what kind of lawyer do you need for back taxes

by Joan Lind 7 min read

A tax lawyer has to be a skilled negotiator and knows how to deal with the taxing authorities, sometimes negotiating a manageable tax resolution. Competent tax attorneys will not back down in their negotiations and are not intimidated by government authorities.

Tax attorneys can resolve complex tax issues.
If you're dealing with a serious back tax issue, you need an experienced professional on your side. Tax attorneys specialize in resolving high-level tax problems like wage garnishments, tax liens and levies, and penalty abatement.

Full Answer

When to hire a tax attorney?

Why Hire a Tax Attorney?

  • A Tax Attorney Has Unique Skills. The obvious difference between a tax lawyer and a non-attorney is that I can go to court to fight for my clients, but few ...
  • The Bottom Line: Tax Professionals All Play Different Roles. ...
  • 4 Situations Where You Need a Tax Attorney. ...
  • Need Help With a Tax Issue? ...

How do I find good IRS tax attorney?

You definitely need a tax attorney if:

  • You have a taxable estate, need to make complex estate planning strategies, or need to file an estate tax return.
  • You are starting a business and need legal counsel about the structure and tax treatment of your company.
  • You are engaging in international business and need help with contracts, tax treatment, and other legal matters.

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How can I become a tax attorney?

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED TO BECOME A TAX ATTORNEY?

  • Accounting and Math. Students typically gain these skills before entering law school through undergraduate classes in math or accounting.
  • Communication. Despite the tax code’s complexities, attorneys must know how to explain it to their clients in plain, understandable language to help them make decisions.
  • Critical-thinking and Analysis. ...
  • Research. ...

How to negotiate with the IRS over back taxes?

  • Let the IRS know you’ll pay the debt off within five years – but ideally within two years.
  • Aim higher. ...
  • The regular (usually monthly) tax payment you introduce to the IRS should be tied to existing IRS criteria. ...

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Can back taxes be forgiven?

You might be able to find tax relief through what's called an "offer in compromise." This lets you settle your back taxes with the IRS for less than you owe. According to the IRS, it may be an option if you absolutely can't pay your tax debt or if doing so creates a financial hardship.

How do you get around back taxes?

Here are some of the most common options for people who owe and can't pay.Set up an installment agreement with the IRS. ... Request a short-term extension to pay the full balance. ... Apply for a hardship extension to pay taxes. ... Get a personal loan. ... Borrow from your 401(k). ... Use a debit/credit card.

Can I negotiate my back taxes?

An offer in compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. It may be a legitimate option if you can't pay your full tax liability or doing so creates a financial hardship. We consider your unique set of facts and circumstances: Ability to pay.

Do you need a lawyer to negotiate with IRS?

You have the legal right to represent yourself before the IRS, but most taxpayers have determined that professional help, such as specialized attorneys, accountants, or tax specialists who are experienced in helping taxpayers resolve unpaid tax debts can significantly impact your odds of reaching an acceptable ...

Is there a one time tax forgiveness?

One-time forgiveness, otherwise known as penalty abatement, is an IRS program that waives any penalties facing taxpayers who have made an error in filing an income tax return or paying on time. This program isn't for you if you're notoriously late on filing taxes or have multiple unresolved penalties.

Does the IRS forgive tax debt after 10 years?

In general, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has 10 years to collect unpaid tax debt. After that, the debt is wiped clean from its books and the IRS writes it off. This is called the 10 Year Statute of Limitations. It is not in the financial interest of the IRS to make this statute widely known.

How much will the IRS usually settle for?

Each year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) approves countless Offers in Compromise with taxpayers regarding their past-due tax payments. Basically, the IRS decreases the tax obligation debt owed by a taxpayer in exchange for a lump-sum settlement. The average Offer in Compromise the IRS approved in 2020 was $16,176.

Who qualifies for the IRS Fresh Start Program?

IRS Fresh Start Program QualificationsYou're self-employed and had a drop in income of at least 25%You have an income of less than $100,000 (single)You have an income of less than $200,000 (married)Your tax debt balance is less than $50,000.

What is the minimum payment the IRS will accept?

If you owe less than $10,000 to the IRS, your installment plan will generally be automatically approved as a "guaranteed" installment agreement. Under this type of plan, as long as you pledge to pay off your balance within three years, there is no specific minimum payment required.

How do you qualify for IRS forgiveness?

Who Is Eligible for IRS Tax Debt Forgiveness? Do I Qualify?A tax balance below $50,000.An income cap of $100,000 for single filers.An income cap of $200,000 for married couples filing jointly.A drop in net income of 25 percent for self-employed individuals.

What happens if you owe the IRS more than $50000?

If you owe $50,000 or less, you should be able to get an installment payment plan for 72 months just by asking for it. If you owe more than $50,000, you will have to negotiate with the IRS to get one and provide financial information.

How do I get out of tax debt?

Tax Debt: 3 Steps to Resolve Your Debt With the IRSFile your taxes — even if you can't pay. If you have a balance after crunching the numbers, make sure you still file. ... Make a payment plan, delay payment or settle. ... Tap an expert for assistance.

What do tax lawyers do?

Of course, they specialize in helping people file tax returns and responding to IRS audits, but take a look at all of the ways in which a tax lawyer could assist you! 1. When You Owe Back Taxes.

When do you need to hire a tax lawyer?

1. When You Owe Back Taxes. Not everyone who owes taxes needs to hire a tax lawyer. However, if you find yourself in a position where you owe the IRS an excessive amount of money, you may need to look into. This includes if you owe the IRS money from the year or years below.

What is the penalty for not filing taxes?

The penalty for failing to file is 5% of what you owe for up to five months. After that, the IRS can choose to come after you with criminal or legal charges.

Why don't people file taxes?

Most people who don’t file their taxes fail to do so because they know or suspect they’re going to owe money to the IRS and don’t want to pay it.

What happens if you don't pay taxes?

At this point, if you don’t pay, the IRS will send you a final notice, giving you 30 days to request a hearing with a settlement officer.

What to know about tax law?

Facts to Know About Tax Law and Tax Attorneys. Not many people enjoy watching their hard-earned dollars come out of their paycheck every month. They enjoy it even less when they owe taxes at the end of the year. However, taxes go to some pretty important things that we take for granted in our day to day lives.

What is tax court?

Tax Court is a place where citizens can go to refute any claims, allegations, or charges accrued by the IRS. In the event of small claims for relatively low amounts of money, a tax lawyer probably isn’t necessary.

What kind of services do lawyers provide?

Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases. Some lawyers specialize in one or two types, such as family and divorce law.

Why is it important to have a family lawyer?

It is important in divorce cases for an individual to have a family lawyer representing them to ensure their rights are protected.

Why do you need a lawyer for a contract?

Even in transactional civil matters, such as drafting a contract, a lawyer can be very helpful. A lawyer can make sure contracts are drafted correctly and avoid problems at a later date. A real estate purchase, business purchase, and/or creation of a trademark or copyright will most likely involve a lawyer.

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is an individual who is licensed to practice law in a state. Lawyers are also known as attorneys or an attorney at law. Some lawyers are licensed in multiple states. Some lawyers are admitted to practice at the Federal level as well.

Do lawyers handle different types of cases?

There are many different types of lawyers that handle many different types of cases. Some cases may even overlap practice areas. Most lawyers have experience with a variety of cases and will be able to help you with your needs. Despite the prevalence of “lawyer jokes”, lawyers are service oriented and look out for the best interest of their clients.

Can a lawyer work in a law firm?

Lawyers can work in a law firm with other lawyers, with a partner, or practice by themselves in a solo practice. In most cases, a lawyer will be chosen based on the type of case, or practice area, and the location of the case. Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases.

Is a criminal lawyer necessary?

In serious cases, where punishments are more severe, a criminal lawyer is highly recommended, even necessary. A criminal lawyer can advise an individual on the consequences of conviction or guilty pleas. Some guilty pleas, even to misdemeanor charges, can have long-term consequences.

Why Would I Owe Back Taxes?

The IRS requires that taxpayers file a tax return if they owe any tax. For most individual taxpayers, these taxes generally include income taxes and applicable property taxes.

What Do I Need at Hand If I Want to File?

If you have missed a few tax returns over the last couple of years for one reason or another, don’t fret. While the IRS does aim to collect as many taxes as it can, it can only reasonably demand that taxpayers file back taxes for the last three years.

What Documents Do I Need to File Back Taxes?

When preparing your back taxes, you will need the appropriate tax documents. That means, for example, that you would need the tax return forms for the years 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020. For most taxpayers, these are Form W-2 and Form 1099.

Why File with a Professional Attorney?

Tax attorney services such as Rush Tax Resolution exist to help taxpayers navigate the IRS’s requirements and get back on the service’s good side, with as few penalties and costs as possible.

If You Have a Tax Debt

If your returns end up revealing that you own some money to the IRS after all, working with a tax professional can be a great way to quickly resolve your debt with the IRS by setting up a reasonable short-term or long-term payment plan to minimize penalties and interest.

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