Your Path to Freedom: A Los Angeles Tax Relief Attorney Guide

Why Los Angeles Taxpayers Need Expert Tax Relief Now

A los angeles tax relief attorney helps individuals and businesses resolve serious tax problems like back taxes, audits, wage garnishments, and IRS or FTB collection actions through legal representation and negotiation with tax authorities.

What a Los Angeles Tax Relief Attorney Can Do for You:

Stop aggressive collection actions – Halt wage garnishments, bank levies, and asset seizures
Negotiate debt reduction – Secure an Offer in Compromise or installment agreement
Represent you in audits and appeals – Protect your rights and challenge incorrect assessments
Handle Tax Court litigation – Defend you in federal or state tax disputes
Resolve state tax issues – Deal with California FTB, CDTFA, and EDD
Achieve tax compliance – File unfiled returns and get you back on track

If you owe money to the IRS or the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), your finances and assets are at immediate risk. The IRS can legally garnish your paycheck without going to court, levy bank accounts under applicable notice and hearing rules, and place federal tax liens that prevent you from selling or refinancing property.

Los Angeles taxpayers face unique pressure. The high cost of living and complex state and local tax rules create a perfect storm for tax problems. Whether you’re dealing with unfiled returns, payroll tax issues, or an aggressive audit, the consequences of inaction are severe.

The stakes are high. Without expert legal help, you risk losing your wages, your bank accounts, and even your home. Many taxpayers fall victim to national “tax relief” companies that make unrealistic promises, charge excessive fees, and provide insufficient representation. You need a local, experienced attorney who understands both federal and California tax law.

This guide discusses los angeles tax relief attorney guide. Review the applicable rules and facts, and verify the qualifications and scope of any proposed representation.

Basic los angeles tax relief attorney glossary:

Understanding the Stakes: Common Tax Problems and Aggressive Collections

Review the relevant notices, filing history, records, and deadlines before choosing a response. Evaluate professional assistance according to the facts, applicable law, and agreed scope of representation.

Common tax problems that often bring Los Angeles taxpayers to our door include unfiled tax returns, large accumulated tax debt, and critical payroll tax issues that can jeopardize a business’s existence. The IRS audited 582,944 tax returns in Fiscal Year 2023, resulting in $31.9 billion in recommended additional taxes, illustrating the high stakes involved. State tax disputes, particularly with the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), and Employment Development Department (EDD), add another layer of complexity.

Interest generally compounds daily; applicable penalties have their own rates, accrual periods and limits.

The Power of the IRS and FTB

Both the IRS and the FTB possess significant authority to collect what they claim taxpayers owe. These powers are designed to compel payment and can have devastating effects on your finances and personal life.

Here are some of the aggressive collection actions they can take:

Wage Garnishment: The IRS can legally garnish a portion of your paycheck without going to court. This creates immediate financial strain by diverting your hard-earned income directly to the government. If you are facing this, we can help provide more info about The IRS can legally garnish your paycheck.
Bank Levy: When the IRS or FTB places a tax levy on your bank account, levy procedures include applicable notice and hearing requirements, with exceptions. This can disrupt your ability to pay bills, cover living expenses, and manage your daily finances. For more information on this, check out More info about tax levies.
Tax Lien: Federal tax liens can prevent you from selling or refinancing property, as they establish the government’s legal claim to your assets. This significantly impacts your credit and financial flexibility. You can find a general overview of how federal tax liens work from the IRS itself at IRS tax lien information.
Asset Seizure: In more severe cases, the IRS and FTB can seize personal or business assets, including real estate, vehicles, and business equipment, to satisfy unpaid balances.
Passport Revocation: For significant tax debts, the IRS has the authority to request the State Department to deny or revoke your U.S. passport, severely limiting international travel.
Redirecting Payments: For businesses, taxing authorities can compel your business clients to pay the tax agency directly instead of you, effectively cutting off your revenue stream.

It’s crucial to be aware of the different statutes of limitations. The IRS generally has a 10-year statute of limitations to collect back taxes from the date of assessment. However, the FTB in California has an even longer reach, with a 20-year statute of limitations on the amount of time they have to collect back taxes. These periods can also be “tolled” or paused by various actions, such as requesting an Offer in Compromise or filing a Collection Due Process appeal, meaning the clock stops running in the government’s favor. This makes proactive and informed action essential.

Common Tax Issues We Resolve

Review the relevant notices, filing history, records, and deadlines before choosing a response. Evaluate professional assistance according to the facts, applicable law, and agreed scope of representation. Related resources: More info about back taxes.
Review the relevant notices, filing history, records, and deadlines before choosing a response. Evaluate professional assistance according to the facts, applicable law, and agreed scope of representation. Related resources: More info about unfiled tax returns.
Review the relevant notices, filing history, records, and deadlines before choosing a response. Evaluate professional assistance according to the facts, applicable law, and agreed scope of representation. Related resources: IRS Publication 556.
Cryptocurrency Tax Issues: The burgeoning world of digital assets introduces new and often confusing tax obligations. We guide clients through reporting requirements and resolve issues related to cryptocurrency transactions. Learn more about More info about cryptocurrency tax liability.
Review the relevant notices, filing history, records, and deadlines before choosing a response. Evaluate professional assistance according to the facts, applicable law, and agreed scope of representation.
Innocent Spouse Relief: If you are jointly liable for tax debt incurred by a spouse or former spouse, we can help determine if you qualify for innocent spouse relief, which could free you from that liability.

Your Arsenal of Tax Relief Solutions

Our primary goal is to achieve compliance and provide you with financial breathing room. Although the IRS and California tax authorities are aggressive in collecting taxes, they also offer programs designed to help taxpayers get back on track.

Offer in Compromise (OIC)

Offers based on collectibility require financial eligibility and compliance; effective-tax-administration offers have separate hardship or exceptional-circumstance criteria. A liability dispute uses Form 656-L rather than the collectibility forms.

There are three main types of OICs:

Doubt as to Collectibility: This is the most common type, where you convince the IRS that you cannot pay the full amount of tax due, based on your current financial situation, including income, assets, and expenses.
Doubt as to Liability: This applies if there’s a genuine doubt that you actually owe the tax debt. For example, if you believe the IRS made an error in assessing your tax.
Effective Tax Administration (ETA): This is for situations where collecting the full amount would cause significant economic hardship or would be unfair and inequitable, even if there’s no doubt about the amount owed or your ability to pay.

Contact Segal, Cohen & Landis (SCL) to discuss the tax matter, relevant notices and deadlines, and available response options. Confirm the qualifications of the proposed representative and the scope of the engagement. Related resources: More info about IRS Offer in Compromise.

Installment Agreements

For eligible taxpayers, Simple Payment Plans generally allow payment within the remaining collection period, usually up to ten years. Eligibility, balance limits and compliance requirements apply. Other agreements have different criteria; a guaranteed agreement is not established by balance alone.

There are several types of Installment Agreements:

Guaranteed Installment Agreement: A guaranteed installment agreement under IRC 6159(c) applies to qualifying individual income-tax liabilities of $10,000 or less, excluding penalties and interest for that threshold. Payment must be completed within three years, and the statutory filing, payment, prior-agreement, ability-to-pay and future-compliance conditions must be met.
Streamlined Installment Agreement: For eligible taxpayers, Simple Payment Plans generally allow payment within the remaining collection period, usually up to ten years. Eligibility, balance limits and compliance requirements apply. Other agreements have different criteria; a guaranteed agreement is not established by balance alone.
Partial Payment Installment Agreement: Allows affordable monthly payments if you cannot pay the full debt within the collection statute.
Short-Term Payment Plan: Provides up to 180 days to pay your tax debt in full.

We can help negotiate payment terms that align with your budget and protect your assets. However, be aware that IAs can be revoked if you fail to file future tax returns, miss a payment, or provide false information. Learn more about Details on IRS payment plans.

Penalty Abatement and Other Relief Options

Beyond reducing the principal tax debt, we also focus on alleviating the burden of penalties and interest. Tax penalties can quickly inflate your total debt, but they can often be reduced or removed under certain circumstances.

Penalty Abatement: Reasonable-cause relief depends on the penalty and facts. Reliance on a professional ordinarily does not excuse missed filing or payment deadlines; other advice-related penalties have different standards.
First-Time Abate (FTA): Federal administrative relief has filing, payment and compliance-history requirements and includes the current Automatic Exemption from Penalty transition rules. California FTB one-time abatement is a separate, once-in-a-lifetime individual program for qualifying tax years beginning in 2022 or later.
Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status: CNC temporarily delays most collection; tax remains due, interest and applicable penalties continue, refunds may be offset, and liens may remain or be filed. Related guidance: More info about IRS penalty abatement.

Why You Need a Los Angeles Tax Relief Attorney to Fight for You

Tax Attorney vs. Other Tax Professionals

Understanding the distinct roles of various tax professionals is crucial when seeking tax relief. While CPAs and Enrolled Agents (EAs) play vital roles in tax preparation and some aspects of representation, tax attorneys offer a unique level of legal expertise, particularly when disputes escalate or involve legal interpretation.

Feature	Tax Attorney	CPA	Enrolled Agent (EA)
Representation Rights	IRS and eligible state representation; court practice depends on admission to each court.	IRS representation; Tax Court representation requires separate admission, which qualified nonattorneys may obtain.	Confirm the representative’s authority and the agreed scope of IRS representation.
Attorney-Client Privilege	Qualifying confidential legal communications; staff or accountant involvement requires separate analysis.	IRC 7525 may protect qualifying tax advice in limited noncriminal federal matters.	IRC 7525 may protect qualifying tax advice in limited noncriminal federal matters.
Legal Strategy	Focuses on legal interpretation, rights, litigation, and negotiating legally binding resolutions.	Focuses on accounting principles, financial reporting, and tax compliance.	Focuses on tax compliance and administrative resolution.
Financial Analysis	Yes, often in collaboration with CPAs, for legal strategy and OIC/IA proposals.	Yes, core competency.	Yes, for tax compliance and resolution.
Education & Licensing	Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, state bar license. May be Board Certified Taxation Law Specialist.	Bachelor’s/Master’s in Accounting, state CPA license.	IRS-tested in tax law, federal license.
Best For…	Audits, appeals, litigation, criminal tax matters, complex collection issues, legal interpretation, protecting rights.	Tax preparation, financial planning, general accounting, basic audits.	General tax preparation, basic audits, collection issues.

When it comes to complex tax disputes, criminal tax investigations, or the need to litigate in Tax Court, a tax attorney’s legal training and privilege are invaluable.

What to Look for in a Los Angeles Tax Relief Attorney

Choosing the right los angeles tax relief attorney is a critical decision that can significantly impact your financial future. Here’s what to prioritize:

Local Expertise: A local attorney understands both federal tax laws and the specific nuances of California’s complex state and local tax codes. They are familiar with local IRS and state agency procedures and personnel.
Verifiable Credentials: Look for attorneys with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and an active state bar license. Additional certifications, like being a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a Board Certified Taxation Law Specialist, indicate a deeper level of expertise.
Experience with IRS & FTB: Ensure the attorney has a proven track record of successfully resolving cases with both federal (IRS) and California state agencies (FTB, CDTFA, EDD). Experience as a former IRS attorney, like our founder, provides an invaluable “inside-out” perspective.
Clear Fee Structure: A reputable attorney will provide a clear explanation of their fees. We believe in transparency and can discuss our fee schedule at your initial consultation. See More info about our fee schedule.
Positive Client Reviews: Look for testimonials and reviews that highlight successful outcomes, clear communication, and professional conduct.

Pitfalls to avoid: Many taxpayers fall victim to national “tax relief” companies that make unrealistic promises, charge excessive fees, assign your case to non-attorneys, and provide insufficient representation. These “tax mills” often lack the local expertise and personalized attention needed for effective resolution. Be wary of unrealistic guarantees and high-pressure sales tactics.

The Advantage of a Dual-Licensed Attorney-CPA Team

Contact Segal, Cohen & Landis to discuss the tax matter, relevant notices and deadlines, and available response options. Confirm the qualifications of the proposed representative and the scope of the engagement.

Legal Protection for Financial Data: Privilege depends on the purpose, confidentiality and other legal requirements of a communication. Sharing financial records with an attorney does not make underlying facts or records privileged.
Seamless Tax Preparation and Defense: CPAs handle the meticulous financial analysis, accurate reporting, and preparation of tax returns, ensuring compliance. Attorneys then review legal exposure, interpret complex guidance, and identify risks or opportunities, leading to legally defensible filings.
Proactive Planning: This integrated approach allows for proactive tax planning, identifying deductions and credits, and addressing prior-year compliance issues before they escalate into larger problems.
Comprehensive Strategy: We can analyze your financial situation from both an accounting and legal perspective, crafting a robust defense and resolution plan that maximizes your chances of success.

This collaborative model ensures that your tax matters are handled with both financial precision and legal acumen, providing comprehensive protection and optimal outcomes.

The Path to Resolution: From Audits to Tax Court

Navigating tax problems requires a clear, strategic path. With a dedicated los angeles tax relief attorney by your side, you can move from uncertainty to resolution with confidence. Our process is designed to be transparent and effective, guiding you every step of the way.

Initial Consultation: We begin with a free, confidential consultation to understand your specific tax issues, assess your situation, and discuss your rights and available options.
Investigation and Strategy: We conduct a thorough investigation, retrieving IRS and state tax transcripts, analyzing your financial records, and identifying the best course of action. This leads to a customized resolution strategy.
Resolution and Negotiation: We then implement the strategy, negotiating directly with the IRS, FTB, CDTFA, or EDD on your behalf. This could involve proposing an Offer in Compromise, setting up an Installment Agreement, or requesting Penalty Abatement.
Final Compliance: Our goal is not just to resolve your current debt but to ensure you achieve and maintain full tax compliance, providing long-term financial freedom.

Handling IRS Audits and Appeals

IRS audits can be daunting, but with proper representation, they don’t have to be devastating. The IRS closed 582,944 tax return audits in Fiscal Year 2023.

Audit Triggers: Audits can be triggered by various factors, including mismatches on W-2s or 1099s, unusual deductions, or random selection. Certain categories, like self-employed individuals and high-income earners, face higher scrutiny.
Correspondence vs. Field Audits: Audits can range from simple correspondence audits (by mail) to more invasive field audits conducted at your home or business.
Managing IRS Communication: We manage all communication with the IRS, protecting your legal rights and preventing you from inadvertently providing more information than required.
Protecting Your Rights: An experienced attorney ensures that the audit process adheres to legal standards and that your rights are upheld throughout.
The IRS Office of Appeals: If you’re not satisfied with the outcome of an audit, you have the right to challenge it through the IRS Office of Appeals. This independent organization functions separately from enforcement divisions and aims to resolve disputes fairly, often leading to a settlement without litigation. We can handle all aspects of the appeals process. Learn more about More info about IRS audit representation.

Tax Court Representation and Statutes of Limitation

Sometimes, administrative appeals aren’t enough, and litigation becomes necessary.

When to Go to Tax Court: If you’ve received a final decision from the IRS that you believe is incorrect, or if a settlement cannot be reached through appeals, you may need to petition the United States Tax Court.
90-day Notice of Deficiency Deadline: It’s critical to act quickly. Under IRC 6213(a), the petition period generally runs 90 days from mailing, or 150 days if the notice is addressed to a person outside the United States, subject to applicable calendar and other rules. Check the notice and seek advice promptly; missing the deadline can permit assessment.
Review the relevant notices, filing history, records, and deadlines before choosing a response. Evaluate professional assistance according to the facts, applicable law, and agreed scope of representation. Related resources: More info about IRS appeals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Los Angeles Tax Relief

How much does it cost to hire a tax relief attorney in Los Angeles?

The cost of hiring a los angeles tax relief attorney can vary significantly based on the complexity of your case, the amount of debt involved, and the specific services required (e.g., audit defense, Offer in Compromise, collection defense). Some firms, like ours, may offer a free initial consultation to assess your situation. Fees can be structured as flat fees for specific services or hourly rates for ongoing representation. We believe in transparency and will discuss our fee structure clearly during your initial consultation so you understand the investment involved.

Can a tax attorney really reduce my IRS debt?

Review the available options and applicable requirements for the particular matter. Outcomes depend on the facts and law; another taxpayer’s result does not predict yours. Confirm the scope of the proposed engagement.

How quickly can a Los Angeles tax relief attorney stop a wage garnishment?

A tax attorney can review the levy and request release using the applicable procedure. When the IRS determines a wage levy causes economic hardship because basic, reasonable living expenses cannot be met, it must release that levy immediately. Other releases and state-agency procedures depend on the facts. Hiring counsel does not guarantee release subject to the applicable release criteria and agency review.

Take the First Step Towards Financial Freedom

Verify current qualifications and experience relevant to the matter. Discuss the available response options and confirm the scope and terms of the proposed engagement.

We are committed to providing sophisticated guidance and steadfast advocacy, helping you assess available remedies without guaranteeing an outcome. Don’t let tax debt control your future. Take the proactive step towards financial freedom today.

Automatic Exemption from Penalty transition: For covered returns with an original due date on or after January 1, 2027, AEP replaces FTA. This is distinct from the summer-2026 rollout for eligible original 2025 annual returns and 2026 quarterly returns. Eligibility depends on the covered return and penalty types, the prior same-form compliance history, current filing and payment compliance, and applicable exclusions. Consult the current IRS AEP guidance.