Tax Attorney: Legal Representation With the IRS

A tax attorney is a legal professional who specializes in tax law. They analyze transactions from a tax perspective and advise clients on the tax implications of various business decisions.

Their work encompasses both transactional matters and litigation, including representing American taxpayers in Tax Court, from the Federal District Court to the Court of Federal Claims. In cases involving tax fraud, they may also handle criminal proceedings. These specialized lawyers work across diverse settings, including law firms, accounting firms, boutique tax practices, corporations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and tax courts.

Tax attorneys must have passed a state bar exam, and most hold a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Some tax attorneys may also possess a Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation, an advanced degree that allows an attorney to specialize in corporate tax law, estate planning, in-house legal counsel, or other areas.

While you can attempt to handle your own IRS case, the benefits of having an attorney on your side can dramatically increase your chances of a successful outcome. Tax attorneys can provide invaluable support for individuals facing aggressive IRS notices or complex legal issues. Here’s how a dedicated tax lawyer can help. 

Legal representation helps you negotiate successfully with the IRS during and after an audit. An effective attorney can help reduce your tax liability by submitting an offer in compromise, seeking a penalty abatement, or requesting a payment plan.

The legalese found in IRS cases and notices can often make things complex, especially for taxpayers facing first-time penalties or significant tax debt. A tax attorney can assess your financial situation, prepare a compelling case, and handle all communications.

With their expertise, tax attorneys ensure you achieve the most favorable outcome while staying compliant with tax laws.

For serious and extreme cases, the IRS will initiate criminal proceedings. In these instances, securing a tax lawyer is essential. Suspected tax evasion and tax fraud are the primary triggers for IRS criminal investigations. These emphasis areas include:

• Abusive return preparer enforcement
• Abusive tax schemes
• Bankruptcy fraud
• Corporate fraud
• Employment tax evasion schemes
• Financial institution fraud
• Healthcare fraud
• Illegal gambling
• Identity theft 
• Money laundering
• International tax avoidance schemes

Professional legal representation may help you avoid or reduce prison sentences and hefty fines.

It’s no secret that dealing with tax issues can feel overwhelming, especially when facing constant pressure from the IRS. Whether you’re struggling under enormous tax debt or facing an IRS audit, a tax attorney can provide the specialized expertise and advocacy you need. With years of training in tax law and extensive experience in navigating IRS processes, these lawyers are equipped to handle even the most complex situations. Here’s how they can assist you:

• Dedicated IRS representation
• Resolving tax problems
• Negotiation for the best possible outcome
• Representation in tax court

Seeking the legal advocacy of a tax attorney ensures you have a knowledgeable and experienced ally to guide you through even the most daunting tax matters.

Hiring a tax attorney is not necessary for most tax problems. If you’ve received a notice from the IRS or a state tax agency, you may not need to hire a tax attorney.

A trusted tax preparer or Enrolled Agent may be able to solve your tax problem at a lower cost. Tax preparers can help you file any unfiled tax returns and get back into the compliance with the IRS. Enrolled Agents are federally licensed to represent you before the IRS, and are ideal for handling most tax issues, including negotiating with IRS Officers, applying for tax resolution programs, and appealing tax decisions at the IRS Appeals Office.

If you wish to dispute the amount that the IRS claims you owe, an Enrolled Agent can typically handle this for you. However, in the rare instance that your case is taken to US Tax Court, you will likely need to hire a tax attorney.

The tax experts at TaxRise can help determine if you need to hire a tax attorney, or if your case is best handled by tax resolution professionals. Our team includes experienced tax professionals, Enrolled Agents, and Resolution Officers who can assist you in resolving nearly any tax issue with the IRS. If you owe tax debt and are unsure where to turn, schedule a free tax consultation with TaxRise today and begin your journey towards financial freedom.