The primary purpose of tax negotiations is to reduce the amount of taxes owed by a taxpayer.

Only the taxpayer and the tax authority can participate in tax negotiations.

The first step in tax negotiations is to contact the tax authority.

The most important factor in tax negotiations is the taxpayer's financial situation.

The best way to prepare for tax negotiations is to gather all relevant financial documents, research the tax law, and practice negotiating skills.

Common tax negotiation strategies include offering to pay a lump sum settlement, requesting an installment payment plan, and filing an offer in compromise.

The most common outcome of tax negotiations is that the taxpayer pays a reduced amount of taxes owed.

The benefits of tax negotiations include reducing the amount of taxes owed, avoiding an audit, and avoiding a tax lien.

The risks of tax negotiations include the possibility that the taxpayer may not be able to reach an agreement with the tax authority, that the taxpayer may end up paying more taxes than they would have if they had not negotiated, and that the taxpayer may be audited.

A taxpayer should consider hiring a tax attorney when they owe a large amount of taxes, when they are facing an audit, or when they are negotiating with the tax authority.

A good tax attorney should have experience in tax law, knowledge of the tax code, and negotiation skills.

Tax attorneys may charge hourly rates, flat fees, contingency fees, or a combination of these.

Taxpayers can find a good tax attorney by asking for recommendations from friends or family, searching online, or contacting the local bar association.

Taxpayers who cannot afford a tax attorney can contact the tax authority directly, use a tax software program, or get help from a tax clinic.

Taxpayers who need help with tax negotiations can find resources on the IRS website, from the Taxpayer Advocate, and at local tax clinics.