Most people make it a point not to run afoul of the IRS. They turn in their tax returns every year, then hope that the task is done. But the only job of the IRS is to collect taxes, so they work hard to catch up with people who are late with their returns, or who are purposefully defrauding the government.
Dealing with the IRS is usually an anxiety-provoking situation, so hiring a tax attorney is often the best way to handle a late return, tax audit, or overdue fees. This blog post will tell you 3 reasons why hiring a tax attorney may be in your best interest.
- Tax Audits
For most people, getting a letter saying that they are about to undergo an IRS audit ranks among the most stressful events that could happen to them. In an audit, they are left wondering whether they will have to pay more taxes, or even penalties. All of this could happen due to a slight oversight on a tax return. Tax audits are a legally binding contract between you and the IRS, so you will need to treat this process as you would a court hearing. You wouldn’t go to court without a Roseville CA tax lawyer. Likewise, you shouldn’t go through a tax audit without a tax attorney.
As tax attorneys, we can often make the audit process less onerous. We work hard so that you could possibly come out of the process with as few penalties as possible.
- Contact with the IRS
When you draft any correspondence to the IRS, it needs to contain a high level of clarity and eloquence. Unfortunately, for a layperson, it can be difficult to communicate effectively with the IRS, which could hurt your chances of forming a good relationship with the agency. A good relationship under these circumstances is key if you want to potentially pay lower penalties or fees, or want to avoid criminal charges.
If you have a hard time crafting your communications to government agencies such as the IRS, a tax attorney can be a great help. Your attorney can make phone calls, write letters and emails, and be an advocate for you. A tax attorney can also explain IRS correspondence in a way that you’ll understand. With a tax attorney, the IRS will have a clear view of your intentions and an understanding of your concerns.
- Your Estate and Inheritances
The IRS also receives taxes on money that you collect through your inheritances and estates. If you want to prepay taxes before it goes to your heirs, a tax attorney can be beneficial in this situation. Your tax attorney can ensure that the proper amount of money is paid, and that the IRS has no further reason to contact you about these matters.
If you receive an inheritance and the giver didn’t pay taxes on it, you will need to claim the inheritance on your return. Your tax attorney can research whether the proper taxes have been paid and whether you will need to include the gift on your next tax return.
No one likes to pay taxes, but the IRS has to do its job and make sure that everyone performs this civil duty. While most people will never get in trouble with the IRS, those that do will greatly benefit from the advocacy services of a qualified tax attorney. Hiring a tax attorney can often result in paying fewer penalties and fees, or avoiding criminal charges that could result in jail time.
Thanks to our friends and contributors at Meyer & Yee, P.C. for their insight into when to hire a tax attorney.