Tax laws in the United States are extremely complex. If you have not been trained to read and interpret the laws they can seem nearly impossible to navigate.
Tax attorneys are trained in the many different aspects of tax law, and are able to serve a wide variety of people with a variety of problems. There are many different situations in which hiring a tax lawyer will prove to be very beneficial but there are also many circumstances in which hiring a tax lawyer is absolutely necessary.
If you have committed any form of tax fraud or you are under criminal investigation by the IRS, hiring a tax attorney is the most sensible form of legal help to pursue. Even if you are not under investigation and feel you have committed no crime but you are choosing to stand before the US Tax Court to have your case reviewed or you are choosing to file a suit against the IRS a tax attorney is necessary for counsel and guidance throughout the process.
If you have questions concerning the financial structure and tax laws within a business you have started or you are working at an international level and find the need for assistance with contracts and taxing policies a tax attorney will be invaluable to you.
Even if you are filing an estate tax return, making estate planning methods or simple have an estate that is taxable you should hire a tax lawyer.
You may know that you are in need of a tax attorney or you may eventually find yourself in one of the above-mentioned positions. Hiring a tax attorney may seem daunting, but looking for a few basic traits within a law firm or a single lawyer will help you find the lawyer that is perfect for you.
1. The lawyer must have a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
2. The lawyer must be admitted to the state bar
3. The lawyer needs to specialize in tax law and have a background with your specific tax predicament
4. Find out how long the lawyer has been practicing and inquire about their case history within the realm of tax law
5. Although not necessary, the best tax lawyers will have a Masters of Law degree in Taxation
6. Ask if the attorney has any experience in accounting or is a CPA
7. After finding suitable lawyers in your area it would serve you well to ask each lawyer to provide a list of services and fees and ask each if they are willing to provide a monthly itemized statement for your records
8. Ask the lawyers to provide a list of referrals and follow up with the referrals
The process of finding a tax attorney may be time consuming, but the time and effort you put into the search for a suitable lawyer will prove to be a very important investment.
It is also crucial to remember that after you have hired a tax lawyer your communications with the lawyer and the lawyer’s staff are confidential and privileged. The information that you reveal to your lawyer can not be used against you.
Knowing that your communications are confidential it is absolutely imperative that you are completely honest as you explain your situation to the tax attorney. This can, at times, be an intimidating task especially if you have broken tax laws.
In the long run withholding information from your tax lawyer will only prove to be mal-beneficial to you and your case. The privacy laws are in place and strictly obeyed to ensure citizens with the best possible law services.
It is also important to remember that tax attorneys are in not certified by or dependent on the IRS. Agents of the IRS that are licensed to represent taxpayers may feel the pressures or intimidation from the IRS hierarchy.
Although tax attorneys are not accountable to the IRS, they are accountable to the Bar Associations. Lawyers must believe and stand behind the advice they give. If a lawyer is giving poor advice or violating any ethics the Bar Association will penalize or disbar the lawyer.
These regulations serve as a safeguard for anyone that is planning on hiring a tax lawyer. The Bar Association and national laws both enable the clients to work with and fully trust the lawyers they hired.
And finally, remember that after hiring an attorney they are working for you. They need to return calls or e-mails promptly and if they are neglecting your needs it is necessary to find a new lawyer.
A good tax attorney should be aware and adequately prepared to meet the needs of his client. It is necessary to find an attorney that looks and acts professional, is attentive to you and your case, sticks to deadlines and shows genuine interest in solving your problems.
All in all, if you are having any concerns within the legal realm of taxes you should consult a tax attorney. Tax attorneys will save you time, money and energy in the long run and are well worth the investment.
