New York Tax Relief Pros Helping With Back Taxes

The IRS has a searchable database of Enrolled Agents and other tax pros. Enter the zip code, the first three letters of the pro's name, and the type of license you want to search for. You can also search all of the professionals in an area just by entering a zip code with no other info. 

This database has info on attorneys and CPAs but only if they have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). If you don't see your attorney or CPA on this list, that doesn't mean they aren't licensed. It just means they don't have a PTIN. Check the following state resources.

You can check attorney licenses at the New York State Unified Court System website. Enter the attorney's first and last name and if needed, use a middle initial to narrow down the results for common names. The record shows whether or not the license is active. 

To check if a CPA has a current license, go to the Office of the Professions on the New York State Education Department website. Then, scroll to the middle of the page and select the box on the left that says "Verify on a License". On the next page, choose "Licensee Name" in the drop-down menu of the "Search By" box. Then, select "Accountant, Certified Public" or "Certified Public Accountant" from the Profession box. Finally, enter the name and hit Go. If you don't see a record, make sure that you double-check all of your entries for accuracy. 

Before hiring a tax pro, check their credibility by looking at reviews on their Google Business profile, Yelp, or other user-submitted review sites. Some pros may also have listings with the Better Business Bureau. TaxCure also has tax pro profiles and customer reviews to help you find the best tax pro possible.

Local professionals have experience dealing with the New York Department of Taxation and Finance. If you have both state and IRS tax issues, this experience can be critical. Additionally, most of the big nationwide tax relief firms focus on sales volume over quality of service—in fact, they are notorious for having teams full of salespeople with a small handful of pros to sign paperwork. Local pros reverse this paradigm by focusing on quality over volume, and they provide their clients with personalized hands-on service to meet their needs.

Enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys can all represent you in front of the IRS, but the best option depends on the situation. An EA may be the best option if you have a relatively simple tax concern. CPAs can be invaluable if you want help with tax planning as well as resolving a tax problem. If you're dealing with a criminal tax issue or need to go in front of the Tax Court, you need a tax attorney. 

However, all of these professionals have a lot of overlap. The most important thing is to find a tax pro who has experience dealing with your specific concern.

If you owe back taxes or have unfiled returns in New York, the state has the following programs that may help you:

• Monthly payment plans - Terms vary based on the situation, but generally, the state will allow individuals and businesses to make payments for up to six years. Businesses typically need to make a 20% downpayment to qualify.
• Offer in compromise - If you prove that you cannot pay the taxes owed, the NY DTF may let you settle for less than you owe. NYS also offers offers in compromise when there is a doubt that you really owe the tax liability.
• Innocent spouse relief - If you're facing an unaffordable tax bill due to your spouse, you may be able to get relief through New York's Innocent Spouse program.
• Voluntary disclosure - This program helps you avoid penalties if you come forward voluntarily about unfiled returns and make plans to stay compliant in the future.

A New York pro may also be able to help you get penalty abatement, and they can help you find the best approach to your state and federal tax issues.

At IRS offices in New York, you can ask questions about your IRS account, check on the status of payments, and request payment arrangements. You can also pick up tax forms and get basic tax law assistance. If you're worried about identity theft, you can get an identity protection personal ID number. You can also file Form 911 to request help from the Taxpayer Advocate service. Some offices also offer help for departing alien clearance and filing Form 2290 (JHeavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return). Here are the locations:

Downtown New York 
290 Broadway
New York, NY 10007

Brooklyn
420 Albee Square W
Brooklyn, NY 11201

New York (Harlem)
2116 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.
New York, NY 10027

Elmhurst
57-07 Junction Blvd.
Elmhurst, NY 11373

Bronx
1200 Waters Place
Bronx, NY 10461

White Plains
210 E. Post Rd.
White Plains, NY 10601

West Nyack
242 West Nyack Rd.
West Nyack, NY 10994

Bethpage
999 Stewart Ave.
Bethpage, NY 11714

Unfortunately, most of these offices do not accept cash. If you want to pay in cash, call the IRS at 1 (844) 545-5640 and make an appointment 30 to 60 days in advance. Alternatively, you can make cash payments at participating retailers such as Dollar General, Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Rite Aid, Walmart, and a few others.

Yes, all of the professionals listed on TaxCure specialize in helping taxpayers with back taxes as well as a variety of other tax problems. If you owe the IRS or the state of New York, you can find a professional who can help with both of the tax agencies. 

To be a well-informed consumer, you need to understand the industry. Tax resolution services vary but should always be customized to your unique needs. Check out this post to learn more.

You may be surprised to learn that the best tax relief firms aren't the ones that you see advertised on TV or the ones that appear on the "Top Tax Firms" lists on websites like Forbes or NerdWallet. Instead, the best tax relief company is usually a small law firm or CPA down the street, that you've never heard of. Check out our post on finding the best tax relief firm to learn more.

Our guide to New York State taxes explains what to expect if you don't pay your taxes. It also has links to articles on tax warrants (tax liens), income executions (wage garnishments), and driver's license suspensions.

New York State is cracking down on people who live in the state either full-time or part-time but don't file a NY return. Failing a residency audit can lead to intense tax liabilities. Check out the guide to NY residency audits to learn what to expect and how to protect yourself.