The 7 Secrets To Hiring The Right Tax Relief Attorney

Summary of What a Tax Relief Attorney Can Do for You

Most likely you have a situation in which you owe money to the IRS. A tax relief attorney will make sure that you are on the right path and can forgo some of the penalties you may run into. They are knowledgeable in this area and only a tax relief attorney will have the power to march into court and negotiate tax liens, wage levies and bank garnishment for you. Many times tax lawyers have worked for the IRS previously so they have a promising advantage to knowing what will work for you. 

Secrets to Hiring the Right Tax Relief Attorney

1) Experience - This I see as something that could make or break your case. Make sure that your lawyer has knowledge and experience in tax law. According to the law any attorney can try a case in the US Tax Court. However this would not help you if you find out later that your lawyer does not know the ins and outs of the IRS Tax Laws. 

2) Education - The laws that surround tax are so complex that many tax attorneys  obtain what is called an LLM or a Masters in Taxation. This is a big benefit to you because they took one solid year of taxation classes and will ensure that they are knowledgeable and dedicated to this area. You may also want to look for someone who has additional skills in the financial or accounting arena.

3) Confidentiality - If you hire an accountant and something goes wrong he could be forced to testify against you. In a situation where you have a lawyer representing you there is something called the client-attorney privilege where they cannot testify and everything you share is confidential. 

4) Communication Skills - Not only does a tax relief attorney need to have great lines of communication with you but it will come in handy when they are the liaison between you and the tax authorities. Remember they are there primarily to reach a great deal for your debt relief.   

5) Research Qualifications - Each town or city will have their own local bar associations website so once you have found a bunch of lawyers who might work out do some research on whether or not they have been disciplined or suspended recently. Look also at their credentials and licensing they currently have. The last thing you want to do is hire a lawyer under false pretenses.  

6) Due Diligence - If you really want to experience the way a lawyer works before you have hired them then spend a day in the courtroom and just listen. You may even find one that could work out for your situation. This could be the most effective way to knowing what you are going to get from this lawyer. 

7) Referrals - The confidentiality laws that are put in place prohibit the lawyer you are possibly going to use to give you any of their clients names for referrals. The next best thing is the go to your local bar association to ask them for a list of tax attorneys in the area. Estate planning lawyers are a good source for referrals because many of them have their masters in taxation. 

8) Cost - Always and I repeat always discuss this matter before retaining your lawyer. In some states they are required to have all of costs scheduled before they sign an agreement to represent you. Hourly rates are what most of the lawyers go by but don't assume anything when it comes to the money you may be paying this person in the future. Depending on how complex your situation is with the IRS, some of the attorneys could possibly give you a quote over the phone. Your financial situation could lead you to getting a lawyer that is on the cheap but please just do your homework because the last thing you want is to end up where you started with no tax relief at all. If you figure out that you are pretty low on funds then look for an area that has low income taxpayer clinics. At least you can have some representation to help out with your situation. 

Although there are probably many other tips I could throw at you to finding and hiring a great tax relief attorney these eight should get you started. Things to remember: get everything in writing including a plan and assume nothing that they have told you. Conduct your own investigation to make sure that you are getting exactly what you want from your lawyer and they are the best representation for your case.  Remember you are the one in control of this situation and they are there to give you the upper hand when working with the IRS. Be up front with the lawyer and give him all the facts. Hide nothing because it is only going to hurt you in the long run.  Plus you want to make sure they are capable and equipped to handle your case.  I hope these tips will guide you in your search for the best tax relief attorney.