fee in writing after your free consultation, before any work starts. Simple cases cost less than complex ones, and you'll know the full price before you commit to anything.
Results vary based on individual facts and circumstances. Not all taxpayers qualify for settlement or relief programs, and no specific outcome is guaranteed. Clarity Tax Relief is not affiliated with the IRS. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice.
Go deeper: Tax Consultation · Tax Investigation · Tax Resolution · Our Pricing Promise · How Tax Relief Works.