Taxes are inevitable, and for every dollar you make, a portion of it goes straight into government coffers. However, making a mistake on your taxes can put you in hot water with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Without a trained and experienced professional to guide you through the process, it can be a daunting, scary, and anxious affair. That’s why you need a tax attorney on your side. No matter what your situation, tax attorneys can help you navigate the process so you come out clean on the other side.
You Want to Fight an IRS Balance Owed
Image via Flickr by 401(K) 2013
One of the most dreadful moments of your life can be when you get a letter from the IRS stating your balance owed to the government. This correspondence states the reason for the letter, the next steps you need to take, and what happens if you don’t comply with their demands. In most cases, people end up paying the balance due out of fear, even if they may not believe its validity.
When you owe money to the IRS, the agency has ten years to collect it before the statute of limitations runs out, so rest assured that they’ll be contacting you. However, you may not even know that you have a balance, which is a common problem when tax preparers make an error on your return. If you feel as though an error has been made or you aren’t responsible for a balance, a tax professional can help settle the issue through communication or correspondence on your behalf.
Starting a Business
Starting a business is an exciting venture, but much more goes into it than just a good idea or a savvy location. You have to decide how to set up your business. Choosing between a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability corporation (LLC), or S-Corporation isn’t black and white, and sometimes it takes a tax attorney to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type of incorporation. By finding an experienced tax attorney that specializes in businesses, you can find the best business type to save you on taxes and add to your bottom-line.
Audits
If you’re being audited, a tax attorney is the best investment you can make. These individuals have handled the IRS before and are in a position to help you pay less than you owe through a compromise or counteroffer. Tax attorneys can also organize a tax penalty abatement for first-time tax offenses or a payment plan that’s a good fit for you.
Criminal Charges
Knowingly hiding income or fraudulently taking steps to conceal income from the federal government is a criminal offense. While no one should willfully take these steps to pay less income tax, mistakes or lapses in judgment happen. Tax fraud is a serious crime and often comes with a fine or even jail time. If this happens to you, hiring a tax attorney can give you a bit of solace in a scary situation. They can also fight to reduce any fines or jail time you may be facing.
By putting your faith in a battle-tested and reliable tax attorney, you can avoid the uncomfortable situation of dealing with the IRS, pay what you owe, and feel confident handling your taxes in the future.
Disclaimer: This content does not necessarily represent the views of IWB.