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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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For complex tax situations, depending on the targeted expertise of a specialized tax attorney can help you avoid costly fees and penalties, which in some cases could even include prison time. Hiring a lawyer who specializes in taxation is about more than just filing your return. This type of professional has in-depth knowledge of tax laws and can help you understand and qualify for all the deductions that apply to your situation, potentially saving you thousands. From helping you understand when to itemize deductions to preparing for an IRS audit, a tax attorney is the professional you need to advocate for your interests.
What Is a Tax Attorney?
This type of lawyer has specialized training in federal, state, and local tax laws and policies, including but not limited to the acquisition of material and intellectual property, income tax, estate transfers, and business transactions. Tax attorneys are available for both consultation and litigation, meaning that they can assist you with tax challenges both in and out of the courtroom. These attorneys represent individuals, small businesses, corporations, and nonprofit organizations for their complicated tax matters.
Hiring a tax attorney can help you understand the tax laws you are subject to as an individual or business owner and how you can best stay in compliance with these laws to avoid stiff IRS penalties. They can assist you with setting up trusts and wills as well as oversee the distribution of your estate. They can advocate on your behalf in mediation and court for the elimination or reduction of your individual or business tax obligations, recommend and oversee structured IRS settlements, collaborate with CPAs to create and prepare tax documents, and represent you in audit hearings, IRS hearings, administrative appeals, U.S. Tax Court, and even the U.S. Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.
What Can a Tax Attorney Do for You?
If you’ve received an audit notice from the IRS, it’s likely the first time you’ve had to face this stressful situation. A specialized tax attorney, on the other hand, has assisted clients with this challenge time and again and understands the pitfalls that may occur during the auditing process. They can help the IRS understand the material facts of your case and take important steps to resolve tax issues, including filing appeals of court decisions, communicating with the IRS on your behalf, making recommendations to help you save money, and explain the tax credits for which you may qualify.
Even if you haven’t been subject to audit, specific situations require the knowledge and training of a tax attorney. Common scenarios in which you should consult with this type of professional include the following.
If the value of your estate when you die is expected to be greater than $5.49 million, your heirs will be subject to an estate tax that can climb to as much as 40 percent. Consulting a tax attorney can help you strategize about how to avoid a large tax burden associated with your inheritance.
If you are an entrepreneur starting a new business, a tax attorney can help advise you on whether you should choose a corporation, limited liability company, sole proprietorship, or other beneficial structure. Every business entity is taxed differently, so a qualified attorney’s consultation is essential to help you understand what type of company is most advantageous for your specific situation.
If you already have a business and are engaged in international commerce, a specialized tax attorney who is well-versed in global matters can help you understand international taxation, contracts, and other critical legal matters.
If you are being investigated by the IRS, are planning to sue the IRS, or want your audit or lawsuit independently reviewed before the U.S. Tax Court, you should choose a tax attorney with litigation experience who can represent you in court. If you have committed tax fraud, you can be truthful with your attorney about the material facts of your case and he or she is under a professional obligation to keep this information confidential. This is not necessarily true of a certified public accountant (CPA).
If you are in trouble with the IRS, whether you’re under investigation or you simply owe substantial back taxes, a specialized tax attorney has comprehensive knowledge of the programs you might qualify for and their specific, often-changing requirements. Understanding the details of relief programs is an essential part of taking the steps to enroll.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Tax Attorney?
Like other types of lawyers, specialized tax attorney must complete their Juris Doctor (JD) degree and be admitted to practice by the bar association in your state. In addition, however, a qualified tax lawyer will also have a Master of Law degree in taxation, which indicates advanced training in a specialized area of tax law, such as estate planning, business taxation, international taxation, or the provision of financial services. Some tax attorneys also have an accounting background and are schooled in the legal implications of a vast variety of tax situations. These attorneys can help you with complex accounting situations that also have legal implications.
To represent you with the IRS, a tax attorney must be registered with the IRS as an Enrolled Agent (EA). This requires successful completion of a three-part exam about individual and business taxation and adherence to the ethical standards of the profession. They are also required to complete at least 72 continuing education course hours every three years to maintain EA status with the IRS.
It’s important to interview potential tax attorneys so you can find the right fit for your specific situation. Questions that you should ask include:
Are you admitted to the state bar?
What is your specialty and do you have advanced training in that area?
How much do you charge per hour?
Do you have experience with the situation I’m facing?
If the attorney in question is not able to help with your tax issues, he or she may be able to refer you to a colleague with more experience in that area.
If you’re already working with a CPA, he or she is required by professional ethics as documented by the National Conference of Lawyers and CPAs to consult an attorney if you receive a notice of deficiency from the IRS or if you are under criminal investigation. That’s because although a CPA may be able to represent you in tax court if registered with the IRS as an enrolled agent, more serious issues are typically settled in district court rather than in tax court.
While it’s always advisable to consult a tax attorney if you are a business owner, even individuals may need the expertise of this professional. These are the most common scenarios in which you should seek counsel from an experienced tax lawyer.
If you or your business is subject to an IRS audit, the auditing process is legally binding. For this reason, it’s important to seek legal counsel from an attorney rather than relying on the advice of a CPA. A tax attorney will advocate for your interests during the audit and has strategies to help reduce your tax debt, including recommending an offer in compromise, installment payment plan, and/or penalty abatement. An offer in compromise means that the IRS agrees to settle the tax debt for much less than you owe. Because less than half of requested offers are approved, however, it’s important to have a tax attorney to negotiate on your behalf if you plan to go this route.
If the IRS suspects that you have been purposefully hiding income or otherwise evading your taxes, it will conduct a criminal investigation. Just as you would not go to court without an attorney, you should not navigate criminal charges from the IRS without a specialized tax attorney. He or she can help argue for minimal charges in your case, which is critical since tax-evasion penalties include expensive fees and even jail time.
If you need to communicate with the IRS about a tax matter and have trouble doing so eloquently, or don’t have time to create the professional and well-researched correspondence required for this situation, a tax attorney can go to bat for you by sending emails and letters and making phone calls on your behalf. He or she will ensure that your intentions are understood by the IRS as well as thoroughly explain communications from the IRS so that you are able to comprehend their often-complex implications.
If you have neglected to file a tax return for one or more years in which you had income, a tax attorney understands the steps you need to take to file these back returns and pay the outstanding taxes you may owe. The IRS may require you to answer specific questions about why these returns were not filed, which an attorney can help you address. In some cases, they can advocate for more lenient penalties and fees for the late returns and past-due taxes.
If you receive a CP (notice from the IRS), it could have been sent for any number of reasons. A tax attorney can help you understand this notice and abide by or fulfill its associated requirements.
If you receive an inheritance or are named as a benefactor of an estate, the funds you receive are subject to taxation. The rules for inheritance and estate tax are different from those for other types of income, so it’s important to retain a specialized tax attorney who can explain the regulations that apply to your specific situation and potentially take steps to legally reduce your tax burden associated with the inheritance.
In addition to these scenarios, hiring a tax attorney has specific benefits for small-business owners. These include:
Helping you choose the most advantageous business entity for your enterprise.
Allowing you to dedicate yourself wholly to running your business rather than also taking the time to comprehend more than 1,700 pages of tax code that may or may not pertain to your situation.
Navigating state and local taxation, which can be especially tricky if you have more than one business location.
Understanding tax classifications of employees so that you can categorize yourself, your business partners, and your workers correctly.
Documenting and tracking all deductible expenses so that you don’t miss out on tax savings.
Preventing you from running afoul of the IRS because you weren’t aware of regulations that apply to your business.
Helping you establish effective systems for finance and tax-related procedures to keep your business running smoothly in these areas from day one, including choosing an appropriate tax year.
Correctly documenting and reporting all gross business income to the IRS, including not just funds but goods, services, bartering arrangements, property, assets, and additional income derived from sales.
Helping you understand your tax requirements as a self-employed individual, including quarterly estimated tax payments and the tax implications of being considered both the employer and the employee.
Keeping up with a tax code that changes daily and ensuring your business remains in compliance.
When Should I Represent Myself With the IRS?
Both business and individual taxpayers have the right to represent themselves when it comes to IRS matters. For example, if you missed a deduction you might qualify for or made a minor mistake on your return, it’s fine for you or your CPA to address these items directly with the IRS. You can also easily file for an extension on your taxes by submitting Form 4868.
If you choose to represent yourself in an audit, however, you might quickly find yourself in over your head. To successfully handle the IRS audit process, you must have a comprehensive understanding of all applicable tax laws, know what type of documentation you must provide and how to provide it correctly, and know how to navigate the complex appeals process.
Although hiring a specialized tax attorney is an additional expense for individuals and business owners alike, it’s an investment that is well worth making if you are potentially facing a heavy tax burden or substantial fines and penalties.
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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:
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Understand all costs, repayment terms, and requirements
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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.
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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.
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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
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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:
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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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