When and Why You Need to Hire an IRS Tax Relief Attorney

When you got out of bed this morning, you probably were not expecting to be looking for a tax relief attorney. The most common reason one might seek a tax relief attorney is receiving a letter from the IRS for back taxes dues or getting an audit. The audit can be a result of one or several of your past tax returns. In either situation, you should seek the services of a reputable IRS tax relief attorney.

Communications with the IRS

A tax relief attorney communicates with the IRS on your behalf. They can help you by being present during your audit and help negotiate settlements if necessary. If you are a taxpayer who has ignored notices and letters from the IRS, they may threaten you with criminal charges up to and including tax evasion. Once you know you are the target of an IRS investigation, you need to hire or consult with a tax professional or lawyer.

Your attorney will reassure the IRS that the investigation is being taken seriously. They will also work alongside the IRS to make sure your audit goes smoothly and help you reduce your back taxes and settle for an affordable number.

Offer in Compromise Agreement

An offer in compromise (OIC) is a type of agreement made between the IRS and the taxpayer to settle the tax liabilities for less than the amount owed. To qualify for the OIC, you and your attorney will need to prove to the IRS that:

• You are not able to pay the entire amount they ask for – either through a lump sum or payment arrangement over time.
• There is doubt about the total amount of tax liability.
• Due to exceptional circumstances, the payment in full would cause economic hardship, be unfair, or inequitable.

To qualify for the OIC, you and your tax relief attorney will need to apply and pay the application fee if it applies to your circumstances.

Tax Evasion and Fraud

Tax evasion and tax fraud are both criminal offenses that the IRS charges when citizens refuse to file tax returns, pay taxes, or fail to reveal all income sources. The charges come with fines, interest on the taxes owed, prosecution fees, and even incarceration. If you find that IRS agents have been sent to your home or office, the time has come for you to hire an IRS tax attorney.

You should never try to handle these types of charges or investigations on your own. Without realizing it, you could further incriminate yourself by speaking to IRS officials alone, so it is always recommend to have a tax lawyer present when speaking to the IRS. IRS tax relief attorneys understand the laws that pertain to your specific tax case and can argue your case in the way most favorable to your situation and get you the best outcome. So, if you have been recently audited by the IRS or owe a lot of back taxes that you can’t afford to pay, contact a tax relief lawyer today.