Attorney-led representation for IRS audits, tax debt, liens, levies, and international reporting. Serving individuals and businesses nationwide from Beverly Hills.
5.0 / 5
232 Google reviews
Checked September 19, 2026
25,000+
Clients served
Nationwide representation
Since 1991
Focused on tax controversy
IRS and California tax matters
“He was on time, kind, attentive, and incredibly helpful.”
Samuel Landis, Esq.
LL.M. in Taxation, Boston University School of Law
Super Lawyers®
Samuel Landis
Senior Partner
About the firm
Segal, Cohen & Landis (SCL) has focused exclusively on IRS and state tax controversy since 1991. Founded and led by Samuel Landis — a Boston University LL.M. graduate, Super Lawyers® selectee, and former expert witness in federal tax court — SCL has represented over 25,000 clients in matters ranging from first-time IRS notices to complex offshore compliance and multi-million dollar collection defense.
Every case at SCL is handled by an attorney — not a paralegal, not a case manager, and never a tax relief sales team.
Tax law services
SCL handles the full spectrum of IRS and state tax controversy — from first notice through final resolution. Every service is led by an attorney with 33+ years of experience and the legal standing to protect what matters most.
Attorney-guided representation for back taxes, IRS collection notices, levies, liens, wage garnishments, and high-stakes resolution strategy. Every case is handled by an attorney — not a case manager.
Strategic defense for federal and California state audits, IRS document requests, audit appeals, and cases where the government's assumptions need to be challenged with precision and legal force.
Realistic guidance for taxpayers who need a clear path forward — including settlement analysis, installment agreements, penalty abatement, currently-not-collectible status, and compliance cleanup.
High-discretion representation for offshore reporting, FBAR, foreign trusts, PFIC issues, Form 3520, crypto tax exposure, and expatriate and foreign national tax obligations with the IRS.
Attorney-led process
Serious IRS and state tax problems are resolved through legal strategy — not a single phone call or a one-size-fits-all settlement. SCL follows a disciplined four-step process from the first call through final resolution.
01
We identify deadlines, notices, levy risk, missing returns, and the fastest moves needed to stop the situation from escalating before it gets worse.
02
Every matter is reviewed through a legal, financial, and procedural lens so the recommended path is grounded in what the IRS or state agency can actually accept.
03
SCL handles agency communication, filings, financial disclosures, appeals posture, and all documentation required to move the matter toward resolution.
04
The goal is not simply to close a case — it is to reduce future exposure, restore compliance, and help clients make confident financial decisions again.
Why choose SCL
The most capable tax controversy firms lead with credentials, former-agency experience, and complex case track records. SCL delivers all three — and pairs them with a disciplined, client-focused process designed for taxpayers who cannot afford a wrong turn.
Samuel Landis is listed by Super Lawyers for his tax law practice. His professional profile identifies his selection history.
Samuel Landis holds a Master of Laws in Taxation from Boston University School of Law, one of the nation's leading tax LL.M. programs — bringing graduate-level tax law depth to every engagement.
Client reviews
Three decades of tax controversy representation, built one resolved case at a time. Read what clients say about working with SCL.
“Sam and the rest of the staff have been nothing short of top notch. The best tax attorneys I've connected with. I wasted money with two other tax attorneys before I found these guys. Sharp, creative, and a real desire to help. And their fees are reasonable. Don't go anywhere else.”
M. Z.
Client review
“My wife and I have been struggling with the IRS for nearly 5 years. Segal took us on, and within six months it was resolved. Six months when dealing with the IRS is lightning fast! In addition, when there was a government glitch months after we resolved our issue, Cristian answered my email within an hour and assisted. He solved the issue, and didn't bill us. Continued service and support after the bill is paid is tremendous.”
Corrie W.
Client review
“I worked with Segal, Cohen & Landis on a tax matter that involved several prior-year IRS issues and the possibility of an Offer in Compromise. What I appreciated was how the firm handled the situation when concerns arose. Sam Landis personally reviewed the case and worked with me to reach a fair resolution. That level of accountability says a lot about the firm.”
David R.
Client review
“I had a question and scheduled a consultation with Samuel Landis. He was on time, kind, attentive, and incredibly helpful. He said there was no issue and no need to retain an attorney — he could have easily said otherwise and charged me. He is experienced AND honest. He gave me peace of mind — that's invaluable.”
Fatana N.
Client review
“Sam and his team did an amazing job taking care of some tax matters for me personally. They took the time to explain my options and put together a fantastic plan and strategy to deal with the IRS. I would recommend them to my friends and colleagues.”
Jonathan P.
Client review
“The Firm provided excellent legal services in relation to the issues I was confronted with, and the results were in the form of an agreement with terms and conditions which were very favorable given my circumstances.”
Steve I.
Client review
Client questions
Direct answers to the questions people ask when the IRS is involved — without the jargon, without the panic, and without the vague disclaimers that tell you nothing.
You should contact an IRS tax attorney when you receive an audit notice, face collection action, have unfiled returns, owe back taxes, receive a lien or levy notice, or have a complex issue involving business income, cryptocurrency, offshore accounts, or foreign assets. Acting before deadlines pass preserves more options.
A tax attorney may be able to help stop or release a levy or garnishment by contacting the IRS, reviewing compliance status, proposing a resolution, requesting collection alternatives, or challenging improper collection action when the facts support it. Speed matters — the sooner you act, the more options remain available.
Yes. SCL handles both federal IRS matters and California state tax controversies — including FTB, EDD, and CDTFA collection defense, audits, liens, levies, penalty abatement, and complex taxpayer representation. We also handle nationwide matters for clients outside California.
SCL is a tax law firm, not a tax relief company. That distinction matters. Attorney-client privilege may protect confidential communications made to obtain legal advice, subject to applicable law and exceptions. It does not automatically protect every document or message sent to the firm. Our team holds advanced law degrees, includes a former IRS Senior Revenue Officer, and has represented over 25,000 clients across three decades — without relying on one-size-fits-all settlement promises.
International tax representation
U.S. citizens, green card holders, expats, and foreign nationals with U.S. tax exposure face reporting obligations — and penalties — that go far beyond a standard tax return. FBAR violations, unreported foreign accounts, undisclosed foreign trusts, and PFIC holdings each carry their own enforcement risk.
SCL represents clients in the UK, Canada, Israel, Australia, Germany, France, Mexico, India, China, and across Asia and Latin America — wherever U.S. tax obligations follow.
Global IRS compliance
FBAR · Form 3520 · PFIC · Streamlined Procedures · Expat Tax
Unreported foreign bank accounts carrying penalties of $10,000–$100,000+ per year. We handle voluntary disclosure, quiet disclosure, and penalty abatement.
Penalties for unreported foreign gifts and trusts are among the most severe in the tax code. SCL defends and resolves Form 3520 failures with a documented legal strategy.
U.S. persons holding foreign mutual funds, ETFs, or investment vehicles face punishing PFIC tax regimes. We assess, correct, and defend.
Non-willful taxpayers who missed foreign account reporting may qualify for streamlined offshore or domestic procedures — avoiding the most severe penalties.
U.S. citizens abroad, dual nationals, and foreign nationals with U.S. income or assets face complex filing obligations. We advise and represent on IRS compliance, treaty positions, and residency.
Accounts treated as tax-free in their home country are often fully taxable in the U.S. We handle retroactive compliance and penalty defense for these common expat situations.
Nationwide · California · International
SCL is based in Beverly Hills and handles federal IRS matters in all 50 states — remotely or in person. California state tax defense (FTB, EDD, CDTFA) is a core strength. International clients reach us from every country with U.S. tax exposure.
Federal tax controversy — audits, back taxes, liens, levies, OIC, wage garnishment, unfiled returns — handled nationwide. Most engagements are fully remote.
FTB audits, EDD payroll tax liability, and CDTFA sales tax disputes require California-specific strategy. SCL handles federal and state under one engagement.
California state tax defenseU.S. expats, dual nationals, and foreign nationals with U.S. tax obligations — FBAR, Form 3520, PFIC, streamlined procedures, and treaty positions.
International tax representationConfidential consultation
SCL represents taxpayers who need a real attorney — not a toll-free hotline. Whether you are facing a first notice or a serious collection threat, the right strategy starts with one conversation. Request a consultation to discuss your situation. Contacting the firm alone does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please wait for instructions before sending sensitive documents.
Why act now
IRS deadlines are real
Notices carry response deadlines. Missing them can permanently eliminate your appeal rights and resolution options.
Attorney-client privilege
Attorney-client privilege may protect confidential communications made to obtain legal advice, subject to applicable law and exceptions. It does not automatically protect every document or message sent to the firm.
Federal and California defense
IRS, FTB, EDD, CDTFA — SCL handles the full scope of federal and California state tax controversy under one engagement.
25,000+ clients served
Three decades of tax controversy representation across every type of IRS and state tax matter, from first notices to Tax Court.
