Finding a tax attorney is a smart move for all sorts of options. To be clear, hiring a tax attorney doesn’t mean you are choosing a last resort option. On the contrary, a tax professional can help you navigate a variety of financial scenarios.
And it is no secret that there are a plethora of reasons for hiring a tax attorney. And similarly, there is a significant variety of tax attorneys to choose from. So how do you find a good tax attorney that has your best interests in focus? We are glad you asked.
Firstly, let’s establish what a tax attorney is, and identify some of the ways you can benefit from their services.
How Tax Attorneys Benefit You
As mentioned, a tax attorney is more than a last resort. A tax attorney can be involved at any step of the process, including early on financial planning. Sure, financial planning is a general phrase that can be widely applied, but that is also the point. Financial planning should be tailored to your situation.
You might require assistance with estate planning, for example. There are many tax situations that apply to estate planning that need to be worked out or negotiated. Or you might have had a tricky year with self-employment, and you need help filing taxes.
Filing income taxes is a more or less standard process. Or rather, it is at least a mandatory process each year. Even so, there are many details to consider and many avenues and options available to you. A tax attorney can help you make the choices that make the most sense for your particular situation.
Ultimately, tax attorneys can help you with back taxes or other tax issues you might be facing. For example, they have the power to represent you in front of the IRS, handling your communication if need be. Further, they can provide various options that pertain to your situation that you didn’t realize you had.
Simply put, there are all sorts of tax attorneys who have all sorts of specialties. Finding a tax lawyer who can improve your scenario is what matters. And that brings us back to your question. How do you choose the tax attorney that is right for you?
How to Find a Good Tax Attorney
You can look up this question on the internet and you will see all sorts of answers. As noted, everyone’s tax situation is unique. But, as professionals in the industry, we have seen a few common scenarios. This list represents some of the most common steps we feel speak to the process as a whole.
1. Don’t Get Hung Up On Sticker Shock
There are some places (Such as Innovative Tax Relief) that offer free consultations. We feel this is important because it demonstrates that a tax professional wants to hear you before charging you. However, there is no question that hiring a tax attorney or tax professional will cost money in some way or another.
What you don’t want to do is simply try and find the cheapest tax attorney or tax professional on the market. Remember, you are speaking with a tax professional for money-related items. At the end of the day, you are likely here because you owe the IRS a tax liability of some sort.
Therefore, you want to find a tax professional you connect with, and who has the experience to get the job done. The cheapest attorney likely won’t be the one who settles your problem accordingly. The result will be you just paying more to the IRS.
2. Know the Qualifications
A tax attorney is not the same as a CPA, which is a common misconception. A tax attorney has a law degree and has passed the state bar exam. To be clear, this doesn’t mean they have to be affiliated with a law firm.
Legal matters are a major aspect of tax problems, and you want someone who knows all the ins and outs. When looking to find a reputable tax attorney or tax professional, make sure they are actually licensed to represent before the IRS.
3. Look for Transparency
A free consultation is merely one aspect of whether a reputable tax attorney or tax professional is transparent. After all, you are open with them about your financial situation. Likewise, they should be open with you about your options.
Remember, you have many options. Any tax attorney that represents an end-of-the-road scenario is likely not being transparent. Find a tax attorney or tax professional who will help you see the entire picture, not just an immediate danger.
4. Be Comfortable
At the end of the day, there are many tax attorneys who are qualified and experienced. These are absolute musts when it comes to choosing a tax attorney or tax professional. But, just as important, they need to make you feel comfortable.
Handling tax matters can be a delicate and personal time, regardless of your situation. You want to find a tax attorney or tax professional who can appreciate the intimacy of the situation. Overall, you should feel comfortable with your tax professional, and with the process overall.
5. Ask Questions
Tax attorneys will provide you with tons of information, which is good. But remember, they are professionals, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. This means asking about things you might not have a grasp on, in addition to other considerations you have.
For instance, a plan might be laid out in a consultation. On one hand, that is excellent news. On the other hand, do you clearly understand this plan? Rather than just accepting that things are taken care of, make sure you understand why.
When it comes to choosing a tax attorney, pay attention to how they answer your questions. Are they insightful and helpful? You are going to have a relationship with this person (or team). Because of this, being free to ask questions is an important factor to consider.
Schedule a Free Consultation
We understand that the world of tax liability can seem scary and even overwhelming. But we want to emphasize that it doesn’t have to feel this way. With the right tax professionals in your corner, it should feel like progress is being made. After all, that’s precisely what’s happening.
Reach out to the professionals at Innovative Tax Relief today and let us help you navigate your financial situation with confidence. We provide free consultations because we want to know where you stand. And we want you to know it as well. We feel you deserve to know what your options are.
And remember, you do have options!
Schedule a free consultation today, and get back on track when it comes to your financial stability.