Problems with the Internal Revenue Service

When a taxpayer has problems with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the state department of revenue, he may be able to resolve it himself. However, with the ins and outs of U.S. tax law, the taxpayer may consider the option of hiring a tax attorney. A person seeking for this attorney shouldn't call the first one listed in the phone book. He must carefully look around, ask friends, or even his personal attorney (if he has one) to recommend a good tax specialist. As a prospective client, the taxpayer should look for a this type of attorney with extensive experience in dealing with the IRS, in debt management cases, and in working with real live taxpayers. He should also ask the attorney for references.

The taxpayer should also be in no doubt his tax attorney is a member of the American Bar Association and the state bar association. A client should also ensure he knows what his attorney's rates are, and make preparations for payment early on in the consultation process. If a taxpayer finds himself in over his head where the IRS is concerned, he should definitely consult an attorney. Tax fines tend to magnify, and it is always in the taxpayer's best interests to get issues solved while they are still moderately small ones. It would be extremely costly to wait until the last minute to see an attorney possibly resulting in jail time for the taxpayer, as well as higher legal fees. Money invested in the services of a tax attorney can be considered a wise investment for a taxpayer. For this reason, a good attorney can help head off tax problems before they can even start to pile up. He or she can see potential trouble spots for a business and can advise the owner how to avoid them. Many small business owners consider their attorney to be as vital as their accountant. Some tax attorneys also have a background in accounting. If you are facing a complex accounting as well as legal matter, you might want to look for an attorney who is also a Certified Public Accountant.

You will need a tax attorney if you have a taxable estate, required to make complex estate planning strategies, or necessary to file an estate tax return. An attorney can also help you plan to bring a suit against the IRS or assist you if you have committed tax fraud (such as claiming false deductions and credits) and require the protection of privilege. Moreover, if you are engaging in international business and need assistance with contracts, tax treatment, and other legal matters, then a good tax lawyer is the best option to hire. You may also require the services of a tax lawyer if you are under criminal investigation by the IRS, if you plan to seek private review of your case before the US Tax Court and if you are starting a business and seek legal counsel about the structure and tax treatment of your corporation. Tax lawyers must have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and must be admitted to the state bar. Those are the minimum requirements for practicing law. Additionally, tax attorneys should have advanced training in tax law. Most will have a master of laws (LL.M.) degree in taxation.

Exclusively written by Mary Ann Villanueva Oppus
(original copy on file)

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