Do you need a tax attorney? Many people only consult tax attorneys when they’re in serious trouble with the IRS, but you may benefit even if you owe a little bit of money or aren’t clear of how much you owe.
Are you asking, “How do I find a tax attorney near me?” Finding a good tax attorney can be a challenge if you don’t know what to look for. Here are the steps to take and what to consider when looking for a tax attorney in your area.
Reviews and Referrals
One way to find a good tax attorney is to look at reviews from former clients. Do they seem generally happy with their attorney? Or does the attorney have lots of complaints?
Relatives, neighbors, and even coworkers can help direct you to a skilled tax attorney, too. Let everyone know that you’re looking for a lawyer, and you’ll likely end up with plenty of referrals from people you trust.
Choose an Attorney Near You Who Can Help with Your Specific Needs
Consider the attorney’s education and area of practice before you give them a call. Some attorneys only handle business taxes, which means they may not be much help if you’re having trouble with a personal tax issue. Likewise, if you’re looking for a lawyer to help you with estate planning, you may not want to hire someone who only handles tax disputes.
Make Sure the Attorney Can Practice in the Court That Will Hear Your Case
Before you hire anyone, make sure they’re licensed to practice tax law in your case’s jurisdiction. Federal, state, and local governments all handle taxes. If a lawyer is only licensed to work with state tax cases, they might not be much help if you have a federal tax concern.
Check out your state’s attorney registry to find out whether a lawyer is licensed to practice in a certain area.
Verify the Attorney’s Insurance
Not all states require tax lawyers to carry professional liability insurance, but even if yours doesn’t, it’s smart to hire a lawyer who has insurance anyway. This insurance protects the lawyer in the event of a malpractice lawsuit.
Ask When and How They’ll Update You
When asking, “How do I find a tax attorney near me?” consider how the attorney will communicate with you and keep you updated about your case. Will they contact you via email or phone? Ask the lawyer how often they’ll send you updates, too. When you’re under IRS audit or dealing with a hefty unpaid tax bill, few things are worse than waiting on a slow lawyer to tell you what’s going on with your case.
What Does a Tax Attorney Handle?
Tax attorneys are knowledgeable about tax regulations, policies, and laws at the local, state, and federal levels. A tax attorney can:
- Settle unpaid taxes
- Advise you about the tax implications of opening a business, acquiring a property, or transferring an estate
- Remove account levies
- Undo property liens
- Represent you before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the event of an audit or hearing
Many tax attorneys also offer wealth management services, such as:
- Making wills and trusts
- Creating business contracts
- Incorporating businesses
- Advising you about international taxes
Contact Levy & Associates Tax Consultants Today
Still wondering, “How do I find a tax attorney near me?” We know that choosing the right one can be tough, especially when it’s your money on the line.
Our attorneys at Levy & Associates Tax Consultants have years of experience representing clients in both personal and business tax matters. For a consultation in Delray Beach, FL, call (561) 933-6705. If you’re in Lathrup Village, MI, you can reach us at (313) 367-0985.