TAX

Find a Tax Law Attorney for IRS Issues

IRS audits · Back taxes · Tax liens · Offers in compromise · Tax fraud defense

Overview

Dealing with the IRS or a state tax authority is stressful, complex, and potentially life-altering. Whether you owe back taxes, face an audit, have received a tax lien or levy, are under investigation for tax fraud, or need to resolve years of unfiled returns, a tax law attorney provides the legal expertise and privilege protections that CPAs and enrolled agents cannot. Lawyer Lead Center matches you with qualified tax attorneys who resolve IRS and state tax problems and protect your assets.

Tax attorneys handle IRS audits and appeals, collection matters (liens, levies, wage garnishments), Offers in Compromise to settle tax debts for less than owed, installment agreements, penalty abatement, innocent spouse relief, tax court litigation, criminal tax investigations and defense, international tax compliance (FBAR, FATCA), and business tax planning and disputes.

Important: Lawyer Lead Center is a legal referral service, not a law firm. The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Results vary depending on the facts of your case, applicable law, and the attorney you retain. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice specific to your situation.

Key Reference Information

Tax IssueIRS Program / RemedyKey RequirementAttorney's Advantage
Back Taxes OwedInstallment Agreement / OICFinancial disclosureNegotiate best terms
IRS AuditExamination responseDocumentationPrivilege + strategy
Tax LienLien discharge / subordinationCurrently compliantAsset protection
Wage Levy / Bank LevyCollection Due Process appealFile within 30 daysStop / release levy
Tax Fraud / CriminalVoluntary disclosure / defenseAct before indictmentCriminal defense

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Offer in Compromise?+
An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is an IRS program that allows qualifying taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed. The IRS accepts OICs when the offered amount represents the most it can reasonably expect to collect. An attorney calculates your Reasonable Collection Potential and negotiates the best possible offer.
Should I respond to an IRS audit myself?+
You can, but it is risky. Anything you say to the IRS can be used against you, and inexperienced responses often expand an audit into additional years or issues. An attorney's communications with the IRS are protected by attorney-client privilege, which CPAs do not have.
What happens if I don't pay my taxes?+
The IRS and state tax authorities have powerful collection tools: filing federal tax liens against your property, levying your bank accounts, garnishing your wages, and seizing assets. An attorney can halt collection action through appeals and negotiate resolutions before these steps occur.
What is penalty abatement?+
The IRS can waive certain penalties for taxpayers who had reasonable cause for non-compliance or who qualify for First Time Abatement (FTA) — a one-time waiver for taxpayers with a clean compliance history. An attorney prepares and submits abatement requests that maximize penalty reduction.
Can I go to jail for not paying taxes?+
Failing to pay taxes generally results in civil penalties and collection action, not jail. Tax evasion — willfully misrepresenting income or filing fraudulent returns — is a criminal offense that can result in prosecution. If you receive a summons or learn you are under criminal investigation, contact a tax attorney immediately.