What Should You Look For In A Tax Attorney?

Are you having problems with the IRS? Being harassed for back taxes or accused of filing fraudulent tax returns? Do you owe a large sum of money to the state or federal government? If so, it is imperative that you seek the advice and guidance offered by a licensed tax attorney.

Your tax attorney will represent you in negotiations with the IRS or state tax board, offer counsel, and can help you plead for debt relief. Having such a person on your side when dealing with the IRS is a relief -- you will have someone to talk to, someone to advise you, and someone who is on your side, advocating what is best for you. And tax attorneys understand the intricacies of tax law, much more than a CPA.

There are several things you should look for, when seeking out a tax attorney:

• References -- Is the attorney willing to provide you with references from current and former clients?

• Member of the Bar -- Is the tax attorney a full member of the bar? Do they have all of the certification required to represent you as a defendant?

• Specialization -- Does the attorney specialize in a specific area of tax law? Does that area of specialization match the needs of your situation?

• Experience -- Has the attorney worked for a tax collection agency in the past? Do they know about current rules and regulations related to taxation cases?

• Fees and Services -- How much does the tax attorney charge to represent a client, and what services are included in those fees? Does the attorney charge by the hour, or do they offer a "by case" payment system?

• Communication -- Is the attorney easy to talk with? Does he or she explain things so that you can understand them?

Choosing a tax attorney is an important decision, and you need to take time to interview potential attorneys before deciding to work with one. Be sure to ask for references, ensure that they are a member of the bar, ask about specialization and experience, find out about the fees and services they provide, and, above all else, make sure that the tax attorney is someone you can communicate with. Facing the IRS on your own can be scary -- a good tax attorney will help calm your fears and represent you through all of your interactions with the tax authorities.

By: Amy Stampley

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Amy Stampley is a tax writer, focusing on tax law and IRS problem resolution. For individuals facing tax issues, she recommends consulting with tax attorneys for professional assistance.