How to find the right Tax Attorney

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Finding the right tax professional can be hard work. Here are a few tips to help you get the right lawyer to fight the IRS.

Tips on Finding a Tax Professional to Help You Fight the IRS

When taking on the IRS sometimes it's best to get help from a tax professional. Tax attorneys, CPAs or enrolled agents are all qualified to take on tax issues. Whether you face a routine request for additional documentation, a field audit, or a day in Tax Court, make sure your professional's expertise and interest matches your needs.

What is a Tax Attorney?

Tax attorneys are lawyers who may develop complex estate plans, set up corporations and other business entities, or help clients resolve thorny tax problems. For complicated tax issues, select a lawyer who is also a CPA or has a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation. While any attorney is permitted to practice before the United States Tax Court, if your tax problem gets that far you will want a specially qualified attorney with Tax Court experience.

What are Certified Public Accountants?

CPAs, or Certified Public Accountants, are highly-trained accountants who may choose to specialize in tax preparation or taxpayer representation. CPAs generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and have to pass the rigorous Uniform CPA Examination. Many states also require that they obtain a level of professional experience. Continuing education is almost always required to retain state-issued professional licenses. Any CPA can assist you with an audit, but only a CPA who has passed the Tax Court Examination is qualified to represent you in Tax Court.

What are Enrolled Agents?

Enrolled agents (EAs) function as full-time tax advisors and tax preparers. They have either worked at the IRS for 5 or more years in a position which requires interpreting and applying the Internal Revenue Code, or have passed a comprehensive IRS tax code examination and a background check. Enrolled agents are the only tax professionals who have to demonstrate taxation expertise in order to practice, and the only ones who derive their authority from the U.S. government. EAs can assist with audits and administrative IRS procedures, and those who have passed the Tax Court Examination can represent you in Tax Court as well.

Good tax professionals have experience dealing with IRS collections and handling tax debts. They understand the Internal Revenue Code take continuing education classes to keep up with tax law amendments.

Ways of finding a good tax professional include:

• Personal referrals
• Tax preparer recommendations
• Advertisements
• Associations
• Direct contact

Questions to ask a tax professional:

• Are you a CPA, an attorney or an enrolled agent?
• What licenses do you have?
• How long have you been in business?
• How many clients do you have?
• Do you have experience?
• Are guarantees and assistance by audit preparer included in legal plans?
• What are your fees and what do they include?
• Are you able to practice in Tax Court?
• Do you have a contract?
• Do you give monthly itemized statements?
• Can you handle tax issues?
• Can you handle my situation?
• Do you work on your own or do you delegate or subcontract?
• Do you have a privacy policy?

Get Answers

You must feel comfortable and be able to communicate with your tax professional, and be confident that he or she is qualified and willing to go the extra mile for you.