5 ways an IRS tax relief attorney can help you
A tax relief attorney specializes in helping people resolve tax issues with the Internal Revenue Service. They can help you navigate complex tax issues, negotiate with the IRS, and find the best solutions to reduce or eliminate your tax debt.
Why Dealing with IRS Tax Issues is Stressful
Dealing with IRS tax issues can be incredibly stressful. Most people understand there can be severe consequences such as financial penalties, asset seizure, and legal action.
Tax law is notoriously complex and dealing with the IRS is tedious and time consuming. The power and resources of the IRS can make you feel overwhelmed and powerless in resolving your tax issues.
The Role of an IRS Tax Relief Attorney
An IRS tax relief attorney plays a crucial role in understanding and resolving tax issues, addressing common problems like unpaid taxes, audits, and penalties, and mitigating the severe consequences of ignoring these issues. By providing expert legal advice, negotiation, and representation, tax attorneys help clients navigate the complexities of the tax system and achieve financial relief and peace of mind.
Understanding IRS Tax Issues
A tax relief attorney specializes in tax laws and IRS regulations. They will start by evaluating your financial situation, reviewing past tax returns, and identifying discrepancies or issues. They can then recommend the best course of action to resolve tax issues, whether through negotiation, settlement, or legal defense. It is their job to keep up with changes in tax laws and IRS procedures to provide accurate and effective advice.
Common Tax Problems
IRS tax relief attorneys frequently deal with a range of common tax problems including unpaid taxes, audits, tax liens and levies, penalties and interest, unfiled tax returns, and innocent spouse relief.
Consequences of Ignoring Tax Issues
Ignoring tax issues can lead to severe consequences, including financial penalties, tax liens, asset seizure, and legal action. Additionally, the ongoing stress of unresolved tax issues can affect personal and professional life, leading to significant emotional strain.
How Can an IRS Tax Relief Attorney Help You?
An IRS tax relief attorney plays a crucial role in negotiating with the IRS on behalf of individuals and businesses facing tax issues. An attorney will thoroughly review your tax records, financial documents, and any correspondence from the IRS to understand the full scope of your tax issues. Based on the assessment, the attorney will identify the most appropriate solutions and negotiation strategies for your specific situation. Experienced attorneys have handled numerous cases similar to yours, allowing them to anticipate challenges and develop effective strategies.
Expert Representation in Negotiations with the IRS
Your attorney will take over all communication with the IRS, ensuring all correspondence is handled professionally and accurately. They will negotiate terms with IRS agents, using their expertise to advocate for the best possible outcome for you.
Your attorney can negotiate an Offer in Compromise, allowing you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed. If you cannot pay your tax debt in a lump sum, your attorney can negotiate an installment agreement with the IRS, arranging for manageable monthly payments.
In situations where one spouse is unfairly burdened with tax liabilities due to the other spouse’s actions, an attorney can help file for innocent spouse relief.
An IRS tax relief attorney can significantly enhance your ability to negotiate with the IRS. They handle all communication, develop effective strategies, and represent your best interests, ensuring that you achieve the most favorable outcome possible. Whether it’s negotiating settlements, resolving audits, or addressing liens and levies, a skilled tax relief attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the tax system and secure financial relief.
Assistance in Filing Back Taxes
If you have unfiled tax returns, a tax attorney can assist in preparing and filing these returns accurately to bring you into compliance with IRS requirements. Once the returns are filed, they can negotiate payment plans or other resolutions for the resulting tax liabilities.
Helping You Qualify for Tax Relief Programs
An attorney will fully evaluate your situation and help you understand if there are tax relief programs that may apply to your situation. If so, they can help guide you through that process as well.
Reducing Penalties and Interest
An experienced tax attorney can negotiate with the IRS to reduce or eliminate penalties and interest on your tax debt by demonstrating reasonable cause or other qualifying factors.
Legal Support During Tax Audits
Your attorney will represent you during the audit, ensuring that your rights are protected and that the audit is conducted fairly.
How an Attorney Can Help Before, During, and After the Audit
An IRS audit can be a daunting experience, but a tax attorney can provide crucial support at every stage of the process.
Before the audit, your attorney can help with all pre-audit preparation and will pinpoint any areas of concern that might attract the IRS’s attention, such as discrepancies or unusual deductions. Your attorney will develop an audit strategy and respond to all notices from the IRS.
During the audit, your attorney will represent you in all communications and meetings with the IRS, ensuring your rights are protected. Additionally, your attorney will submit all requested documentation and explain any complexities in your financial records or tax returns to the IRS auditor. If the IRS proposes adjustments, your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to minimize any additional tax liability. Your attorney will work to resolve disputes over specific items or deductions, leveraging their knowledge of tax law to argue your case.
After the audit, your attorney will review the audit findings to understand any proposed changes to your tax liability. If you disagree with the audit finding, your attorney can file an appeal and represent you during the appeals process, negotiating with IRS appeals officers to seek a favorable resolution.
A tax attorney can provide invaluable support before, during, and after an IRS audit. Their expertise and experience ensure that your rights are protected, your case is presented effectively, and you achieve the best possible outcome.
How Much Does an IRS Tax Relief Attorney Cost?
The cost of hiring an attorney varies based on the complexity of your case, the attorney's experience, and your location. Investing in a qualified attorney can provide significant relief and potentially save you a substantial amount on your tax debt.
How Quickly Can Someone Expect Relief?
The timeline for obtaining relief once you hire an attorney can vary significantly based on several factors. An initial consultation and case assessment usually only takes one or two weeks. Next, the attorney will contact the IRS on your behalf, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
If needed, your attorney will help you prepare and file any back taxes, which can take several weeks depending on the complexity of your returns and the number of years you need to file. Once back taxes have been filed, the IRS usually processes returns within six to eight weeks.
Next, your attorney will prepare and submit an Offer in Compromise (OIC) to the IRS. The IRS often takes several months to review and respond to an OIC. Setting up an installment agreement is usually quicker than an OIC. If your attorney negotiates a payment plan with the IRS, it can be finalized within a few months.
If you qualify for penalty abatement, your attorney will file the necessary paperwork and negotiate with the IRS. The time for approval or denial can vary, but it typically takes several months. Your attorney can also negotiate with the IRS to remove tax liens or levies. The timeline for this process depends on the IRS’s responsiveness and the complexity of your case.
If you are under audit, your attorney will gather documentation, communicate with the IRS, and represent you throughout the audit process. The length of an audit can vary significantly based on its complexity.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, your attorney can help you apply for Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. This process typically takes a few months to be reviewed and approved by the IRS.
The timeline for obtaining relief from IRS tax issues once you hire an IRS tax attorney can range from a few weeks to over a year, depending on the complexity of your case and the specific relief sought. Initial contact with the IRS and the filing of necessary paperwork can happen relatively quickly, but more complex negotiations and settlements, such as Offers in Compromise or penalty abatements, can take several months to a year. Working with a skilled and experienced attorney can help expedite the process and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
