Tax issues aren’t just paper problems, they’re life problems!
They affect your business, cut into your income, and rob you of sleep. Whether you’re facing an IRS audit, struggling with back taxes, or have received a legal notice and don’t know how to respond, each of these problems take more than a good accountant to address. They involve vigorous legal strategies.
This is where a top rated tax lawyer in Houston can help.
A tax lawyer isn’t just someone who is familiar with tax law, the right tax lawyer is your advocate, educating you about your rights and protecting them, along with your assets, so you can move forward calmly and confidently.
This guide will take a look at how best tax attorneys in Houston assist individuals and businesses with high-stakes tax problems, defend against IRS actions, and set-up prudent, legally sound options. It will also explain the differences among tax attorneys and help you identify the best tax lawyer for your situation.
Why Hire a Tax Lawyer and Not Just a CPA?
When it comes to getting help with taxes, most people think of accountants and CPAs. While they can help with tax filings and bookkeeping, legal tax issues require legal assistance.
You might be facing:
- An audit or IRS investigation
- Tax fraud allegations
- Disagreements over unpaid duties or penalties
- The custody to appeal a tax decision
- Litigating the IRS over complex issues
You need more than fact and calculation. You need someone who understands how to interpret tax law, someone who will defend your rights, and someone who can represent you in court. A certified tax attorney in Houston will come to your aid in this situation.
Tax lawyers are trained both in the law and in the federal tax code. As such, they have a legal framework for litigating, negotiating, or formulating defenses that CPAs do not.
When to Call a Top Rated Tax Lawyer in Houston?
Uncertain whether your circumstances warrant legal assistance? Here are the typical situations business owners and individuals contact a Houston tax litigation attorney:
You’re Being Audited by the IRS
If you have received a notice from the IRS that an audit is pending, having an attorney in place will protect your interests at every step of the process. A IRS tax lawyer Houston who is
familiar with the process will be able to respond to requests, prepare your records, and appropriately handle any appeals.
You Have Back Taxes Owed
If you’ve gotten behind on paying taxes, you may be facing penalties, wage garnishments, and/or liens. Having a lawyer objective of establishing a payment plan or an Offer in Compromise entitlement order that properly fits your circumstances can be a big help.
You Are Being Accused of Tax Fraud
This ICA investigation into tax fraud is one of the most serious charges the IRS can take and will carry a criminal penalty. You will need tax fraud defense counsel in Houston to build strategy for the defense, make evidentiary challenges, and protect your interests to get the best outcome.
You Experience Business Tax Disputes
Whether you are a small business owner or have a large corporation, disputes over payroll taxes, business deductions, or classifications can escalate quickly. A top Houston CPA and tax attorney can represent your company, while also avoiding disruption to business.
What a Highly Reviewed Houston Tax Lawyer Can Actually Do for You?
A tax attorney provides more than just a service, paperwork, and legal assistance. A top rated tax attorney provides:
Tax Problem Resolution with Strategy
A tax attorney will assess your financial condition, identify, evaluate all risk factors, and devise a step-by-step tax resolution plan. In most cases, it does not matter whether the issue is back taxes with or without penalties or an IRS audit about a business.
End of representation with the IRS
One important and significant difference between top Houston CPA and tax attorney is that tax attorneys can represent you directly before the IRS or Texas Comptroller, and they will stop the collection process and assume all communications with the IRS.
Appeals and litigation support
The IRS tax process is bound by rules and regulations. If you are assigned to U.S. Tax Court or an appeals hearing, having your tax attorney represent you will help protect your legal rights.
Tax fraud or criminal defense
If you have been accused of will-full tax evasion, statements or fraud by the IRS or you have been investigated or ruled out for criminal charges a tax attorney can investigate the case you identify reasonable cause, representative evidence, and develop an effective legal defense strategy.
Tax Planning
A tax attorney may also be useful for legal, tax structuring and strategic planning for the next tax year. It also helps you avoid similar situations and ultimately reduce future tax liability.
How to Choose the Best Tax Attorney in Houston?
With so many lawyers to choose from, it may feel overwhelming choosing one. Here’s how to narrow down your search:
- Specialization: You should look for a professional who only does tax law – especially litigation and disputes with the IRS.
- Credentials: Seek out a tax lawyer who is a certified tax attorney or has a CPA and an JD.
- Reputation: Look for highly rated tax lawyers in your area, especially those who have a reputation for working in your local area.
- Transparency: Ask upfront about the payment structure in this case, is it hourly, flat fee, or retainer.
- Experience: Ask about a sample of similar cases they have worked on – especially cases dealing with back taxes, audits or fraud defense.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Legal Help?
When you ignore tax issues, you’re likely to encourage more aggressive actions from the IRS. You may have to deal with any of the following:
- Wage garnishment
- Bank levies
- Tax liens
- Property seizure
The longer you wait, the worse it will be to negotiate favorable resolutions for you, so talking to a top rated tax attorney will help you get ahead of the problem before it gets worse.
Final Thoughts
If you are trying to hire the best tax lawyer in Houston, don’t wait until the IRS is banging on your door. Attaining legal assistance early on can significantly improve your odds of achieving favorable resolution – as well as mitigate more impactful financial harm.
Whether you are a business owner being audited, an individual with back taxes owed or all-together tangled up in a complicated, multifaceted tax situation, the top rated tax lawyer Houston can provide clarity, protection, and peace of mind, at a time when you need it most.