Segal, Cohen & Landis, P.C.
Detroit IRS Tax Attorney
Serving Detroit from our Beverly Hills office. Most matters are handled entirely by phone and video.
Detroit taxpayers deal with federal IRS enforcement, Michigan state income tax, and a city income tax that adds a third layer — all while the automotive industry's complex compensation structures, buyout payments, and pension distributions create income reporting issues that the IRS actively scrutinizes. Segal, Cohen & Landis provides attorney-led representation for Detroit, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, and all Michigan clients — all work conducted remotely by phone and video.
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IRS Tax Services Available to Detroit Clients
We represent clients in Detroit and across the United States before the IRS, U.S. Tax Court, and state tax agencies. Common issues we resolve:
Why Detroit 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 — Detroit IRS Tax Help
What IRS issues are most common for Ford, GM, and Stellantis employees and retirees in Detroit?
Detroit's Big Three automotive executives and retirees face IRS issues specific to the industry: performance share plan and restricted stock unit vesting, nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A, executive automobile allowances that generate W-2 imputed income, and lump-sum pension distribution taxation. Buyout and early retirement packages received by UAW members are fully taxable as ordinary income in the year received — but withholding on large lump sums often falls short. SCL advises automotive industry employees and retirees on IRS audit response and income tax compliance.
Does Detroit have its own city income tax separate from Michigan state taxes?
Yes. Detroit imposes a 2.4% city income tax on residents and 1.2% on non-residents who earn income within city limits. This is separate from Michigan's 4.25% flat state income tax. Detroit's city tax authorities coordinate with Michigan Department of Treasury, which in turn coordinates with the IRS. A federal audit adjustment can cascade into both a Michigan state assessment and a Detroit city income tax assessment. SCL navigates all three tax layers for Detroit clients.
Does Segal, Cohen & Landis handle FBAR cases for Detroit's Arab-American community?
Yes. The Detroit metro area — especially Dearborn — has one of the largest Arab-American communities in the United States, with significant family financial ties to Lebanon, Yemen, Jordan, and other countries. FBAR (FinCEN 114) reporting is required for foreign accounts exceeding $10,000. Gifts from foreign relatives may require Form 3520. SCL handles FBAR voluntary disclosure, streamlined filing procedures, and IRS international tax compliance for Arabic-speaking clients.
Can SCL help Detroit-area automotive suppliers with payroll tax and trust fund penalty problems?
Yes. Automotive suppliers facing cash flow stress frequently fall behind on 941 payroll tax deposits. The IRS assesses the 100% trust fund recovery penalty personally against owners, officers, and any individual deemed a 'responsible party' — even after the business closes. SCL defends trust fund penalty assessments, negotiates installment agreements, and pursues penalty abatement for Detroit-area manufacturing and supplier clients.
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 Detroit?
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.