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At Solvable, we care about your financial well-being and are here to help. Our research, articles and ratings, and assessments are based strict editorial integrity. Our company gets compensated by partners who appear on our website. Here is how we get compensated.
At Solvable, we care about your financial well-being and are here to help. Our research, articles and ratings, and assessments are based strict editorial integrity. Our company gets compensated by partners who appear on our website. Here is
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“Should I hire a tax lawyer or a CPA?” is a question asked by many. But unfortunately, there is no one-word answer to this. It depends upon what kind of help you want. If you need to get your tax returns reviewed, conduct tax planning, or get accounting work done, then you probably need a CPA. On the other hand, if you need to resolve any complicated tax matter, need legal representation in court, resolve back taxes, or handle civil and criminal tax cases, then using a tax lawyer’s services is the better choice.
What Does a CPA Do?
Individuals and companies hire Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to plan their financial and tax strategies to limit their tax liability. CPAs also prepare and file tax returns and conduct reviews of tax returns and other tax documents in case of an IRS audit. They also do accounting tasks.
A CPA may have specialization in a specific field of accounting. A CPA with a tax accounting specialization is your best choice if you wish to use their services for that particular tax problem.
What Does a Tax Lawyer/Tax Attorney Do?
Tax attorneys are experts in tax laws and the tax code. They can better handle a complicated tax issue because of their in-depth knowledge about tax laws and IRS rules, as well as litigation experience. Being a lawyer, a tax attorney can represent you before the IRS and also in court.
In back tax resolution cases, a tax attorney can act on your behalf and conduct all communications with the IRS, whether through mail or in-person. Since tax attorneys have specialization in taxation, they are fully capable of handling even the most difficult back taxes cases.
Tax attorneys may specialize in certain fields of taxation, such as corporate tax or back taxes resolution. If you are looking to resolve a back taxes issue, you may choose a tax attorney specializing in back taxes resolution.
When Should I Hire a CPA?
Before you hire a CPA for a tax problem, make sure that they have a taxation specialization and have at least some experience holding talks with the IRS. A CPA who only prepares returns or does accounting may not be competent to handle complex tax issues.
In case of an IRS audit, a competent CPA can help you review and prepare your tax returns and other tax documents for the audit. Since a CPA can represent you before the IRS, he or she can hold talks with the IRS on your behalf in an in-person audit. However, you should choose only a CPA who has sufficient knowledge and experience in this area to represent you before the IRS. Choosing the right person is paramount because even a small mistake before the IRS can cause unnecessary delays, complications, and financial loss.
Since a CPA’s area of expertise is usually restricted to tax return preparation and accounting, you can hire their services for tax problems related to tax returns, other tax documents, and accounting.
When Should I Hire a Tax Attorney?
Tax attorneys are specialists in tax-related matters. They have the educational background, training, and experience in taxation, allowing them to resolve complex tax matters for individuals and corporations.
Since a tax attorney is a lawyer, they provide legal advice and prepare legal documents for a tax case. In complex tax matters, such as if the IRS has seized your bank account or property for recovering back taxes, a tax lawyer can help stop the lien and achieve a favorable resolution of the back taxes.
You can also seek tax advice from a tax attorney. For instance, you received an IRS notice such as CP503, which informs you that you owe taxes. You want to resolve the matter but cannot afford to pay the entire amount you owe. In such a case, you can seek advice from a tax attorney about how you should proceed. Your tax attorney can provide you with assistance in getting back taxed reduction after reviewing the particulars of your case.
Also, an attorney can help you with an IRS audit. You can grant your tax lawyer a Power of Attorney, after which your tax attorney will respond to all IRS communications for you and speak to them in-person if requested by the IRS. Before you grant this power to your tax attorney, it’s best to conduct a thorough background check on the company or the lawyer you are hiring to ensure that they are legitimate and honest.
Which is Better for Me: a Tax Lawyer or a CPA?
If your tax case is simple and limited to sharing your tax documents with the IRS, and reviewing your returns and accounting issues, then hiring a CPA will suffice.
On the other hand, there are some situations where a tax lawyer becomes necessary. Is the IRS conducting an in-depth tax audit? Do you owe a substantial amount in back taxes? Are you unable to pay back your IRS back taxes? Do you wish to challenge the IRS in a tax court? Do you need a resolution for any complex tax problem? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you need a tax lawyer to represent you.
Along with CPAs and tax attorneys, enrolled agents can also represent taxpayers before the IRS. The status of an enrolled agent is the highest credential the IRS awards. To become an enrolled agent, the person needs to pass a comprehensive IRS test or be a former IRS employee. Also, in order to remain an enrolled agent, he or she needs to complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years.
Depending upon your tax problem, you can use the services of a tax attorney, enrolled agent, or a CPA to resolve it. Each has their area of specialization. Depending upon the problem for which you need a solution, you can choose the appropriate professional to resolve it.
If you are having trouble deciding, you can use our free consultation and discuss your tax problem with us. We will help you to choose the right professional so that you get the right start towards resolution.
Solvable is a for-profit company that connects consumers with third-party providers across a wide range of financial and home service categories, including tax resolution, personal loans, credit cards, student loan refinancing, home insurance, and home services. Our platform is free for consumers to use, and we may receive compensation from partners when users engage with their products or services.
We publish a mix of editorial content and partner-supported features. Some articles may include sponsored offers or affiliate links, which are clearly labeled. While compensation may influence which products are featured or where they appear, it does not affect our editorial opinions or reviews. We do not accept payment in exchange for favorable ratings or endorsements. Reviews and assessments reflect our own independent views and may not cover every option available.
How We Make Money
Solvable is compensated by some of the companies featured on our website. Most often, we receive fees when a user clicks on a link, fills out a form, applies for, or obtains a product or service from one of our partners. These may include providers of financial services (like loans and credit cards), tax assistance, home insurance, and home services.
We may also earn fees for:
Capturing consumer inquiries and stories
Writing articles that are relevant to a partner’s audience or offerings
Displaying advertisements
Sponsoring specific content, tools, or sections of our website
This compensation may affect where and how certain products or services appear on our site, including:
Article pages
Comparison tables
Matching results
The order or prominence of listings
Solvable has not reviewed or written about every product or service available in the marketplace. We do our best to provide helpful information, but our recommendations are based on available data and editorial judgment—not comprehensive analysis.
In addition, we may be compensated in the following ways:
Referrals to consumers who use online forms or tools that may connect them with experts;
Marketing services related to tax resolution, tax preparation, tax audit help, and general tax assistance;.
Referrals to providers in categories such as financial services, tax support, home insurance, and home services.
We encourage you to shop around, compare services and costs, and perform your own due diligence before making a decision—especially since individual experiences with providers can vary over time.
How We Share Information
When you submit a form or request on Solvable, the information you provide may be shared with one or more of our advertising partners. These partners may contact you directly with offers related to the product or service you inquired about, and they may also use your information for their own marketing, outreach, or business purposes.
In many cases, the partners you are matched with may retain ownership of the information you provide and may use it in accordance with their own privacy policies and practices. Once your information is shared, Solvable does not control how it is used.
We strongly encourage you to review the privacy policies, terms of service, and marketing practices of any provider you engage with to understand how your data may be used or stored.
For more information about how Solvable collects and handles your information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Free Solvable Services
The offers you’re matched with through Solvable are from companies, attorneys, or service providers with whom we may have a paid relationship. Based on our initial screening, we believe these providers may be a good fit for consumers, but we do not make guarantees about their services or results. We do not recommend providers solely because they pay us. However, we may prioritize or display offers from partners with whom we have an existing business relationship.
We encourage all users to:
Shop around and compare costs, services, and reviews
Conduct independent research before making a decision
Ask questions directly to the provider before signing any agreements
Solvable is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. If you’re working with an attorney or financial professional, we encourage you to speak with them about your specific situation, as they will be most familiar with your needs and the laws in your state.
Our goal is to make it easier for you to explore your options, but the decision is ultimately yours.
Personal Loans Advertiser Disclosure
The personal loan offers you see on Solvable are from companies or affiliates that may compensate us. This compensation may impact where offers appear on the site, including their order, prominence, or whether a lender is featured. Solvable does not include every personal loan provider or all available offers in the marketplace.
Loan approval and terms are determined solely by the lender. You should carefully review each provider’s terms and conditions to find the option that best fits your financial situation. We make reasonable efforts to keep information up to date, but rates, fees, and terms are not guaranteed and may change at the discretion of each provider. There is no guarantee you will be approved for credit or that you will qualify for the advertised rates or terms.
Be sure to:
Review actual loan terms directly with the lender
Ask about origination fees, which can typically be around 1%
Understand all costs, repayment terms, and requirements
Know that some lenders may require an existing account or specific credit profile for approval
Loan amounts typically range from $1,000 to $35,000, but the amount you qualify for, and the terms offered, will depend on your state, credit history, financial situation, and the lender’s underwriting criteria.
Credit Card Advertiser Disclosure
Some of the credit card offers featured on Solvable are from companies or affiliates that may compensate us. This compensation may influence how and where products appear on our site, including their order or whether they’re labeled as “featured.” Solvable does not include all credit card companies or offers available in the marketplace.
Credit card approval is determined by the individual issuer. We recommend reviewing each provider’s terms and conditions to ensure the card fits your financial needs.
We strive to provide accurate information, but rates, fees, and terms are not guaranteed and may change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Approval is not guaranteed, and advertised rates or rewards may not be available to all applicants.
Please keep in mind:
Information is provided by the card issuer and may not reflect real-time updates
Any opinions, reviews, or recommendations are those of the author and/or Solvable
They have not been reviewed or endorsed by any credit card issuer
You should always verify the final terms and disclosures on the issuer’s official site before applying
When you click “Apply Now,” you’ll be taken to the credit card provider’s website where you can review the full terms and submit your application.
Business Loans Advertiser Disclosure
Some of the business loan offers featured on Solvable are from companies or affiliates that may compensate us. This compensation may influence how and where products appear on our site, including their order or whether a lender is featured. Solvable does not include all business loan providers or offers available in the marketplace.
Business loans are intended strictly for commercial purposes. Any funds or assets obtained through these loans must be used for business-related activities—not for personal, family, or household use.
Most business funding partners in our network do not require collateral, but depending on your needs and the lender’s underwriting criteria, you may be offered other financial products. Traditional bank and SBA loans often require collateral and have more extensive approval processes.
It’s important to understand:
There is no one-size-fits-all business loan solution
Offers and terms will vary depending on your business’s financial profile
Underwriting criteria, approval, and terms are determined solely by each lender
Rates, fees, and availability are subject to change and are not guaranteed
Not all products are available in all states or for all types of businesses
We encourage you to review each provider’s terms and consult with a financial advisor or tax professional before accepting any loan offer.
Student Loan Refinancing Advertiser Disclosure
Student loan refinancing offers featured on Solvable are from companies or affiliates that may compensate us. This compensation may impact where and how offers appear on our site, including the order in which they appear or whether a lender is featured. Solvable does not include all student loan companies or all available refinancing options in the marketplace.
Pursuant to agreements with our partners and affiliates, Solvable may receive updates about the status of your application, including—when available—loan amounts, application status, or final decisions. Each partner’s use of your information is governed by their own privacy policy, which we encourage you to review directly.
Refinancing may help reduce your monthly payments or interest rate, but potential savings will vary depending on the interest rate, balance, and remaining repayment term of your existing loans. In some cases, refinancing may result in a longer repayment term and higher total repayment over the life of the loan—even if monthly payments are lower.
Please keep in mind:
Variable rates may fluctuate over time based on market indices like SOFR, Prime, or another benchmark rate, and may vary based on borrower qualifications and whether a co-signer is used.
Fixed interest rates may also depend on term length, credit profile, or presence of a co-signer.
All terms, rates, and product availability are subject to change at the lender’s discretion and may not be available in all states or for all types of loans.
Due to federal lending regulations, lenders are required to provide potential borrowers with certain disclosures, including an Application Disclosure and an Approval Disclosure, during the application process. Solvable is not a lender or creditor and does not originate or fund loans, nor can we alter or offer credit terms. Only the lender you apply with can provide specific loan details and required disclosures.
Please Note:
Certain federal and private loans may not be eligible for consolidation or refinancing.
Some refinancing options may eliminate borrower benefits (e.g., grace periods, income-driven repayment plans, or federal loan forgiveness eligibility).
Loans in default typically cannot be refinanced until you complete a qualifying repayment program.
Be wary of providers requesting upfront fees for student loan services.
Other financial options—like personal loans, debt relief, or consolidation—may also be worth exploring. Consult with a licensed financial or tax professional to determine what’s best for your situation.
Home Insurance Advertiser Disclosure
Home insurance offers featured on Solvable are from companies or affiliates that may compensate us. This compensation may impact how and where offers appear on our site, including whether a company is featured or the order in which it is listed. Solvable does not include all home insurance providers or all offers available in the marketplace.
Each provider sets its own underwriting criteria, and coverage availability may vary based on the age, condition, location, and value of the home. Policy terms, limits, exclusions, and pricing are determined by the insurer and may change at any time.
Solvable is not a licensed insurance agency and does not issue policies or offer insurance advice. We recommend that users:
Compare quotes from multiple home insurance providers
Review coverage options, exclusions, and deductibles carefully
Confirm all terms directly with the insurer
Speak with a licensed insurance agent if you have questions about your specific needs
Home Services Advertiser Disclosure
Home service offers featured on Solvable are from companies or affiliates that may compensate us. This compensation may affect how and where offers appear on our site, including their placement, order, or whether a provider is featured. Solvable does not include all home service companies or all available options in the marketplace.
Services may include HVAC repair, plumbing, electrical work, home cleaning, appliance maintenance, and other residential needs. Providers set their own pricing, availability, and service standards.
Solvable does not provide home services directly and does not guarantee the quality or reliability of any third-party service. We recommend that consumers:
Compare multiple providers and read recent customer reviews
Ask about service guarantees, pricing structures, and insurance or licensing where applicable
Confirm all details directly with the provider before scheduling any service
Important Notice About Solvable’s Role
Solvable is an online lead generation platform that allows consumers to compare rates, terms, and offers from a network of lenders and service providers. We do not offer, extend, or fund any loans. Instead, we connect users with lenders who may be able to help based on the information submitted through our forms.
Submitting an inquiry on Solvable is not a loan application. To move forward, you must speak directly with the lender, review their terms, and complete any application materials they require. Lenders in our network may not offer the lowest available rates, so we encourage you to compare quotes from multiple sources—including banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions—to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Solvable does not guarantee loan approval, interest rates, or potential savings. Any estimated savings or quotes are for informational purposes only and may not reflect your actual terms. Final rates, loan amounts, and eligibility are determined solely by the lender based on their underwriting criteria, which Solvable does not control or have access to.
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