When it comes to taxes, the average person needs to have some knowledge of the laws to deal with specific issues like negotiating a debt or settling a dispute.
Some individuals attempt to represent themself in cases with the IRS or Internal revenue service but often find themselves overwhelmed due to their lack of expertise and skill in the rules and regulations that apply to tax law.
When facing an IRS investigation or other circumstances where taxes are an indication, the recommendation is to have representation from a tax attorney in your local Raleigh, North Carolina, area. The professional should specialize in taxation, specifically dealing with the IRS or the situation you find yourself dealing with in particular.
The likelihood of a successful outcome is greater when having someone versed in the language of the law who can translate this in terms you can understand.
Before committing to a specific professional, a suggestion is to meet with a few attorneys to find one with whom you feel comfortable and who fits your situation.
Many in the Raleigh area offer free consultations when clients can ask pertinent questions to make an informed decision. Let’s examine common questions a prospective client should pose to a tax attorney.
What Questions Should A Prospective Client Ask A Tax Attorney With A Free Consult
Hiring a tax attorney is advantageous for an individual facing complex tax issues or perhaps repercussions with the Internal Revenue Service or IRS. The priority is to ensure that you employ the services of an attorney specializing in the field and one with experience dealing with your particular circumstances.
The aim is to identify a few potential prospects with whom you can set up meetings to determine if you can work well together and if the individual will fit in your situation. Many lawyers in Raleigh, North Carolina, and surrounding areas will offer clients free consultations.
These give the person an opportunity to ask pertinent questions about their situation and allow the attorney the same privilege so each can determine if the working relationship is a good fit. Read the differences between a tax attorney and a CPA here.
In attempting to make this determination, here are some suggestions regarding common questions to present to a tax attorney you’re considering working with.
● How long has the attorney been
When searching for the ideal tax attorney, you won’t necessarily want someone brand new to practicing law, especially if you have a complex problem. A seasoned lawyer with years in the industry will be comfortable navigating the processes and know precisely how to untangle complications.
A vast experience will allow this professional to translate IRS rules and regulations into layperson’s terms so the average person can understand and help the individual come up with a suitable solution that meets IRS guidelines without making it stressful.
Fortunately, this expert will have the assertiveness to communicate with the IRS after likely having done so numerous times over the course of a long career.
A person attempting to represent themself would be less than confident, bordering on being intimidated and unable to absorb the information provided.
● Does the attorney have previous cases comparable to your situation
While you want to ensure that the attorney has substantial experience in the legal industry specializing in tax laws, a priority is to find out if the lawyer has ever handled cases comparable to yours and what the success rate with those claims turned out to be.
In some instances, cases present unique circumstances; perhaps a person is dealing with an issue from their home country, like a trust problem that many attorneys might find unfamiliar.
That doesn’t mean the lawyer is any less capable or knowledgable, only that the professional will need to do the legwork to become familiar with the terms associated with that country.
This situation would require looking at the effort the attorney is willing to put forth in handling the circumstances for the most beneficial outcome for you as the client. Learn the duties of a tax attorney at https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-does-a-tax-attorney-do.
● Is the attorney “admitted to your state’s bar
If your circumstances involve owing back taxes for the state you reside and work in, it’s essential to learn if the attorney you’re consulting with is admitted to the bar for that area. Based on your tax circumstances, it might be wise to look for a professional admitted to bars in surrounding states.
You can gather much information from the American Bar Association website or go to the State’s Bar Association for North Carolina to learn about a specific attorney for whom you want to confirm their status.
These sites are suitable for researching that the professionals you’re consulting with are each licensed within the state. It’s a requirement that all attorneys have a license in order to practice law. The website will provide you with those details and much more.
● How are fees charged for the attorney’s service
You will need to gain insight into the amount the attorney will charge and how these fees will be billed to decide if you’ll be able to retain the lawyer. Specific questions should include the following:
- Charges for administrative support, including incidentals (copies, forms, postage)
- Fee for retaining
- Charged by the hour
- Charge a flat rate
Finding out these details upfront will allow you to establish a budget and shop for an attorney who more readily works with that budget.
Final Thought
There are many adequate tax attorneys in Raleigh, North Carolina; learn more here. The decision regarding which suits your specific circumstances can be daunting.
When you believe you’re ready to hire a tax lawyer with an established budget, a good first step is to research the State’s Bar Association to develop a list of prospects to handle your situation.
Some of them will allow a free consultation to see if your case is something they want to take on, and it gives you the opportunity to determine if the attorney is someone you feel comfortable with and fits with your particular circumstances.
This is the time to prepare a list of questions, as the lawyer will also. After the meeting, if everyone is satisfied, the case can progress forward with the tax attorney using extensive knowledge and expertise to guide you toward a positive outcome.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
