Tax matters can go beyond simple accounting and financial reporting. As a business owner, you may not even be aware of many complex issues relating to compliance and applicability of taxation laws. When you are caught in a daunting taxation battle, victory can appear to be a far-fetched idea without legal advice from a tax expert. But how can you find the perfect tax attorney when you need one?
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How Can You Find the Perfect Tax Attorney for Your Business?
You may need a tax attorney to defend your business in a tax dispute, and to ensure that you don’t end up paying more taxes than you are legally bound to. Tax attorneys also offer legal services like drafting personal wills and advice on financial planning and tax savings. They can also give advice on tax implications of international business and contracts. In criminal tax litigation, the perfect tax attorney will represent you before the court.
Tax matters can have major legal consequences. You need sound legal advice to defend your financial interests and for tax planning. A seasoned tax attorney is well-equipped for resolution of your tax matters, confidently and confidentially.
Looking for a Tax Attorney, but Clueless?
Here are some practical tips to help you choose the perfect tax attorney for your business.
Qualifications and Certifications
A tax attorney is a highly educated and trained professional. Besides having a juris doctor degree, the perfect tax attorney will have specialization in taxation laws. A master’s degree or LL.M. in taxation is indicative of a highly specialized tax professional.
You should check that a reputable institution has awarded the tax attorney his or her degrees. Some tax attorneys who are also certified public accountants can give reliable advice in terms of financial planning and best accounting practices for your business.
License and Membership
Before beginning practice, lawyers and attorneys are certified by the bar of the state where they will practice law. Tax attorneys often take the state bar exam with their chosen areas of specialization. For example, they might specialize in finance, corporate and personal tax, international tax, and so on for getting a certification. Attorneys must also complete continuing legal education requirements from time to time to retain their active membership with the state bar.
If a tax attorney is affiliated with professional organizations like the National Association of Tax Professionals, they will likely have good knowledge of current taxation issues and latest precedents. This could make that tax attorney perfect for your needs.
Area of Expertise
Certificates and qualifications aside, you should choose a tax attorney who has a high level of expertise in dealing with specific tax matters. Your business concern may be very specific, like an IRS audit. In that case, you should hire a tax attorney who frequently deals with IRS authorities. The perfect tax attorney for you will understand the practicalities of the official system.
Similarly, if you want to hire a tax attorney for advice regarding the tax implications of a property sale, you should consider a tax attorney familiar with property and wealth management.
Experience
Hiring a fresh state bar exam qualifier is not the best decision when dealing with complex tax disputes. You should always consider hiring a tax attorney with considerable years of practice in the field. So search the Internet and figure out the years of experience and areas of expertise of tax attorneys.
Recommendations
It may not be possible to run a thorough background check of a tax attorney you shortlisted from the local directory listings. So run an Internet search and look for client reviews on Google or on the attorney’s website.
Be cautious of fake reviews and scam websites offering tax relief. It will be much better if you can get a trusted friend or family member to recommend a good tax attorney.
Fees
Your finances and budget will influence your decision for hiring an attorney. Services of an experienced attorney specializing in the taxation niche can be quite expensive. Therefore, inquire about the fees a tax attorney will charge straight away. Also, discuss payment options in detail. You should choose an attorney who is affordable and flexible.
Bonus: Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tax Attorney
Ready to hire the perfect tax attorney? Here are some questions to ask an attorney before you solicit their legal advice.
- Do you have a valid state bar license?
- What is your area of specialization?
- What are the fees for your service? Is there any option for flexible payments?
- Do you have any affiliations with professional organizations?
- Have you dealt a similar matter before?
- Are you available for consultation in the coming days?
Conclusion
Follow our suggestions here to find the perfect tax attorney for your business.
