With tax season right around the corner, many are currently scrambling to prepare for the inevitable stress and hassle of the season. Tax season is the time of preparation leading up to the deadline to file taxes, and there is a lot of work in store for many Americans. One of the greatest assets in this complicated process is a tax attorney. A tax attorney is a lawyer that specializes in helping clients navigate the legal world of taxes. They can represent clients in tax cases, provide clients with important information, and more. But how do you choose the right tax attorney?
Not every tax attorney will be right for you, though. If you are looking to have a tax attorney help you through the ups and downs of dealing with the IRS and filing taxes, you need to find the right fit. Finding a tax attorney who is the right partner for your needs will require some digging and research, but the right one is out there. Let’s look at some of the important factors to consider when choosing a tax attorney that is right for you.
5 Tips To Choose The Right Tax Attorney
Understand Your Unique Situation
First and foremost, before you even start looking for a tax attorney, you should have a comprehensive understanding of exactly what you are looking for. This will help you find someone adept at the things you need them to be. Does your need for a tax attorney stem from a dispute with the IRS? If so, you need a tax attorney capable of disputing it. If the IRS is auditing you, you will also need a tax attorney experienced at handling situations with this large regulatory body. Before you find a tax attorney, consider what exactly you need a tax attorney for. This goes a long way to ensuring you find the right one.
They are Experts in the Right Area
Once you’ve figured out exactly what your situation is and what you need, it is time to start looking for a tax attorney that is an expert within that specific area. While all tax attorneys have comprehensive knowledge of the laws and general best practices regarding taxes, some specialize in certain areas. Some tax attorneys specialize in helping businesses that are being audited or in disputes with the IRS. Others build their business around estate planning and the various taxation laws surrounding it. Find a tax attorney specializing in the area you need them to get the best possible results.
On Budget
Attorneys can be expensive! While a tax attorney provides significant value, often much more than what you will be paying them, it is still important that you find a tax attorney that aligns with your budgetary requirements. There are many tax attorneys out there, and if you spend enough time researching, you can certainly find one that meets your budgetary needs. Certain things will cost more than others; for example, if you are in serious trouble with the IRS, you are likely going to need to pay more than someone who is seeking advice on their returns this year. However, acting fast is critical if you are in hot water over taxes.
Understands Tax Laws in Your Jurisdiction
Like many other kinds of law, location is important with tax law. If you are a resident of Tennessee, partnering with a tax attorney in New York isn’t going to be to your benefit. Tax law differs from state to state and country to country. That is why you must find a tax attorney who understands your jurisdiction’s rules and regulations. This isn’t hard to do, but it is important. Every state has tax attorneys, try and find the best tax attorneys in your state. For example, if you are a Tennessee resident, the team at Stephen Byrd is a highly-experienced law firm that specializes in several critical areas of Tennessee tax law.
Puts You First
A tax attorney is an important partner in the exhausting process of dealing with the legal aspects of taxation. Taxes can be remarkably confusing, and navigating it all is not easy. That is why tax attorneys are important. When looking for a tax attorney, you should seek out someone who will be a reliable, committed partner throughout the process and put you first. The right tax attorney will be someone you feel you can trust and rely on throughout the stressful experience of dealing with the legal system. This will be dependent on your own feelings, but finding the right attorney can make all the difference in the world.