Best Tax and Accounting Firms 2026

A tax firm is a professional services business that helps individuals and organizations understand, prepare for, and comply with tax obligations. Its work may include tax planning, return preparation, IRS representation, audit support, and tax-debt resolution. Firms with federally authorized practitioners, such as IRS Enrolled Agents, can represent taxpayers directly before the IRS for qualifying matters.

Assured Financial Services supports individuals and businesses dealing with IRS debt, back taxes, unfiled returns, audits, appeals, penalties, installment agreements, wage garnishments, bank levies, Offers in Compromise, Currently Not Collectible status, innocent spouse claims, and payroll tax issues. The firm evaluates the circumstances, records, compliance status, and available IRS programs before pursuing a resolution approach.

Yes. An IRS Enrolled Agent is federally licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and has unlimited practice rights before the IRS. This allows the practitioner to represent taxpayers in audits, collections, appeals, and other federal tax matters. Assured Financial Services' founder is an Enrolled Agent and leads client engagements directly.

An installment agreement lets a taxpayer pay an IRS balance over time rather than in one lump sum. The IRS reviews financial information, filing compliance, and the proposed payment amount. A sustainable arrangement should account for necessary living or operating expenses while satisfying IRS requirements. Keeping future tax filings and payments current is essential once an agreement is active.

In some circumstances, the IRS may provide penalty relief through first-time abatement, reasonable-cause relief, or other qualifying programs. Eligibility depends on the penalty type, filing and payment history, compliance status, and supporting facts. A strong request clearly documents why relief is appropriate and addresses outstanding compliance requirements. Interest associated with penalties may be adjusted when qualifying penalties are removed.

Treat a levy or wage garnishment as urgent. Gather the IRS notices, recent tax returns, income records, bank information, and details of essential expenses. Prompt communication with the IRS may be needed to seek a release, reduce hardship, or establish another resolution path. Do not ignore the notice, as collection actions can continue while balances remain unresolved.

Usually, yes. The IRS generally expects taxpayers to become compliant by filing required past-due returns before approving many collection alternatives, including installment agreements and Offers in Compromise. Filing may change the total balance owed, so delinquent returns should be prepared accurately and considered as part of the complete resolution strategy rather than handled in isolation.

Bring or provide IRS notices, tax transcripts if available, filed and unfiled return information, current income details, bank and asset information, business records when applicable, and a summary of monthly expenses. These documents help identify deadlines, confirm the amount and type of liability, assess compliance gaps, and determine which IRS resolution options may be appropriate.