How to Find a Tax Attorney Los Angeles

Why Finding The Right Tax Attorney Los Angeles Matters

Tax attorney los angeles professionals provide critical legal representation for IRS audits, back taxes, wage garnishments, tax liens, or criminal tax investigations. The right attorney can mean the difference between financial ruin and a manageable resolution—whether that’s negotiating an Offer in Compromise, stopping a levy, or defending you in Tax Court.

Quick Answer: What to Look for in a Los Angeles Tax Attorney

1. Credentials – State Bar of California license, LL.M. in Taxation, or Certified Taxation Law Specialist.
2. Experience – Former IRS attorneys bring insider knowledge; look for 15+ years in tax controversy.
3. Services – IRS audits, Offers in Compromise, tax liens, levies, criminal defense, and California state tax issues (FTB, EDD, CDTFA).
4. Fee Structure – Free consultations and transparent pricing (hourly or flat fee).
5. Track Record – Proven results resolving complex cases.

As Albert Einstein said, “The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.” When you’re drowning in notices from the IRS or California’s aggressive tax agencies—the Franchise Tax Board (FTB), Employment Development Department (EDD), and Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)—that complexity becomes a crisis. You need an expert who speaks the language of tax law fluently.

The stakes are high. The IRS has a conviction rate over 90% in criminal tax cases that reach the Department of Justice, with most convicted individuals serving prison time. Civil fraud penalties can reach 75% of the tax owed, and FBAR penalties for unreported foreign accounts can exceed the entire account balance. You need an attorney who understands tax law, IRS procedures, and courtroom litigation.

I’m Attorney Samuel Landis, Managing Partner at Segal, Cohen & Landis. I’ve spent over 15 years as a tax attorney los angeles businesses and individuals trust for high-stakes IRS controversy resolution. As a Boston University LL.M. graduate and adjunct professor of tax law, I’ve developed settlement techniques that have helped thousands of clients resolve seemingly impossible tax situations.

Understanding When You Need A Tax Attorney In Los Angeles

Tax problems rarely announce themselves politely; they escalate. A missed deadline or an honest mistake can snowball into wage garnishments, bank levies, or even criminal investigations. When facing the full power of federal or California state tax agencies, you need a tax attorney los angeles who knows how to fight back.

Common issues include confusing IRS notices, demanding tax audits, unfiled returns, and large tax debts. Aggressive collection actions like wage garnishments, bank levies, and tax liens can destroy your finances and credit. For business owners, payroll tax issues can lead to personal liability, while offshore accounts have become a minefield for international compliance.

These aren’t just financial problems; they cause sleepless nights and constant anxiety. With over 33 years of experience and 25,000 clients served, we understand the human side of every tax case.

For a deeper look at the range of issues we handle, visit our page on IRS Tax Problems.

Signs You’ve Received a Serious Notice

The IRS and California tax agencies communicate through notices. Some are routine, but others are five-alarm fires that demand immediate action. Ignoring them only makes things worse.

• IRS Audit Letter: Your return is being examined. This can be a simple mail audit or an in-person meeting where an agent digs through your finances.
• Notice of Intent to Levy: The IRS or state plans to seize your assets—bank accounts, wages, or retirement savings. Immediate negotiation is needed to stop it.
• Notice of Federal Tax Lien: The government has placed a legal claim on all your property (house, car, business assets), destroying your credit and ability to sell assets.
• Summons to Appear: A legal demand for testimony or documents, often signaling an investigation. Responding without legal counsel is extremely risky.
• Passport Revocation Notice: If you owe more than $59,000 (adjusted annually), the IRS can have your passport revoked or denied, creating a crisis for work or family travel.

Common Business and Individual Tax Crises

Certain situations are inherently serious and require a tax attorney los angeles with specialized expertise.

• Payroll Tax Liability: The IRS considers this a theft of “trust fund” taxes. Business owners can be held personally responsible for unpaid payroll taxes, with crushing penalties.
• Misclassified Employees: Getting the employee vs. independent contractor distinction wrong can lead to massive retroactive tax assessments and penalties from the IRS and California’s EDD.
• High-Dollar Tax Debt: Debts in the tens or hundreds of thousands require sophisticated negotiation. An attorney can explore options like an Offer in Compromise or an installment agreement.
• Allegations of Tax Fraud: A criminal tax investigation is the most serious threat, with consequences including prison time and devastating fines. The IRS Criminal Investigation team has a conviction rate over 90% for referred cases.
• Cryptocurrency Tax Issues: The IRS is actively enforcing complex tax rules for buying, selling, and trading digital assets. An attorney can help you steer compliance and avoid penalties.
• Offshore Accounts and FBAR Penalties: Failure to file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) for foreign accounts can lead to staggering penalties. Willful violations can result in civil penalties of the greater of $100,000 or 50% of the account balance per violation, plus potential criminal charges under 31 U.S.C. 5321(a)(5).

The Core Services Of A Los Angeles Tax Attorney

When facing tax trouble, you need a skilled advocate who can protect your rights and negotiate with powerful tax agencies. A dedicated tax attorney los angeles brings specialized legal expertise to resolve everything from routine audits to complex criminal investigations. At Segal, Cohen & Landis, we’ve spent over 33 years helping more than 25,000 clients steer these challenges.

We handle both federal and state matters, from the IRS to California’s Franchise Tax Board. Our goal is to bring clarity to your situation and chart a strategic path forward.

For a comprehensive look at everything we offer, visit our Tax Services page.

Resolving Federal IRS Tax Problems

With experienced legal representation, you can level the playing field against the IRS and achieve outcomes that might seem impossible.

• IRS Audit Representation: We handle all communication with the IRS, prepare your documentation, and represent you throughout the audit. If the results are unfavorable, we can pursue administrative appeals or take your case to Tax Court. Learn more on our IRS Audit Representation page.
• Back Taxes and Unfiled Returns: We help you get compliant by filing delinquent returns and then work to reduce accumulated penalties and interest. Find out more about how we handle Back Taxes.
• Offer in Compromise (OIC): An OIC can settle your tax debt for less than you owe. We’ve negotiated OICs that settled six-figure tax debts for just hundreds of dollars. For example, one client with a $133,000 liability paid just $800, and another with over $602,000 in debt settled for $1,470. Explore this option on our IRS Offer in Compromise page.
• Installment Agreement: This allows you to pay your tax debt over time, typically up to ten years, providing breathing room to meet your obligations.
• Penalty Abatement: Many penalties can be reduced or eliminated if you have reasonable cause. We know how to make these arguments effectively.
• Currently Not Collectible Status: This temporarily pauses IRS collection efforts during times of severe financial hardship.

Navigating California State-Specific Tax Issues

California’s tax system has its own aggressive agencies that require specialized knowledge.

• Franchise Tax Board (FTB): We represent clients in FTB audits, assessments, and appeals. We have extensive experience with California residency audits, which require detailed evidence to prove where you actually lived.
• Employment Development Department (EDD): We handle EDD audits, which are often focused on worker classification. An incorrect classification can result in massive tax assessments and penalties.
• California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA): This agency administers sales and use taxes. We represent clients in appeals before the Office of Tax Appeals, which has unique procedures requiring experienced counsel.

For comprehensive information, visit our California State Tax Resolution Services page.

Handling High-Stakes and Criminal Tax Matters

When tax issues become criminal, your freedom is at stake. An experienced tax attorney los angeles is essential.

• Criminal Tax Defense: We defend against charges like tax fraud and tax evasion. We intervene early in “eggshell audits” to prevent criminal referrals and provide aggressive defense if charges are filed. The IRS has a conviction rate exceeding 90% for criminal cases reaching the DOJ, making early intervention critical.
• Offshore Tax Compliance and FBAR Penalties: We help clients with undisclosed foreign accounts achieve compliance through voluntary disclosure programs. The penalties for non-compliance are severe, with willful violations potentially triggering penalties of the greater of $100,000 or 50% of the account balance per violation, plus criminal charges under 31 U.S.C. 5321(a)(5).

Key Qualifications For Your Tax Attorney Los Angeles

When your financial future is on the line, choosing the right tax attorney los angeles is essential. Not all tax attorneys are created equal; some have deep specialization in tax controversy and litigation, while others bring invaluable insider knowledge from working at the IRS. Understanding what qualifications matter will help you make an informed decision.

Essential Credentials and Experience to Verify

Verifying an attorney’s qualifications is like checking a surgeon’s board certification. Here’s what to look for:

• State Bar of California License: This is the minimum requirement. You can check an attorney’s license with the State Bar of California to verify their standing and disciplinary history.
• Certified Taxation Law Specialist: This designation from the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization is a mark of true expertise, requiring rigorous exams, experience, and peer reviews.
• LL.M. in Taxation: A Master of Laws degree focused exclusively on tax law demonstrates a deep commitment to the field. Our Managing Partner, Samuel Landis, earned his LL.M. from Boston University School of Law and is an adjunct professor of tax law.
• Years of Experience: Seasoned judgment is invaluable in tax controversy. Our firm has over 30 years of experience and has helped more than 25,000 clients.
• Former IRS Attorney: Attorneys who previously worked for the IRS bring priceless insider knowledge of how agents think, how cases are evaluated, and which negotiation strategies succeed.
• Proven Track Record: A history of successful litigation and favorable settlements speaks volumes. We have resolved over 15,000 cases, from negotiating massive debt reductions to defending clients in criminal investigations.

Tax Attorney vs. CPA vs. Enrolled Agent

While CPAs and Enrolled Agents can represent you in IRS audits, only a tax attorney offers complete protection, especially when the stakes are high.

• Tax Attorneys are the only professionals who can provide legal advice and represent you in court (e.g., U.S. Tax Court). Most importantly, they offer attorney-client privilege, which keeps your communications confidential, even from the IRS. This is critical in criminal investigations or fraud allegations.
• CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) specialize in tax preparation and financial reporting. They can represent you in audits but cannot go to court or offer the same level of confidentiality.
• Enrolled Agents (EAs) are licensed by the IRS to prepare returns and represent taxpayers in audits and appeals. Like CPAs, they cannot provide legal representation in court or offer attorney-client privilege.

If your case involves a lien, levy, fraud allegation, or potential litigation, you need a tax attorney.

Choosing Your Firm: Boutique vs. Large Law Firms

The right firm structure depends on your needs.

• Large Law Firms have extensive resources but may delegate your case to junior associates, limiting your access to senior partners.
• Boutique Firms like Segal, Cohen & Landis offer personalized service and direct access to senior attorneys. Your case is handled personally by a partner, ensuring you receive consistent communication and a strategy custom to your unique situation.

We combine the expertise of a large firm with the personal touch of a boutique practice. If you value direct access to experienced attorneys who treat you like a person, not a case number, a boutique firm is your best choice. Learn more on our About Us page.

The Process: What To Expect When Hiring A Tax Attorney

Reaching out to a tax attorney los angeles can feel daunting, but the process is designed to be straightforward and supportive. Think of us as your guide through the complex world of tax law, walking with you from the first call to the final resolution.

The Initial Consultation and Understanding Costs

Your journey begins with a free, confidential consultation. We offer this so you can understand your options without any upfront financial pressure. During this call, we will:

1. Listen to your story: We’ll ask about the notices you’ve received and what your primary concerns are. There’s no judgment, only a desire to help.
2. Assess your case: We’ll identify the tax agencies involved (IRS, FTB, EDD, etc.), the specific problems you face, and the potential risks.
3. Outline solutions: Based on our assessment, we’ll explain the most effective strategies in plain English, whether it’s an Offer in Compromise, an installment agreement, or audit defense.
4. Discuss costs transparently: The cost of a tax attorney los angeles depends on case complexity. We offer flat fees for predictable services and hourly rates for more complex matters. We may use a retainer agreement, where an upfront payment is billed against as we work. You will receive a clear estimate with no surprises.

For more details on fees, see our Overview of Fees for Los Angeles Tax Attorneys and Average Costs of Hiring a Tax Attorney in Los Angeles.

Working with Your tax attorney los angeles to Resolve Your Case

Once you engage our services, you’re no longer facing tax agencies alone. Here’s how we handle the heavy lifting:

• Gather Information: We work with you to collect all relevant documents, like tax returns, financial records, and agency correspondence. Honest and open communication is the foundation of a successful resolution.
• Take Over All Communication: This is a huge relief for our clients. We become the point of contact for the IRS and state agencies, ending the stressful calls and confusing letters to you.
• Develop a Customized Action Plan: We craft a strategy specific to your situation. This could involve negotiating a levy release due to financial hardship, preparing a compelling OIC application, or arguing for penalty abatement.
• Litigate When Necessary: If a fair administrative resolution isn’t possible, we are fully prepared to take your case to the U.S. Tax Court or other federal and state courts. Often, the act of filing a petition can lead to a better settlement.
• Achieve Compliance and Resolution: Our ultimate goal is to secure the best possible outcome and ensure you’re set up for future compliance, providing lasting peace of mind.

Learn more about our representation process on our page about Los Angeles Tax Laws: What You Need to Know About IRS Representation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles Tax Attorneys

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

The cost of a tax attorney los angeles varies based on case complexity and the attorney’s experience. Rates can be hourly (from $250 to $750+) or a flat fee for a specific service like an Offer in Compromise. A free consultation is the best way to get an accurate estimate for your situation. Investing in expert help often saves far more in penalties and interest than the legal fees cost.

Can a tax attorney stop an IRS wage garnishment?

Yes, a skilled tax attorney los angeles can often stop an IRS wage garnishment quickly. We can immediately contact the IRS to negotiate a release by proving financial hardship or setting up an alternative payment plan, like an installment agreement or an Offer in Compromise. Acting fast is crucial to prevent the IRS from continuing to take your wages.

What is the main benefit of hiring a former IRS attorney?

The main benefit of hiring a former IRS attorney is their insider knowledge. They understand the IRS’s internal procedures, negotiation tactics, and decision-making processes. This unique perspective allows them to anticipate the IRS’s arguments and craft strategies that are more likely to succeed, saving clients significant time, money, and stress.

Conclusion: Taking The First Step Towards Tax Resolution

If you’ve read this far, you know that tax problems don’t solve themselves. Whether you’re facing an IRS audit, a wage garnishment, or a criminal investigation, the weight of uncertainty can be overwhelming. The good news is you don’t have to carry that burden alone.

Finding the right tax attorney los angeles is about hiring an advocate who will fight for your best possible outcome and help you reclaim your peace of mind. We’ve outlined the serious tax issues facing Los Angeles residents, the services we provide to solve them, and the credentials that matter when choosing your representative.

Ignoring a tax problem can lead to escalating penalties, asset seizures, and even criminal prosecution. With qualified counsel by your side, however, even the most daunting situation can be managed and resolved.

At Segal, Cohen & Landis, we’ve spent over 33 years helping more than 25,000 clients find their way out of tax trouble. Every case is personally handled by a partner attorney committed to achieving the best possible result for you.

The hardest part is often making the first call, but that single action can change everything. It can stop a levy, open the door to a favorable settlement, or protect your freedom.

You’ve already taken an important step by educating yourself. Now, it’s time to take action.

Contact a top-rated Los Angeles tax attorney today for a free, confidential consultation

Your future is worth fighting for. Let’s start that fight together.