What is an IRS tax debt attorney – An IRS tax debt attorney is a lawyer who specializes in tax law and helps taxpayers who owe money to the IRS or other tax authorities. An IRS tax debt attorney can help you with various issues, such as:

Negotiating a settlement or payment plan with the IRS
Requesting an offer in compromise, innocent spouse relief, or penalty abatement
Challenging a tax lien, levy, or garnishment
Appealing an audit, assessment, or collection action
Representing you in tax court or other legal proceedings

When do you need an IRS tax debt attorney?

You may need an IRS tax debt attorney if you are facing any of the following situations:

You owe a large amount of taxes that you cannot afford to pay
You are being audited or investigated by the IRS
You have received a notice of deficiency, intent to levy, or other collection action from the IRS
You have complex tax issues that involve multiple years, entities, or jurisdictions
You have a criminal tax matter that could result in prosecution or imprisonment

How to find an IRS tax debt attorney?

There are several ways to find an IRS tax debt attorney, such as:

Asking for referrals from friends, family, or other professionals who have dealt with similar tax issues
Searching online directories or websites that list qualified tax attorneys in your area
Contacting your local bar association or state board of legal specialization for recommendations
Consulting the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers solve problems with the IRS and recommends changes to prevent them.
Checking the credentials, experience, and reputation of any potential tax attorney before hiring them

How much does an IRS tax debt attorney cost?

The cost of hiring an IRS tax debt attorney depends on various factors, such as:

The complexity and duration of your tax case
The hourly rate or flat fee charged by the attorney
The location and reputation of the attorney
The outcome and results achieved by the attorney

The average hourly rate for a tax attorney ranges from $200 to $400, but some may charge more or less depending on their expertise and demand. Some attorneys may also offer a free consultation or a contingency fee arrangement, where they only get paid if they win your case or reduce your tax liability.

How to get free legal help?

If you cannot afford to hire an IRS tax debt attorney, you may be able to get free or low-cost legal help from various sources, such as:

The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) program, provides free or low-cost representation and education to low-income taxpayers who have a dispute with the IRS
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, offers free tax preparation and filing services to low-income taxpayers who qualify
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program, provides free tax assistance and counseling to taxpayers who are 60 years or older
The Legal Services Corporation (LSC), which funds civil legal aid organizations that provide free legal services to low-income Americans

How to prepare for a consultation with an IRS tax debt attorney?

A consultation with an IRS tax debt attorney can be a valuable opportunity to get professional advice and assistance for your tax issues. However, to make the most of your consultation, you need to prepare yourself and your documents beforehand. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a consultation with an IRS tax debt attorney:

Gather all the relevant documents and information that pertain to your tax situation. This may include:
- Copies of your tax returns for the past three years
- Copies of any notices, letters, or bills from the IRS or state tax authorities
- Copies of any financial statements, bank statements, or income statements
- Copies of any evidence or documentation that supports your position or claim
- A list of your assets, liabilities, income, and expenses
Review your documents and information and organize them logically and clearly. You can use folders, labels, or tabs to separate different categories of documents. You can also create a summary or a timeline of your tax situation to help the attorney understand your case better.
Write down any questions or concerns that you have about your tax situation and the possible solutions. You can also write down your goals and expectations for the consultation and the outcome of your case. This will help you communicate effectively with the attorney and get the answers and guidance that you need.
Research the attorney that you are going to consult with and their credentials, experience, and reputation. You can check their website, online reviews, testimonials, or referrals from other clients or professionals. You can also contact their office and ask about their fees, availability, and consultation process. This will help you choose the right attorney for your case and avoid any scams or frauds.
Be honest and cooperative with the attorney during the consultation. Provide them with all the relevant information and documents that they request and answer their questions truthfully and completely. Do not withhold or falsify any information that could affect your case or harm your credibility. Trust the attorney’s expertise and follow their advice and instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): What is an IRS tax debt attorney?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of an IRS tax debt attorney?

An IRS tax debt attorney is a lawyer who specializes in helping taxpayers who owe money to the IRS or other tax authorities. Hiring an IRS tax debt attorney can have some advantages and disadvantages, depending on your situation. Here are some of them:

Advantages of an IRS tax debt attorney:

An IRS tax debt attorney can help you negotiate a settlement or a payment plan with the IRS that reduces your tax liability or allows you to pay over time. This can save you money and avoid harsh collection actions, such as liens, levies, or garnishments.
An IRS tax debt attorney can help you request relief from penalties, interest, or taxes that are unfair or incorrect. This can include applying for an offer in compromise, innocent spouse relief, penalty abatement, or audit reconsideration.
An IRS tax debt attorney can help you defend yourself against audits, investigations, or lawsuits from the IRS or other tax authorities. They can represent you in tax court or other legal proceedings and protect your rights and interests.
An IRS tax debt attorney can help you understand your tax situation and your options. They can explain the tax laws and procedures that apply to your case and advise you on the best course of action. They can also answer your questions and address your concerns.

Disadvantages of an IRS tax debt attorney:

An IRS tax debt attorney can be expensive to hire. They may charge hourly rates, flat fees, or contingency fees, depending on the complexity and duration of your case. You may also have to pay additional costs, such as filing fees, court fees, or travel expenses.
An IRS tax debt attorney cannot guarantee the outcome of your case. The IRS has the final say on whether to accept your offer, grant your relief, or drop your charges. The IRS may also reject or appeal the decision of the tax court or other legal authority.
An IRS tax debt attorney cannot help you if you do not cooperate with them or the IRS. You must provide them with all the relevant information and documents that they request and follow their instructions and advice. You must also comply with the terms and conditions of any agreement or order that you reach with the IRS.

How to choose the right IRS tax debt attorney for your case

Choosing the right IRS tax debt attorney for your case can be a crucial decision, as you want someone who can help you resolve your tax issues with the IRS or other tax authorities. Here are some factors that you should consider when looking for a tax attorney:

Experience: Look for an attorney who has significant experience handling tax matters, especially those similar to your own. This will ensure that they have the knowledge and skills needed to help you with your case. You can ask them about their previous cases, success rates, and areas of expertise.
Credentials: Check to see if the attorney is a member of the American Bar Association’s Taxation Section or the National Association of Tax Professionals. This can indicate that they stay updated with the latest tax laws and have a strong understanding of the tax code. You can also verify their license and educational background online or through your local bar association.
Reputation: Look for an attorney who has a good reputation in the legal community and among their clients. You can check their online reviews, testimonials, or referrals from other clients or professionals. You can also contact their office and ask for references or samples of their work.
Communication: Choose an attorney who is easy to communicate with and who will keep you informed throughout the process. You want someone who will take the time to explain things in a way you can understand and will be responsive to your questions and concerns. You can also ask them about their availability, fees, and consultation process.

How to find reviews and testimonials of IRS tax debt attorneys

Search online directories or websites that list qualified tax attorneys in your area. Some of these websites may have ratings, reviews, or testimonials from previous clients or other professionals. For example, you can check the websites of the American Bar Association, the National Association of Tax Professionals, or the Better Business Bureau.
Search online platforms or forums that allow users to share their experiences and opinions about tax relief services. Some of these platforms may have ratings, reviews, or testimonials from verified customers or experts. For example, you can check the websites of [ConsumerAffairs], [Forbes Advisor], or [ConsumersAdvocate.org].
Ask for referrals from friends, family, or other professionals who have dealt with similar tax issues. They may be able to recommend a tax attorney that they have used or know of and share their feedback and satisfaction. You can also ask them for contact information or references of the tax attorney that they suggest.