What is Tax Law Law?
Tax attorneys handle legal issues involving federal, state, and local taxes. They represent individuals and businesses in IRS disputes, audits, collection matters, and tax court proceedings. They also provide tax planning advice for transactions, estate planning, and business structure. Unlike CPAs, tax attorneys can provide legal representation and privileged advice.
Types of Tax Law Cases
IRS Audits
Examination representation
Back Taxes
Resolving unpaid tax debt
Offer in Compromise
Settling for less than owed
Tax Court
Litigation over tax disputes
Tax Planning
Strategic tax minimization
Business Tax
Corporate and entity taxation
Estate Tax
Wealth transfer taxation
Tax Fraud Defense
Criminal tax matters
What to Look For
- Experience with yourExperience with your specific tax issue
- Knowledge of IRSKnowledge of IRS procedures and negotiation
- Tax court litigationTax court litigation experience if needed
Red Flags to Avoid
- Guaranteeing specific IRSGuaranteeing specific IRS outcomes
- Promising to 'makePromising to 'make tax debt disappear'
- Aggressive tactics thatAggressive tactics that could backfire
Typical Costs
$250-$500/hour
- •Audit representation: $2,500-$10,000+
- •Offer in Compromise: $3,000-$10,000+
- •Tax court cases: $10,000-$50,000+
- •Tax planning consultations: $500-$2,500
- •Some offer flat fees for specific services
- •Complex matters billed hourly
Expected Timeline
Varies widely
- •Audit resolution: 3-12 months
- •Offer in Compromise: 6-24 months
- •Tax court: 1-3 years
- •Payment plan setup: 1-3 months
- •Criminal investigations: 1-5 years
Understanding Your Rights with the IRS
Taxpayers have rights when dealing with the IRS: the right to be informed, to quality service, to pay no more than correct tax, to challenge positions, to appeal, to privacy, and to representation. A tax attorney ensures these rights are protected throughout any IRS interaction.
Prevention Through Planning
The best approach to tax problems is preventing them. Proactive tax planning minimizes liability legally, ensures compliance, and positions you well if questions arise. Regular consultation with a tax professional catches issues before they become expensive problems.
Don't Ignore IRS Notices
Ignoring IRS correspondence is the worst response. Deadlines pass, penalties accumulate, and the IRS gains more collection power. Even if you can't pay, responding preserves options. A tax attorney can help you respond appropriately and protect your interests.
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