What is the Difference between a tax attorney and a tax accountant (CPA) or an enrolled agent?
Here are several sources:
Did You Know...? Who Should You Contact for Your Tax Questions - Tax Lawyer or Accountant?
Once you know you want to seek professional tax advice, you will next have to consider whether to approach a tax attorney or an accountant. Below are some things to keep in mind as you decide which route to go.
The similarities. Knowledgeable accountants and tax attorneys will be able to provide tax advice and planning strategies to individuals and businesses. The U.S. Tax court allows attorneys and certain non-attorneys, including qualified accountants, to represent clients in cases.
The differences. The training of attorneys, including emphasis on studying case law, legal writing, and research may equip attorneys with an edge on specialized tax litigation and liability issues. The training of accountants in financial planning, and tax regulations and codes may give them an edge in financial strategy.
Consider your needs. Are you looking for simple tax preparation assistance, or are you planning and incorporation strategy for a new business you are starting? For straightforward tax advice or assistance with filing income taxes you may save money and time in contacting a tax accountant. Additionally, an accountant may be the right fit if you are contacting an attorney primarily for planning or preventative purposes for you or your business.
If, on the balance, your questions are more complex, involve possible litigation or liability issues, and/or involve multiple parties or organizations, you would be advised to contact an attorney. This is especially true if you find yourself in the position of receiving and responding to tax claims against you, your family, or your business.
Best of both. Can't decide? Consider choosing both. There are a growing number of accountant-lawyers who have studied and are certified to practice both fields. These practitioners will likely be highly specialized in a particular area of tax law and, despite charging higher rates, may be invaluable in addressing your legal issues.
Read More:
U.S. Tax Court : FAQs
FindLaw Find a Tax Law Attorney
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Alvin Brown and Associates, IRS Tax Attorneys
Former Supervisory Manager and tax attorney-Advisor, Internal Revenue Service, Office of Chief Counsel, IRS National Office, Washington, DC - final signature authority for technical advice to District Directors, Letter Rulings, and other IRS interpretative determinations - signature authority on IRS Tax Regulations, Revenue Rulings and other published positions of the IRS .
Executive Office Headquarters:
Alvin Brown & Associates, LLC
9667 Main Street , Suite B
Fairfax, VA 22031-3751
Phone: (888) 712-7690 - (703) 425-1400 for FREE Consultation
Fax: (703) 425-1567
E-Mail: ab@irstaxattorney.com
Our National IRS tax attorney practice specializes in IRS problems and controversies, including: "offers in compromise", IRS tax liens, IRS collection actions including levies, wage garnishments, IRS civil and criminal investigations, installment agreements, penalty abatements, IRS appeals, consultations services, fraudulent transfers, litigation services and other IRS pro-active services.
Why you need representation before the IRS
Tax Relief for IRS Tax Debt, Back Taxes, and Un-filed Tax Returns
Tax attorney Help for Civil and Criminal Fraud Audit Examinations
Tax Lien Removal, Subordination, Withdrawal, and Discharge
IRS Tax Levies, Wage and Bank Garnishments Removal
Penalty and Interest Abatement, Innocent Spouse Relief
Tax Attorney Representation - IRS Appeals and Litigation
Payroll Tax Help and Trust Fund Recovery Penalty Relief
IRS offer in compromise Based on Collectability
Installment Agreement Negotiations
Offer in Compromise - Effective Tax Administration
Offer in Compromise - No Liability
http://www.irstaxattorney.com/
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Information from the IRS
Tips for Choosing a Tax Preparer
If you pay someone to prepare your tax return, the IRS urges you to choose that preparer wisely. Taxpayers are legally responsible for what’s on their tax return even if it is prepared by someone else. So, it is important to choose carefully when hiring an individual or firm to prepare your return. Most return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients.
Here are a few points to keep in mind when someone else prepares your return:
Check the person's qualifications. Ask if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that provides its members with continuing education and resources and holds them to a code of ethics. New regulations effective in 2011 require all paid tax return preparers including attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number.
Check the preparer's history. Check to see if the preparer has a questionable history with the Better Business Bureau and check for any disciplinary actions and licensure status through the state boards of accountancy for certified public accountants; the state bar associations for attorneys; and the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility for enrolled agents.
Find out about their service fees. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or those who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.
Make sure the tax preparer is accessible. Make sure you will be able to contact the tax preparer after the return has been filed, even after the April due date, in case questions arise.
Provide all records and receipts needed to prepare your return. Most reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions and other items.
Never sign a blank return. Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form.
Review the entire return before signing it. Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it.
Make sure the preparer signs the form and includes theirPTIN. A paid preparer must sign the return and include their PTIN as required by law. Although the preparer signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on your return. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.
The IRS can help many taxpayers prepare their own returns without the assistance of a paid preparer. Before seeking a paid preparer, taxpayers might consider how much information is available directly from the IRS through the IRS Web site. Check out these helpful links:
e-file for Individual Taxpayers
Free File
Free Tax Return Preparation For You by Volunteers
You can report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS on Form 3949-A, Information Referral or by sending a letter to:
Internal Revenue Service
Fresno, CA 93888
Download Form 3949-A and fill it out or order by mail at 800-TAX FORM (800-829-3676).
