How to Hire a Phoenix IRS Lawyer | Segal, Cohen & Landis

Choosing an IRS Attorney for a Phoenix Tax Matter

An IRS attorney serving Phoenix can help evaluate audits, levies, liens and unpaid taxes. The right professional depends on the issue, required authorization and forum. Services to discuss include:

Counsel can seek prompt levy relief under applicable statutory and financial-hardship conditions. The IRS determines whether and when a release occurs.
Audit representation before the IRS or Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR), where the practitioner is authorized to appear
Evaluate collection alternatives, distinguishing an Offer in Compromise from a payment plan or Currently Not Collectible status
Advise on criminal tax exposure and representation when an investigation raises that risk
Review Arizona tax issues, including Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT), with appropriately qualified counsel
Tax Court or appeal representation, subject to admission, jurisdiction and filing deadlines

IRS and ADOR notices can impose important response deadlines. Determine whether the matter concerns a proposed assessment, collection action or criminal investigation; these require different responses. A statistic from unrelated criminal cases does not predict the outcome of your civil tax matter.

Phoenix taxpayers may have federal, Arizona and city tax obligations. Phoenix increased rates for several TPT classifications from 2.3% to 2.8%, effective July 1, 2025; other classifications have different rates. Check the current ADOR tables for the activity, location and tax period rather than applying one rate to every transaction.

Choose representation according to the facts and deadlines. A qualified professional can explain procedural rights, assess disputed items and present supported collection alternatives. Representation does not guarantee a tax reduction, settlement or release of property.

When comparing an IRS attorney serving Phoenix, ask about relevant experience, current licensing, authority to appear in the needed forum, fees and who will handle your case.

Related reading for choosing an IRS attorney serving Phoenix:

Services to Discuss With a Phoenix IRS Attorney

The IRS can use statutory collection procedures to levy wages, bank accounts or property. An IRS attorney serving Phoenix can review the notices, identify deadlines and help evaluate challenges or collection alternatives. The type of authority and representation needed depends on the matter.

Bring the complete notice, envelopes, prior correspondence, filed returns and payment records to your initial meeting. Ask counsel to identify the immediate deadlines before discussing a longer-term strategy.

IRS Audit Representation Complete Guide: Discuss which records support the return, how to answer lawful information requests and how to preserve any available privileges. Do not conceal or destroy records.
A levy takes property; a federal tax lien is the government’s legal claim securing the debt. Ask which action occurred and which challenge, release or other relief may apply. Related resources: Tax Levy; Tax Lien.
For wage withholding, review the exempt amount and whether documented hardship supports an IRS release request. An adviser’s request is not a promise of same-day relief. Related resource: Wage Garnishment.
Identify unfiled years and reconcile payments before choosing a collection strategy. Filing compliance and current payments can affect eligibility for relief. Related resources: Unfiled Tax Returns; Back Taxes.

The IRS Taxpayer Bill of Rights explains rights including representation and challenging the IRS position. Civil dispute resolution does not guarantee that a matter with criminal exposure will avoid investigation or prosecution.

Defending Against IRS Audits and Enforcement Actions

An audit examines whether the reported tax is correct. If potential willful noncompliance or criminal exposure is present, discuss that concern privately with qualified counsel before making substantive statements. Our IRS Audit Representation resource explains the general service.

Penalty relief has specific legal and administrative requirements. The IRS Penalty Abatement Complete Guide provides background; counsel should identify the particular penalty, applicable basis and supporting evidence. Relief is not automatic and does not necessarily eliminate tax or interest.

Evaluating Federal Tax Debt Resolution Options

If payment in full is not possible, compare current IRS collection alternatives based on filing compliance, assets, income, allowable expenses and the remaining collection period. Broad marketing labels do not determine eligibility.

Installment Agreements: An eligible taxpayer may pay over time under an IRS-approved arrangement. Terms depend on the case, and interest and applicable penalties generally continue.
Currently Not Collectible (CNC): If paying federal tax would prevent you from meeting basic, reasonable living expenses, request an IRS review of your financial circumstances. Currently Not Collectible status delays most collection; the debt remains due, interest and applicable penalties continue, refunds may be offset, and the IRS may still file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien. Eligibility and later review depend on the facts. Related guidance: IRS Currently Not Collectible.
Offer in Compromise Complete Guide: An eligible offer can settle a liability for less than the full amount, but acceptance depends on the legal basis and the taxpayer’s circumstances. For a collectibility offer, assets and payment capacity matter. Required returns and payments must be current, and an open bankruptcy prevents eligibility. Review the IRS Offer in Compromise process without assuming a particular discount.

Qualifications to Look for in a Phoenix IRS Tax Attorney

Select a lawyer with experience relevant to your specific dispute. Verify licensing and disciplinary information, ask about similar types of matters and clarify whether federal tax, Arizona law or court representation is included.

When using a Top Rated Tax Attorneys Near Me Guide or a Find Local Tax Attorney Guide, look for these specific markers of quality:

Relevant tax controversy experience: Ask about the particular audit, collection or litigation issue rather than assuming that every tax professional handles every dispute.
U.S. Tax Court admission when needed: State bar admission or an IRS representation credential does not itself establish admission to the Tax Court. Verify the practitioner’s status and whether the Court has jurisdiction over your matter.
Appropriate escalation options: Ask when the Taxpayer Advocate Service may help with a qualifying hardship or unresolved IRS problem. Assistance does not guarantee a result or extend a statutory deadline.

Evaluating Prior IRS Experience

Former government service may be relevant experience, but it does not create special access, influence or a guaranteed result. Ask what work the individual actually performed, how it relates to your matter and whether any professional restrictions or conflicts apply.

Effective IRS Appeals representation depends on the facts, law and supporting record. Prior IRS employment does not ensure a favorable settlement or faster transcript retrieval.

Attorney and CPA Credentials: Different Roles

A tax attorney and a CPA can bring different legal and accounting skills. Dual licensing may be useful for some matters, but verify both credentials and the actual engagement. Holding two credentials does not automatically make every record or communication privileged.

Only qualifying confidential legal communications may be privileged; factual accounting records and ordinary return-preparation work are not automatically protected. Voluntary disclosure requires current eligibility, timeliness and cooperation and does not guarantee immunity. Related guidance: Tax Services.

Navigating Local Phoenix and Arizona State Tax Problems

Arizona’s Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) generally taxes the privilege of doing business in specified classifications. It differs from federal income tax. Determine the business activity, applicable state/county/city rules and which agency issued the notice.

Local businesses must also stay on top of:

Payroll Tax: The federal Trust Fund Recovery Penalty can impose personal liability on a responsible person who willfully fails to collect, account for or pay over trust fund taxes; ownership alone is not the complete test.
Professional Gaming: Keep records of gambling receipts, losses and tax forms, and obtain advice about the federal and Arizona treatment that applies to your facts.
Foreign account reporting and related penalties require a separate review of the governing law. Civil FBAR penalties under 31 U.S.C. 5321 are distinct from criminal provisions under 31 U.S.C. 5322; a civil penalty provision does not itself authorize imprisonment. Consult the current statutory text rather than an old compilation.

Handling ADOR Audits and TPT Compliance

A TPT review may examine business classifications, taxable receipts, exemptions, deductions and records. Duration depends on the scope, available records and disputed issues; being a restaurant, retailer or contractor does not by itself establish that an audit is imminent.

For a Phoenix business, start with the current ADOR rate tables and the instructions applicable to the activity and filing period. A general guide to another state does not establish Arizona obligations. Businesses with California exposure may separately consult California State Tax Resolution Services.

Criminal Tax Defense for Phoenix Residents

If IRS Criminal Investigation contacts you, promptly consult qualified criminal tax counsel before deciding how to respond to substantive questions. Preserve records and obtain advice about any summons, subpoena or other legal duty; do not provide false information.

Conduct requiring careful criminal-tax advice may include:

Willful tax evasion or underreporting of income.
Concealment of assets or false statements in tax matters. A notice concerning IRS Passport Restrictions raises separate statutory procedures; it does not itself prove a criminal offense.
Willful failure to meet applicable foreign income or account-reporting obligations.

A timely, truthful and complete disclosure under the IRS Voluntary Disclosure Practice may be relevant to willful noncompliance, subject to eligibility, cooperation and payment requirements. It does not guarantee immunity. Nonwillful mistakes may call for different correction procedures; obtain advice before submitting information.

Understanding the Cost and Value of Legal Representation

Ask for a written explanation of fees, scope, staffing and likely stages of the matter. Compare the proposed work with the issue and amount at stake. Neither paying legal fees nor hiring a particular professional guarantees a reduced assessment, penalty relief or protection from every collection action.

Audit Type	Complexity	Timing Considerations	Potential Risk
Correspondence Audit	Depends on the issues and records	Varies; follow the notice deadline	Possible additional tax, penalties and interest
Office Audit	Depends on the issues and records	Varies with scope and record availability	Possible additional tax, penalties and interest
Field Audit	May involve broader records and interviews	Varies; no fixed completion period	Assessment and later collection procedures are distinct
Criminal Investigation	Requires specialized legal assessment	Varies with the investigation and proceedings	Criminal charges and penalties may be possible; no outcome is predetermined

Clarify whether a quote covers administrative representation, appeals, litigation and outside costs. Ask how changes in scope are approved and billed. Related resources: Fee Schedule; Tax Attorney Near Me.

Frequently Asked Questions about Phoenix IRS Lawyers

How much does an IRS attorney Phoenix cost?

Fees depend on the agreed scope, complexity and billing arrangement. Request a written engagement explaining the work included, costs and payment terms. Contact the firm to discuss whether it can handle your particular matter; do not assume a standard price or guaranteed outcome.

When should I contact a tax lawyer for immediate help?

Seek prompt advice when a notice carries an appeal or court deadline, a levy affects essential living expenses, or a criminal investigation is involved. Keep the complete notice and do not assume a consultation extends the deadline. Related resource: Wage Garnishment.

Can a tax attorney help with cryptocurrency and FBAR?

A qualified adviser can evaluate digital-asset reporting and foreign-account obligations using your transactions, account history and residency facts. Ask about relevant experience and whether specialist assistance is needed. Related resources: Cryptocurrency Tax Liability; Americans Living Abroad.

Conclusion

Start by identifying the agency, tax period, disputed issue and response deadline. Then select representation with the right authority and experience, and compare the available options using complete records.

Before retaining Segal, Cohen & Landis (SCL), confirm the scope of services and the authorization needed for your federal or Arizona matter. No Phoenix office location or Arizona bar admission is established by this article. Learn about the firm and its services: About Us; Tax Services.