Questions to ask while hiring a Tax Attorney
Tax lawyers are legal experts who assist with tax preparation and represent clients before the IRS. They are among the top resources for assistance with tax issues.
Finding a competent tax attorney to handle your case might be difficult when you don’t know where to go. Find out when it’s best to hire a tax lawyer and how to pick one who will be a good fit for all your needs.
When to Consult a Tax Lawyer
When you might want to think about employing a tax lawyer, for instance:
- If the IRS has filed criminal charges against you for actions such as tax evasion, failure to submit returns, falsifying deductions, or other types of tax fraud
- If you require someone to speak on your behalf when speaking with the IRS
- When you wish to bargain for tax relief or contest taxes
- When you intend to launch a business
- When you require assistance with estate planning
This is an exhaustive list of the benefits of hiring a tax lawyer. Learn more about the services offered by your tax attorney to see how they might be able to assist you.
Top 5 Questions
However, you’ll need to study to discover a trustworthy tax lawyer committed to your cause. Here is a list of five queries to ask a tax lawyer to streamline your search and aid in choosing the ideal expert.
What level of knowledge and experience do you possess?
A tax lawyer must unquestionably possess the knowledge and experience you require in the field. For instance, if you need an attorney to negotiate with the IRS for an offer in compromise but have experience in salary garnishment, they won’t be much use.
Always be sure that a lawyer has extensive expertise in the area of law you need, even if they are a specialist in that area. It would be best if you enquired about the tax lawyer’s area of specialization and duration of experience when choosing them.
Have you ever dealt with a circumstance like this?
A tax lawyer might know the area you’re looking for. However, they may have never dealt with a situation like yours. Before selecting a tax lawyer, you should always inquire about their experience with similar cases. If they haven’t, you must carefully assess whether or not you want to use their services.
Has someone filed a complaint or a lawsuit against you?
You must be sure that the tax lawyer you choose is trustworthy. Therefore, don’t be afraid to inquire if they have ever been the target of a lawsuit while operating their business. A lawsuit against an attorney does not necessarily imply that they are dishonest; however, it is always worth checking.
Do you promptly return calls or emails?
For their clients, a reputable tax lawyer should be simple to contact via phone or email. Serious tax conflicts with the IRS exist. Therefore, you don’t want to hire a lawyer who is challenging you to get a hold of. A tax lawyer should email you to let you know if they are having trouble answering your calls.
Are your rates hourly or fixed?
Lastly, always ask a tax lawyer whether their rates are set or determined by the quantity of work they do. Clarity regarding payment guarantees good trust between the parties and eliminates misunderstandings between you and the lawyer.
Conclusion
Tax-related problems can be unpleasant, and while you can fix some issues on your own in some circumstances, it’s usually advisable to seek professional assistance in others. In the case of complex tax concerns, it is important to consider employing a tax attorney. For instance, a tax lawyer will be your best option if you require legal representation to challenge a tax audit. Tax Attorney