Don’t Get Taxed Out: How to Find the Right Attorney for You

Why Knowing How to Find a Tax Attorney Can Save Your Financial Future

How to find a tax attorney can feel overwhelming when you’re under pressure from the IRS or state tax authorities, but the process breaks down into clear, manageable steps:

Start with your State Bar Association website – Search their attorney directory and filter by tax law specialization
Check the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers – Verify credentials by selecting the “Attorney Credential” box
Verify their license and disciplinary record – Use your state’s bar association website to confirm they’re in good standing
Look for specialized qualifications – An LL.M. in Taxation or experience as a former IRS attorney indicates advanced expertise
Schedule consultations with at least 2-3 attorneys – Ask about their experience with cases like yours, their communication style, and fee structure

Tax laws can be daunting to the average person, especially since the stakes can be high. When you’re facing an audit, wage garnishment, tax levy, or criminal investigation, the difference between handling it yourself and hiring qualified legal representation can be tens of thousands of dollars—or even your freedom. The IRS Criminal Investigation team has a conviction rate of over 90% in criminal tax cases once referred to the Department of Justice, with almost 80% of convicted individuals facing prison time.

The reality is simple: not all tax problems require an attorney, but knowing when you must have one versus when you might handle it yourself can mean the difference between financial recovery and financial ruin.

Finding the right tax attorney isn’t just about credentials on paper. It’s about finding someone who understands the specific type of tax problem you’re facing—whether that’s back taxes, payroll tax issues, audit representation, or estate planning—and has a proven track record of favorable outcomes in those situations. You need someone who will communicate clearly, fight aggressively on your behalf, and help you understand your rights and options every step of the way.

As Attorney Samuel Landis, with over 15 years specializing in IRS controversy resolution and teaching advanced tax law strategies, I’ve guided thousands of taxpayers through the process of how to find a tax attorney who’s the right fit for their unique situation. Throughout this guide, I’ll share the exact framework I recommend to my students and clients for identifying, vetting, and selecting qualified tax legal representation.

Glossary for how to find a tax attorney:

Understanding the Role: What Does a Tax Attorney Do?

When you begin researching how to find a tax attorney, it’s helpful to understand exactly what we do. Unlike a general practice lawyer, a tax attorney specializes in the complex web of the Internal Revenue Code and state tax statutes. We are trained to steer the nuances of tax law to optimize your financial situation, ensure strict compliance, and, most importantly, handle high-stakes disputes with the IRS or state authorities like the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

One of the most critical advantages we provide is attorney-client privilege. This is a legal protection that CPAs and Enrolled Agents generally do not offer to the same extent. If you are facing a sensitive situation—such as potential allegations of tax fraud or willful non-compliance—anything you say to your attorney is strictly confidential and cannot be used against you in court.

Our roles often include:

IRS and State Dispute Resolution: Representing you in tax-audit-representation-near-me and responding to notices of deficiency.
Tax Court Litigation: We are uniquely qualified to represent clients in the U.S. Tax Court, a right not held by all tax professionals.
Estate Planning: Helping you minimize estate and gift taxes while transferring wealth to the next generation.
Business Formation: Advising on entity selection (LLC vs. S-Corp) to ensure the most favorable tax treatment.

Tax Attorney vs. CPA vs. Enrolled Agent

It is a common question: “Do I need an attorney or just a good accountant?” While CPAs are excellent for calculating obligations and routine filing, they are often compliance-focused. Tax attorneys are strategy and litigation-focused.

Service	Tax Attorney	CPA	Enrolled Agent
Attorney-Client Privilege	Yes	No	No
U.S. Tax Court Representation	Yes	Limited	Limited
Criminal Tax Defense	Yes	No	No
Routine Tax Preparation	Sometimes	Yes	Yes
Complex Legal Interpretation	Yes	No	No

For more details on choosing the right professional, you can review the official guide on Choosing a tax professional | Internal Revenue Service.

How to Find a Tax Attorney: A Step-by-Step Guide

The search for the right legal advocate should be methodical. You aren’t just looking for a name in a phone book; you are looking for a partner who can protect your assets.

Start with the State Bar: Every attorney must be registered with the state bar where they practice. Most state bar websites allow you to filter by “Tax Law” to find specialists.
Seek Specialized Expertise: Look for a find-local-tax-attorney-guide that highlights experience in your specific problem, such as payroll tax or international FBAR reporting.
Leverage Word-of-Mouth: Ask other professionals, such as your business lawyer or financial advisor. They often operate in a “tight network” and can provide reliable referrals.
Search Locally: Finding a tax-attorney-near-me is often beneficial, especially for state-level issues like California sales tax audits, where local knowledge of the CDTFA or the Office of Tax Appeals (OTA) is vital.

Using Trusted Directories for How to Find a Tax Attorney

Online directories can be powerful tools if used correctly. We recommend the IRS’ online database (the Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers). When using this tool, be sure to check the “Attorney Credential” box to narrow your search to licensed lawyers.

Additionally, verify that any attorney preparing returns for you has a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). This is a legal requirement for anyone paid to prepare federal tax returns.

Vetting Professional Records for How to Find a Tax Attorney

Before you sign a retainer agreement, you must perform due diligence. A fancy website doesn’t always equal a clean record. Use the following resources to vet your candidates:

Disciplinary History: Visit the state bar website to Find out whether an attorney has ever been disciplined. This will tell you if they have a history of malpractice or ethical violations.
Peer and Client Reviews: Look at Justia Lawyer Rating and Reviews to see what other attorneys and former clients say about their professionalism and success rate.
Past Results: While past success doesn’t guarantee future outcomes, a history of winning similar cases (like securing an Offer in Compromise for a high-debt client) is a strong indicator of competence.

Credentials and Verification: What to Look For

When you are looking at how to find a tax attorney, the alphabet soup of credentials can be confusing. Here is what actually matters:

Juris Doctorate (JD): The baseline requirement for any attorney.
LL.M. in Taxation: This is a Master of Laws degree specifically in tax. It represents an additional year of intensive study beyond law school and is considered the “gold standard” for tax legal expertise.
Years of Experience: Tax law is a field where “gray hair” matters. You want someone who has seen multiple tax cycles and steerd various IRS enforcement climates.
Case Success Rate: Ask specifically about their experience with your issue. If you have an undisclosed foreign account, ask how many FBAR cases they’ve handled.

That the stakes are high. The IRS Criminal Investigation unit is incredibly effective. With a 90% conviction rate for cases referred to the DOJ, you cannot afford to hire an amateur.

Consultations and Costs: Asking the Right Questions

Most reputable firms, including ours, offer an initial consultation. This is your “interview” of the attorney. You should come prepared with documents and a list of questions.

What to Ask During Your Consultation

What is your experience with the IRS Revenue Officer or agency involved in my case?
How will we communicate? (Will I speak to you or a “case manager”?)
What are the specific steps in your roadmap for my resolution?
Do you have experience filing IRS Form 2848? (This Power of Attorney form allows the lawyer to speak to the IRS so you don’t have to.)

Understanding Fee Structures

According to the 2025 Legal Trends Report, legal fees vary significantly based on location and complexity.

Hourly Rates: Common for litigation or complex audits.
Flat Fees: Often used for specific services like an Offer in Compromise or an innocent spouse relief filing.
Retainer Agreements: You may be asked to pay an upfront “retainer,” which the attorney draws from as work is performed.

Always ensure your fee arrangement is in writing to avoid surprises later.

Frequently Asked Questions about Finding Tax Help

How much does a tax attorney cost?

While we don’t list specific prices here, national data shows that tax law firms charge an average hourly rate of approximately $392, while solo practitioners may average around $440 per hour. The complexity of your case is the biggest driver of cost. A simple penalty abatement will cost much less than a multi-year corporate audit defense.

Are there free or low-cost tax attorney services available?

Yes. For those who qualify based on income, Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are available in every state. These clinics assist individuals with income below certain levels and typically handle disputes involving less than $50,000. You can locate a local clinic on the Taxpayer Advocate Service website. Many private firms also offer flexible payment plans or initial consultations to help make expert help more accessible.

When should I hire a tax attorney?

You should move beyond a CPA and hire a tax attorney if:

You are under criminal investigation for tax evasion or fraud.
You owe a significant amount of unpaid payroll taxes (the IRS is particularly aggressive here).
You need a taxation-advocate-near-me to file a petition in U.S. Tax Court.
The IRS has threatened to seize assets, levy bank accounts, or revoke your passport.

Conclusion

Finding the right legal partner is the first step toward ending your tax nightmare. At Segal, Cohen & Landis, we bring over 33 years of experience and a history of serving more than 25,000 satisfied clients to every case we handle. Whether you are in Los Angeles or any of our other service locations across the United States, our team specializes in resolving federal and state tax issues with the precision and care you deserve.

We understand the “800-pound gorilla” that is the IRS, and we know how to push back. From back-taxes to complex irs-audit-representation, we are here to provide the expert, accessible service you need to protect your financial future.

Ready to take the next step? More info about our tax services can be found on our website, or you can contact us today for a consultation. Don’t let tax debt control your life—let us help you find the resolution you need.