Find Tax Attorney By Jennifer Lynn-Jennings
Paying taxes can be a daunting experience, and many taxpayers find themselves ill-prepared to handle the task. In such cases, a tax attorney can be hired to help wade through the red tape. Lawyers who work in this specialty deal with tax planning and auditing on both personal and business levels. Individuals may opt to work on their taxes without the help of an attorney, but this is inadvisable for smooth business operations.
Hiring a Tax Attorney
Since each state, in addition to the federal government, has its own taxes and laws governing those taxes, the field is complex and best handled by a professional based in that state. Of course, there are lawyers who handle only federal taxes. The type of tax lawyer you should hire depends, simply enough, on the type of taxes over which you are going to court. You may consider hiring the following attorneys in the appropriate instances:
• Income tax charges should be addressed by a “general” tax attorney.
• An employment lawyer can help with business tax issues concerning payroll.
• Estate planning attorneys handle can handle problems with inheritance, gift, or estate taxes.
• If criminal tax charges have been levied against you, your best bet is to hire a criminal lawyer who specializes in white-collar offenses.
When to Consult an Attorney
If your taxes are out of order, you will receive written notification from the applicable government agency. Consult an attorney as soon as you have an indication that you will experience a legal problem regarding your taxes. Bring all paperwork with you, including the notification and past tax returns, so that the lawyer has the most information with which to provide advice. You may also want to consult with a tax specialist as a preventative measure in order to ensure that you will not be audited or face criminal charges due to negligence. Ask for recommendations among the people you know, and be sure to fully check the lawyers' credentials to ensure that they have a good reputation and standing with the state bar.
Additional Legal Services:
Nationwide Find an Attorney Services:
American Bar Association
Service Center
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60610
800-285-2221
Martindale-Hubbell
121 Chanlon Road
New Providence, NJ 07974
800-526-4902 ext. 8001