Should you be in need of a tax lawyer, you don’t want to settle for just anyone. The outcome of what you owe the IRS and the arrangements for payment can be affected by who you work with. These tips will help you to find a quality tax lawyer that you can depend on.
Find Several Lawyers
You should be able to find several tax lawyers that are available. Look online, in the yellow pages, and ask other people that you know for referrals. Compile a list of at least 5 of them that you can contact. Write down their names, locations, hours, and website information.
Evaluate Each Lawyer on your List
Take that list and evaluate each tax lawyer that is on it. You want to be able to find out how long they have been in business. You also want to find out about their credentials. You should be able to find plenty of great information online. Try to find BBB reviews too by other clients of a particular tax lawyer. What you will often find out is that you can find great information that way.
Don’t forget to check out the Better Business Bureau as well. There you can find out if there are any complaints about any of the tax lawyers on your list. Mark out any of them that you can’t find any information on or that you find lots of negative information about.
Schedule Free Initial Consultations
Those lawyers that are still on your list should be contacted to schedule free initial consultations. Don’t put off doing this as it may take a couple of weeks before they have any opening that fits your schedule. You should be able to schedule such a consultation online or over the phone.
Make sure you arrive on time for the free initial consultations and that you are prepared. This is your window of opportunity to share your story and to get information. You aren’t obligated to work with any of the tax lawyers you meet with so keep that in mind too.
Have Questions Ready to Ask
It is a good idea to have questions ready to ask for each tax lawyer that you consult with. You want to find out how they may be able to best help you with your particular tax situation. Don’t be shy about asking them for information. You need to feel confident they can handle your type of tax situation. You also want to feel comfortable that they are able to take on your case with the volume of other cases they have committed to at that point in time.
Find out their Experience
You can find out the credentials of a tax lawyer online. For example, where they went to school and when they got their licensing. Yet you want to find out more about their tax relief experience. Ask them how many cases they have represented. Ask them about the outcome of their cases. Ask them about why they enjoy that type of law.
Select Someone on Merit and on Communication Style
As you go to these consultations, hopefully one or two of the tax lawyers will seem better than the rest. You can select one of them based on their merit. Their communication style is important too. You will be working very closely with them on your tax situation, so you want to have representation that you feel very comfortable talking to.
However, you want someone with a solid reputation too. They need to be able to follow through with what they tell you they can do. You need more than just a smooth talker that offers empty promises. Lastly, you should get an engagement agreement in writing explaining the scope of work to be done.
Cost
Once you select your tax lawyer, you do need to talk to them about the cost. Many of them will ask for a retainer fee upfront. Then they will be willing to work with you on the payment for the rest. Be honest about your finances and you will often find that they are willing to work out some arrangement that isn’t going to be a burden on your budget.
Mike Habib, EA is an IRS licensed Enrolled Agent and focuses his tax practice on IRS tax controversy and IRS appeal matters; he would be your power of attorney and represent you before all administrative levels of the IRS. Mike has the tax relief experience and specialized skill set to assist you. You can reach him directly at 877-788-2937.