When to hire a tax attorney
For routine returns, a CPA or enrolled agent is usually enough. A tax attorney is valuable if you face an IRS audit with significant money at stake, a tax court case, possible criminal exposure, large tax debts, or complex business and estate tax planning. Communications with a lawyer may be protected by attorney-client privilege.
Questions to ask a tax lawyer
- Have you represented clients in audits or tax court cases like mine?
- Should I speak to the tax authority myself, or let you handle all contact?
- Is a payment plan or settlement of the debt realistic?
- Do you work with an accountant, or do I need my own?