Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Personal Finance Tax Relief How to Find a Tax Attorney to Help With Tax Debt Updated Apr 11, 2025 10-min read Expert Approved Expert Approved This article has been reviewed by a Certified Financial Planner™ for accuracy. Written by Megan Hanna Written by Megan Hanna Expertise: Personal loans, home loans, credit cards, banking, business loans Dr. Megan Hanna is a finance writer with more than 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and banking. She spent 13 years in commercial banking in roles of increasing responsibility related to lending. She also teaches college classes about finance and accounting. Learn more about Megan Hanna Reviewed by Kerry O'Brien, CFP® Reviewed by Kerry O'Brien, CFP® Expertise: Financial planning, retirement planning, tax planning, education planning, small business planning Kerry O'Brien, CFP®, is passionate about financial planning and going beyond the numbers to help people live the life they want. Her mission is to help people gain and maintain optimal financial health—and to support living with overall wellness and intention. Learn more about Kerry O'Brien, CFP® Tax debt is a serious issue, and the role of a tax attorney extends beyond legal advice. Specializing in tax law, these professionals can negotiate with the IRS and other tax authorities on your behalf. Keep reading for comprehensive guidance on finding a tax attorney and why one can be instrumental in resolving your tax issues. Learn the steps to take in hiring one, what qualifications to look for, and whether enlisting their services makes financial sense for you. Table of Contents Skip to Section Where can you find a tax relief attorney?Top tax relief companies to find a tax attorneyWhat to look for when choosing a tax attorney for tax reliefHow can a tax attorney help you with tax debt relief?More about tax attorneysAlternatives to a tax attorney FAQ Where can you find a tax relief attorney? A tax attorney is a licensed legal professional who specializes in tax-related issues. Tax law can be complicated, so working with a lawyer who thoroughly understands the legalities, common issues, and potential solutions is helpful. You can find tax attorneys throughout the United States. When searching for a tax attorney, a good place to start is with a CPA firm. The firm should be able to list reputable law firms or independent attorneys specializing in taxes. Plus, some CPA firms have tax attorneys on staff. It’s not unusual for a tax attorney to also be a CPA. You can search for tax attorneys by asking those close to you for recommendations. Plus, the bar association for your state may have a directory of attorneys specializing in taxes. Last, the IRS tax preparer directory allows you to filter for individuals who are also attorneys. Some tax attorneys prefer to work locally, whereas others offer their services nationwide. The one that will work best for you depends on your needs. If facing an uncommon or complicated tax issue, you might want to expand your search to find the best possible expertise. Tax attorney options and benefits As you search for a tax attorney, here are several options and their benefits: Search optionBenefitsCPA firmReputable place to get a recommendation; may have tax attorneys who are also CPAs on staffLaw firmMay provide specialized legal expertise and dedicated tax law departmentsTax relief firmSpecialize in resolving tax issues; may have experienced tax attorneys on staffWord of mouthPersonal recommendations from trusted sources with firsthand experiencesState bar associationSome offer access to a directory of licensed attorneys specializing in tax lawIRS tax preparer directoryFilters for tax attorneys with IRS credentials for reliable expertise Top tax relief companies to find a tax attorney These companies have established reputations for their expertise and effectiveness in providing tax relief services with the support of professional tax attorneys. Here are our some of the best companies from our research: Larson Tax Relief Best Initial Investigation 4.9 /5 Visit Site Why we picked it Larson Tax Relief conducts thorough initial investigations to understand and address each client’s unique circumstances. Its personalized approach ensures tailored solutions for clients’ tax issues. Larson’s team of skilled tax attorneys and professionals is committed to offering effective and efficient tax relief services. Detailed initial investigations Personalized solutions for tax issues Skilled tax attorneys and professionals No initial fee Higher minimum tax debt requirement of $25,000 Free consultation?✅Min. tax debt$25,000Initial feeNone Anthem Tax Services Best Money-Back Guarantee 4.6 /5 Visit Site Why we picked it Anthem Tax Services stands out due to its exceptional service guarantee, ensuring clients receive the best assistance with their tax issues. It provides a comprehensive range of tax relief services with the support of a team of experienced tax attorneys and professionals dedicated to resolving complex tax problems. Strong service guarantee Experienced tax attorneys and professionals Comprehensive range of tax relief services High customer satisfaction ratings Initial fee of $250 Minimum tax debt requirement of $10,000 Free consultation?✅Min. tax debt$10,000Initial fee$250 Read More Best Tax Relief Companies What to look for when choosing a tax attorney for tax relief Selecting the right tax attorney for your needs is like choosing a surgeon. The stakes are high, and you want the best person for the job. Before you choose an attorney, make sure they’re licensed to practice law, are in good standing in your state, and have no formal complaints. Your state’s bar association website is a solid place to start with this research. It’s also helpful to evaluate reviews about the attorney shared by other clients. You can start with a simple internet search to see what others say about the attorney and their practice. As you embark on this journey, consider these crucial attributes: How can a tax attorney help you with tax relief? If you have tax debt, a tax attorney can be your lifeline. They analyze your financial circumstances and leverage their in-depth understanding of tax codes to work out a solution that benefits you to settle the back taxes you owe. Here are the options they can help you explore: Tax relief optionWhat it isOffer in Compromise (OIC)Tax settlement that lets you pay less than you oweInnocent spouse reliefKeeps you from paying additional tax if spouse filed erroneous joint returnsInstallment planAgreement that breaks up tax debt into monthly paymentsFormal disputeAppeals process you can use if you disagree with an IRS decision Offer in Compromise An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is a deal you strike with the IRS. It lets you pay less than the full amount you owe based on your ability to pay. A tax attorney can assess your financial situation, help you file the necessary paperwork, and negotiate a favorable term. Innocent spouse relief Caught in a tricky situation due to your spouse’s tax misdeeds? Innocent spouse relief could be your ticket out. This provision protects you from being held responsible for your spouse’s tax liability if you filed jointly. A tax attorney can navigate the complex application process, provide needed documentation, and argue your case. Installment plans to pay tax bills over time Not everyone can pay off their tax debt immediately. Installment plans allow you to make smaller, more manageable payments over a period. Your tax attorney will negotiate these terms, ensuring you can afford the payment schedule. Manage tax disputes Sometimes, you and the IRS won’t see eye to eye. In such cases, a tax attorney can help you manage disputes related to audits, penalties, or incorrect assessments. They will represent you in court if needed and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. How much does a tax attorney cost to help me get out of debt? The cost of hiring a tax attorney can vary based on experience, geographic location, and the complexity of your case. Here are common ways tax attorneys charge for their services: Hourly rate: Many tax attorneys charge an hourly rate ranging from $200 to $600. Ask about the estimated number of hours your case might require. Flat fee per service: Some attorneys may charge a flat fee for specific services. Flat fees can make budgeting easier, but ensure you understand what’s included and what could incur additional costs. Retainer fees: An upfront fee is common, especially for complex cases. This fee is like a down payment against which the attorney bills future costs. For individual tax resolution, costs can run between $3,500 and $4,500. Business tax resolution may cost you $5,000 to $7,000. Type of feeCost rangeHourly rate$200 – $600Flat fee per serviceVariesRetainer feesUsually requiredIndividual case cost$3,500 – $4,500Business case cost$5,000 – $7,000 Understanding the fee structure and estimating your total expenditure will help you make an informed decision about hiring a tax attorney. How to hire a tax attorney Navigating the complex world of tax issues requires a skilled guide. Here’s your step-by-step roadmap for finding and hiring a tax attorney who can help you resolve those burdensome tax matters: Identify your needs. Before you dive into your search, pinpoint your specific tax issues. Is it a business or a personal tax problem? This will help you seek an attorney with the right expertise. Do preliminary research. Start your hunt online or ask for referrals for lawyers in your region or state. Websites often display credentials and areas of specialization, which can give you a solid initial impression. Make a shortlist. Based on your research, select three to five potential tax attorneys. This will narrow your options without making the process overwhelming. Schedule consultations. Most tax attorneys offer free first consultations. Use this time to ask questions and gauge the attorney’s expertise. Ask key questions. During your consultation, clarify your attorney’s fee structure and ask about their experience. What certifications do they hold? How have they handled similar cases in the past? Do they have references or testimonials they can share? Review and decide. Once you’ve spoken to your shortlisted attorneys, assess your gathered information. Think about their expertise, your comfort level with them, and their fees, and make your informed decision. Alternatives to a tax attorney You might weigh other options if the cost of a tax attorney seems prohibitive or your tax issues appear straightforward. Here’s a look at several alternatives: Low-income tax clinic (LITC): These clinics serve taxpayers who need legal representation but can’t afford it. The IRS lists LITCs to help you find one near you. DIY negotiation: You could consider negotiating with the IRS for uncomplicated cases or small debts. This eliminates attorney fees but involves a steep learning curve. Consult a CPA: A CPA can provide financial advice and may help with some tax issues. However, they can’t represent you legally like a tax attorney can. OptionsProsConsTax attorneyCan represent you in courtCan be expensiveLow-income tax clinicExpert advice at a reduced rateLimited servicesDIY negotiationLowest-cost optionNo professional guidanceConsult a CPACan provide financial adviceCannot provide legal representation If you’re grappling with significant tax debt or complicated issues, the expertise of a tax attorney could prove valuable. You may designate a certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or other generally authorized individual to represent you before the IRS, but only a tax attorney may represent you in court. Kerry O'Brien CFP® FAQ Can a tax attorney guarantee tax relief? No. A tax attorney can improve your chances of favorable outcomes, but they can’t guarantee any specific result. What’s the difference between a tax attorney and a tax relief firm? A tax attorney can represent you legally and specializes in tax law. A tax relief firm may employ tax attorneys, but not all do. If they only employ CPAs or enrolled agents, they can lack the legal expertise a tax attorney offers. How long does it take to resolve a tax case with an attorney? The duration varies depending on case complexity but could range from weeks to years. Can a tax attorney represent me in court? Yes, a tax attorney is legally qualified to represent you in federal or state tax court. Is attorney-client privilege applicable in tax cases? Yes, communications between you and your tax attorney are generally protected by attorney-client privilege. What’s the first step after hiring a tax attorney? The attorney will start by obtaining power of attorney, allowing them to speak to the IRS on your behalf. Can a tax attorney help with state taxes as well as federal? Yes, a tax attorney can navigate both state and federal tax landscapes. They are licensed by the state to practice law, which includes handling state-specific tax issues.