Segal, Cohen & Landis, P.C.
Charleston IRS Tax Attorney
Serving Charleston from our Beverly Hills office. Most matters are handled entirely by phone and video.
Charleston residents — including transplants from New York and California who face aggressive home-state departure audits, military personnel at Joint Base Charleston navigating service-specific IRS rules, short-term rental owners in the historic district and coastal areas, and individuals with IRS debt — face a surprisingly complex federal tax environment. Segal, Cohen & Landis provides attorney-led federal IRS representation for Charleston and South Carolina clients, conducted entirely by phone and video.
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IRS Tax Services Available to Charleston Clients
We represent clients in Charleston and across the United States before the IRS, U.S. Tax Court, and state tax agencies. Common issues we resolve:
Why Charleston Taxpayers Choose Segal, Cohen & Landis
Attorney-Led, Not Sales-Led
Every case is handled directly by a licensed tax attorney — never delegated to an unenrolled preparer or case manager. You get attorney judgment from day one.
33+ Years of IRS Experience
Sam Landis, Esq. has spent over three decades navigating IRS Collection, IRS Examination, and U.S. Tax Court on behalf of individuals and businesses.
National IRS Practice
We practice before the IRS in all 50 states and U.S. territories. Your physical location doesn't limit your access to experienced IRS tax counsel.
Client Reviews
Read client feedback and visit our review sources for their current ratings and review counts.
What Our Clients Say
Read client feedback on Google and Trustpilot.
“Sam resolved a six-figure IRS levy in under a week. He communicated every step clearly and got the result we needed. I can't recommend SCL highly enough.”
Michael T. · 2024
“I had an extremely complex FBAR and Form 3520 situation. Sam understood every nuance and handled the voluntary disclosure flawlessly. Genuinely the best in the field.”
Priya R. · 2024
“After receiving an IRS audit notice I was terrified. The team at SCL walked me through everything, represented me completely, and the audit closed with no changes. Worth every penny.”
David L. · 2023
Samuel Landis, Esq. · LL.M. Taxation, Boston University · 33+ years IRS controversy practice
Frequently Asked Questions — Charleston IRS Tax Help
I moved to Charleston from New York (or California). Can my former state still tax me?
Yes, potentially for years. New York aggressively pursues former high-income residents who relocate to lower-tax states, challenging the domicile change date and asserting ongoing New York-source income — particularly from stock options that vested during New York employment and dividends from entities with New York connections. California similarly pursues former residents, asserting that equity compensation attributable to California work performed during vesting periods remains taxable in California regardless of where you now live. Moving to Charleston does not automatically end New York or California tax obligations for prior income. SCL advises Charleston transplants on domicile change documentation and out-of-state residency audit defense.
What IRS issues are specific to Joint Base Charleston military personnel and veterans?
Military personnel at JB Charleston's Air Force Base, Army Reserve Center, and Naval Weapons Station face IRS issues specific to military service: combat zone pay exclusions (which require deployment to IRS-designated zones), BAH and BAS non-taxable allowance exclusions, multi-state income allocation after PCS moves to income-tax states, TSP early distribution penalty exceptions, and South Carolina's military retirement income deduction (up to $17,500 deductible from SC taxable income for servicemembers under 65). Separating servicemembers who receive lump-sum leave payouts or early retirement incentives have additional reporting obligations. SCL advises JB Charleston military families on all federal tax matters.
Are Charleston short-term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) owners at IRS audit risk?
Yes. Charleston's booming short-term rental market — particularly in the historic district, Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, and Folly Beach — creates IRS compliance issues. Rental income must be reported on Schedule E. The 14-day personal use rule: if you personally use the property for more than 14 days (or 10% of rental days), the property is treated as a personal residence and deductible losses are limited. Incorrect application of this rule, combined with large deductions for mortgage interest, depreciation, and maintenance, is an IRS audit trigger. SCL advises Charleston rental property owners on IRS compliance and defends short-term rental income audits.
Does South Carolina automatically follow IRS audit results for Charleston taxpayers?
Yes. The South Carolina Department of Revenue participates in IRS federal-state data sharing. Federal audit adjustments are reported to SCDOR, which issues state deficiency notices based on federal results — typically within 12–18 months of the federal audit closing. SCL coordinates federal IRS resolution and proactively addresses the SCDOR state assessment to prevent compounding penalty and interest charges.
How quickly can you stop a wage garnishment or bank levy?
In most cases, we can issue an IRS levy release or garnishment suspension within 24–72 hours of being retained, pending IRS processing. The first step is a free consultation to assess your situation.
What is the cost of a tax attorney consultation?
We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your situation. Fee schedules vary by case type and complexity — we are transparent about fees before any engagement.
Attorney-Led IRS Representation
Ready to Resolve Your IRS Problem in Charleston?
Schedule a confidential consultation with a licensed IRS tax attorney. No sales calls, no pressure — just honest legal counsel and a clear path forward.
Attorney Advertising. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Contact an attorney for advice specific to your situation.