Tax Attorney: Legal Representation With the IRS

When you have a significant tax debt, the Internal Revenue Service may use aggressive collection actions to recover what you owe. But if you’re facing financial hardship, Currently Not Collectible Status (CNC) can help you pause intimidating letters and collection activity like garnishments and levies.

What is a Tax Attorney?

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.

When to Hire a Tax Attorney

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. 

IRS Audits and Negotiation

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.

IRS Criminal Investigations

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.

How Can a Tax Attorney Help Me?

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.

Our Tax Attorney

Frequently Asked Questions

Do tax relief programs hurt your credit?
Enrolling in a tax relief program does not hurt your credit score. If you continue to ignore your tax problems, the IRS may eventually place a tax lien on your assets. While this does not affect your credit score, tax liens can appear on public records searches, which many creditors, landlords, and employers routinely monitor. However, enrolling in a tax relief program like an Installment Agreement may prevent a public notice of federal tax lien from being filed in certain circumstances.
Should I hire a tax relief company?
If you have tax problems like unfiled tax returns, unreported income, or just cannot pay the amount the IRS claims you owe, hiring a tax relief company is a good idea. Trusted tax professionals can help you get back into IRS compliance and potentially settle your tax debt for less than you owe. Tax relief companies understand which tax resolution proposals the IRS is most likely to accept, and can build a realistic resolution plan tailored to your financial situation, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. To find out if hiring a tax relief company is right for you, schedule a free tax consultation today.
Does the IRS call me?
No. Collection agents do not make phone calls. Correspondence is sent via US mail or made in person. If you receive a call or SMS text message from someone claiming to be the IRS, it may be a scam message. If you suspect that you have received a fraudulent call or letter, you can find more information on the IRS website.
What if I haven’t filed income taxes in several years?
If you haven’t filed income tax returns in several years, it’s crucial to file all missing returns as soon as possible. Until you file, the IRS will charge monthly penalties and daily interest on any back taxes you may owe. After three years, you lose any tax refund owed to you. If you ignore your taxes, the IRS will begin escalating your case through the collections process and may eventually file a lien against your property, garnish your wages, or potentially seize your assets. The IRS generally requires you to file the last six years of tax returns and pay any tax liability you may owe. A trusted tax relief company like TaxRise can help solve these problems, mitigate any consequences, and negotiate the best resolution for your situation. If you’re ready resolve your tax problems, schedule a free tax consultation today.
How much will I end up paying?
The cost of your resolution is determined on a case-by-case basis, with the main contributing factors being your tax liability situation as well as the program that we enroll you into. While your Settlement Officer will quote you an estimated cost of your resolution during the initial consultation, the final cost will be determined based on the findings from our discovery analysis. Due to this, the fee that you pay for your discovery analysis will be attributed to your total resolution fee. To receive a custom price estimate for your resolution, please call 833-419-RISE.
Are IRS Revenue Officers law enforcement?
No, IRS Revenue Officers are not law enforcement officers. They are civilian employees who work with taxpayers to collect outstanding tax liability or unfiled tax returns. Revenue Officers investigate taxpayers’ financial situations, educate taxpayers on becoming compliant with IRS regulations, and when necessary, take enforcement actions to collect past-due balances.
Qualify today for a Fresh Start.

Learn how easy it is to resolve your tax problems.