Hiring a Tax Lawyer for Tax Debt Resolution

Last updated on July 30, 2021

Taxpayers who have been through tax debt resolution know the importance of hiring a tax lawyer. They not only help taxpayers in finding the right solution to their tax debt problem, but also negotiate with the IRS to get maximum benefit to taxpayers under an agreement with the IRS.

When to Hire a Tax Lawyer

Although simple tax debt problems can be resolved by taxpayers themselves, for complicated tax debt issues, taking help from a tax expert provide best results. Tax lawyers such as tax attorneys and enrolled agents have the legal right to represent taxpayers before any administrative level of the IRS. They have deep knowledge of American tax laws, tax codes and IRS policies, which is essential in resolving a tax debt problem. Hiring a tax lawyer means taxpayers get the best possible solution to their tax debt problem.

Mostly, taxpayers seek help in reducing their tax debt, reducing IRS penalties, extending the time of collection of tax debt and appealing against an IRS stance regarding tax debt. Having a tax lawyer to communicate with the IRS on a taxpayer’s behalf helps in early and effective resolution of a tax debt problem.

Qualifications of a Tax Lawyer

A tax attorney is required to have a juris doctorate degree (J.D.) or a degree in law. A tax lawyer who deals with tax cases has masters of laws degree with specialization in taxation. Every practicing tax lawyer must become registered by the state bar and receive license to appear before the court. All tax attorneys have the legal right to represent their client before the IRS.

An enrolled agent is a tax specialist who is authorized by the federal government to represent taxpayer before the IRS. They must pass a three-part IRS test that covers individual and business tax returns or have experience as a former IRS employee. An enrolled agent is required to complete 72 hours of continuing education courses in every three years and is required to stick to ethical standards. The status of an enrolled agent is the highest credential the IRS awards.

Only tax attorneys, enrolled agents and certified public accountants (CPAs) have the right to represent taxpayers before the IRS. They have unrestricted rights to which taxpayers they represent, to which IRS offices they represent their clients before and what kind of tax issues they choose to handle.

Services of a Tax Lawyer

A tax lawyer might work alone or with a tax company. It is better to hire the services of a tax lawyer who is a part of a tax company because a tax company pools in the services of many tax experts. It helps in better, smooth and speedy resolution of a tax debt problem.

Taxpayers are advised to check the qualifications, experience and success rate of the tax lawyer they are looking to hire. A competent tax lawyer can effectively negotiate with the IRS and save taxpayers’ valuable time and money.