The need for hiring a tax attorney is great in Orange County, California than it is in any other area of the United States. Nobody knows for sure why this is the case, but it is by no means a surprise since taxes are rather complicated for residents and business owners residing in the OC.
If you’re in the market for a tax relief attorney in Orange County, doing the proper research ahead of time is imperative. Maybe you have no idea where to even start when searching for a reputable tax lawyer in your area. Unfortunately, we can’t decide on one for you, but we can at least assist you with the decision-making process.
The Main Reasons to Hire a Tax Attorney vs CPA
Most people will never require the services of a tax attorney, but some will need their services frequently. The most common reason for hiring a professional like this is trouble with the IRS. A tax attorney will provide attorney-client privilege, meaning the attorney does not have to testify against you if the case is taken to court.
You might not realize it now, but if you are ever taken to court by the IRS, a normal CPA might be required to testify against you. That’s the main difference between working with a CPA or spending a bit more and hiring a tax attorney.
Another reason to opt for an attorney rather than a CPA is because a lawyer knows the right moves to make when achieving a settlement. A CPA will likely be familiar with settlement procedures, but CPAs have very little experience on this compared to tax lawyers. Tax laws are extremely complex, and you can’t expect a CPA to have complete knowledge of them.
When to Hire a Tax Attorney
If you are in a bad position with the IRS, hiring a tax attorney is a good idea. Just remember that not all lawyers are created equal, and the one you choose could make or break your case. For this reason, you should always ask the necessary questions during your initial consultation with a lawyer.
Communicating with the IRS will be challenging on your own, but IRS agents tend to be much more communicative with lawyers. A lawyer has the proper resources, knowledge, and connections to resolve the issue quickly and keep you out of hot water with the Internal Revenue Service.
If you receive an audit from the IRS, this is the perfect time to start your search for a tax attorney in your area. An audit does not mean that you have actually been convicted of anything, just that you are under suspicion from the government. An attorney has the power to make this suspicion go away and clear the water.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tax Relief Attorney
Before hiring an attorney, you need to ensure that this individual is well-versed in the field. Here are a few questions you can ask to make that happen:
- How much experience does the attorney have?
- Do you feel comfortable working alongside the attorney?
- What is the cost? Does the firm offer a payment plan?
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