Segal, Cohen & Landis, P.C.
Encino IRS Tax Attorney
Serving Encino from our Beverly Hills office. Most matters are handled entirely by phone and video.
Encino's concentration of entertainment-industry earners, real estate investors, and Ventura Boulevard business owners makes it a prime target for both IRS revenue officers and California Franchise Tax Board auditors - and a single 1099, K-1, or residency dispute can spiral into liens, levies, and wage garnishments. When the IRS issues a CP2000, files a Notice of Federal Tax Lien, or the FTB opens a residency audit on a Valley resident with out-of-state ties, the window to respond is short and the stakes are six figures or more. Segal, Cohen & Landis - the Beverly Hills-based IRS tax law firm just over the Sepulveda Pass from Encino - has represented San Fernando Valley taxpayers before the IRS and FTB for over 33 years, with a federal practice that operates nationwide. If you have unfiled returns, back taxes, or an audit notice, call before the agency escalates collection.
CA
EncinoCalifornia
IRS & Tax Context for Encino
All of California →IRS Office for Encino Taxpayers
IRS Los Angeles Campus (nearest)
300 N. Los Angeles St., Stop 7345, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 576-3140
Federal / Tax Court
U.S. Tax Court — Los Angeles Special Trial Session | U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
California tax context
Tax issues affecting Encino
Encino taxpayers face two independent tax authorities. The IRS enforces federal liability, while the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) - a state agency entirely separate from the IRS with its own auditors, collectors, and appeals process - administers a state income tax that tops out at 13.3% on income over $1 million (plus the 1% Mental Health Services surcharge), the highest marginal rate in the nation.
California also does not conform to many federal provisions: it disallows the federal QBI deduction, taxes capital gains as ordinary income, and limits itemized deductions, creating separate state exposure even when a federal return is clean. The FTB can pursue a taxpayer for years after the IRS has closed its file.
Entertainment and media
Encino's economy concentrates audit risk in three sectors. First, entertainment and media professionals - actors, writers, producers, and post-production specialists clustered along Ventura Boulevard - earn through loan-out corporations, K-1 pass-throughs, and equity that draw IRS scrutiny on reasonable compensation and hobby-loss rules under §183.
Real estate investments
Second, real estate investors and 1031-exchange participants face FTB clawback on deferred California-source gains plus IRS passive-activity loss limitations.
Small business and payroll
Third, self-employed professionals and Schedule C small-business owners are flagged by both agencies for unreported income, payroll tax (§941) delinquencies, and worker-classification disputes - an area the FTB and EDD pursue aggressively in California.
Residency and audit priorities
The FTB's residency audits are a particular Encino threat. High earners who relocate to Nevada, Texas, or Florida while keeping a Valley home, family, or business face the FTB's presumption of continued California residency, with the burden of proof falling on the taxpayer to establish domicile elsewhere. These audits routinely reach back four years and demand granular evidence of physical presence.
Current IRS enforcement priorities relevant to the region include high-income non-filers, abusive partnership and conservation-easement structures, employee-retention-credit claims, and digital-asset reporting - all common in Encino's professional and investor population.
Representation for Encino
Because federal IRS practice is admitted nationwide, Segal, Cohen & Landis represents Encino clients before IRS offices and the U.S. Tax Court regardless of where the taxpayer now lives, while its Beverly Hills base - minutes from Encino via the 405 - keeps the firm fluent in FTB procedure and California-specific exposure.
IRS Tax Services Available to Encino Clients
We represent clients in Encino and across the United States before the IRS, U.S. Tax Court, and state tax agencies. Common issues we resolve:
Why Encino 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 — Encino IRS Tax Help
My Encino business owes payroll taxes. What are my options?
Payroll tax debt is treated differently than income tax debt — the IRS can assert personal liability against responsible parties and collect immediately. SCL handles payroll tax installment agreements, Trust Fund Recovery Penalty defense, and negotiations to limit personal exposure for business owners.
Can SCL help with an FTB audit of my California business?
Yes. California FTB audits of business returns are common for San Fernando Valley businesses. SCL handles FTB correspondence, audits, and appeal proceedings — including situations where both the IRS and FTB are simultaneously examining the same entity.
I haven't filed tax returns in several years. What happens if I come forward?
The IRS has a Voluntary Compliance program and the FTB has similar procedures. SCL prepares and files delinquent returns, negotiates penalty abatement, and structures an installment plan or Offer in Compromise to resolve the resulting balance — typically avoiding criminal referral when the taxpayer comes forward proactively.
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 Encino?
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.