When you got out of bed this morning, you probably didn’t expect to find a tax relief attorney. The most common reasons someone might seek a tax relief attorney is to receive a letter from the IRS for a tax return or to get an audit. An audit can be the result of one or more of your previous tax returns. Under no circumstances should you seek the services of a reputable IRS tax relief attorney.
Communication with the IRS
A tax relief attorney communicates with the IRS on your behalf. They can assist you by being present during your audit and help negotiate a settlement if necessary. If you are a taxpayer who ignores notices and letters from the IRS, they can threaten you with criminal prosecution up to and including tax evasion. Once you know you are the target of an IRS investigation, you will need to hire or consult a tax professional or attorney.
Your attorney will reassure the IRS that the investigation is being taken seriously. They will also work closely with the IRS to ensure your audit goes smoothly and help you reduce your tax returns and receive an affordable amount.
Offer in Compromise Agreement
An offer in compromise (OIC) is a type of agreement made between the IRS and a taxpayer to settle a tax liability for less than the amount owed. To qualify for the OIC, you and your attorney will need to prove to the IRS that:
- You can’t pay them the full amount they ask for – either through a lump sum payment or a payment arrangement from time to time.
- There are doubts about the total amount of tax liability.
- Due to exceptional circumstances, full payment will cause economic hardship, be unfair or unfair.
To qualify for OIC, you and your tax relief attorney will need to file and pay an application fee if it applies to your circumstances.
Tax Avoidance and Fraud
Tax evasion and tax fraud are both criminal offenses imposed by the IRS when a citizen refuses to file a tax return, pay taxes, or fails to disclose all sources of income. Charges come with fines, interest on taxes owed, prosecution fees, and even detention. If you find that an IRS agent has been dispatched to your home or office, the time has come for you to hire an IRS tax attorney.
You should not attempt to handle this type of accusation or investigation yourself. Unknowingly, you could be putting yourself further in the face by speaking to an IRS official alone, so it’s always advisable to have a tax attorney present when speaking with the IRS. IRS tax relief attorneys understand the laws relating to your specific tax case and can argue your case in the way that is most favorable to your situation and provides you with the best possible outcome. So, if you’ve recently been audited by the IRS or owe a lot of back taxes that you can’t afford, contact a tax relief attorney today.