| IRS Audit Rule No. 1 states "DO NOT GO to an IRS | | | | experts in the field where you need help with IRS |
| audit without IRS Representation." IRS Audit Rule No.2 | | | | problems. For example, if you have problems regarding |
| states "DO NOT GO to an IRS audit without IRS | | | | income tax, you need to find an income tax lawyer. |
| Representation." The importance of going to the IRS | | | | Make sure that he/she has had extensive experience |
| with proper representation cannot be stressed enough | | | | in dealing with that particular domain of tax law. |
| because as the IRS Audit Rule No.3 states, "The IRS is | | | | 5. Can you help me with my tax problem? |
| not looking out for the taxpayer in an IRS Audit." Here | | | | It is not enough for your tax lawyer to be an expert in |
| are some basic questions that you need to ask when | | | | the area of your tax problem. He/she should be |
| shopping around for possible tax problem attorneys. | | | | capable of handling your tax issue in particular. |
| 1. Are you a member of the state bar? | | | | 6. How many cases like mine have you handled and |
| It is important to know that the lawyer you are thinking | | | | what is your success rate? |
| of hiring can practice law in your state. This is the first | | | | There will be a greater chance of success if your |
| thing you need to determine because you cannot | | | | lawyer has handled tax cases like yours in the past. |
| retain the services of someone who is not authorized | | | | For one, he/she will be prepared for all the potential |
| to represent you. | | | | results of the legal process. In addition, your lawyer |
| 2. Are you an enrolled agent or a CPA? | | | | can work out the best deals possible. |
| Good tax attorneys will have a background in | | | | 7. Can you provide a list of references? |
| accounting to understand the nature of tax problems. It | | | | It is crucial to ask for a list of references from a |
| is also preferable if your tax problem attorney was or | | | | prospective tax problem attorney to ensure his/her |
| is an enrolled agent because he/she has had | | | | credibility and if possible, to ask those references how |
| experience working with the IRS and will therefore | | | | satisfied they were with the way the lawyer handled |
| have a deeper understanding of its processes. | | | | their cases. However, due to the sensitive nature of |
| 3. What is the extent of your experience in dealing | | | | tax cases, obtaining a list of references may not be |
| with tax problems involving the IRS? | | | | that easy. |
| You need to make sure that your tax attorney has at | | | | 8. What is included in your professional fees? |
| least five years experience in the areas of Appeals | | | | It is at this point where you want to determine how |
| and Collections. This will ascertain that someone | | | | much you will pay for the lawyer's services and if it |
| capable of negotiating deals in your favor will | | | | reasonable in connection to the nature of your tax |
| represent you. | | | | problem. |
| 4. What area of tax law do you specialize in and how | | | | Once you are done interviewing your first prospect, |
| long have you been working in that area? | | | | you are now ready to interview the next one. Screen |
| Since tax law covers a broad subject, you need to | | | | as many candidates as possible until you feel confident |
| narrow your search down to lawyers who are | | | | to decide whom to hire. |