Don’t Get Taxed Out: Top LA Tax Attorneys Ready to Fight for You

Why You Need An LA Tax Attorney Now

If you’re searching for an la tax attorney, you’re likely facing serious tax trouble—and time is critical. Whether it’s an IRS audit, back taxes, wage garnishments, or criminal tax charges, the right attorney can negotiate with tax authorities, protect your rights, and often reduce what you owe.

Here’s what a Los Angeles tax attorney can help you with:

• IRS Audits & Investigations – Represent you before the IRS and protect your rights.
• Tax Debt Resolution – Negotiate Offers in Compromise, installment agreements, and penalty abatements.
• Criminal Tax Defense – Defend against tax fraud, evasion, and IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) cases.
• Wage Garnishments & Levies – Stop IRS collection actions like wage garnishments and bank levies.
• Offshore Tax Compliance – Handle FBAR violations and voluntary disclosures.
• Tax Litigation & Appeals – Represent you in U.S. Tax Court and administrative appeals.

The stakes are high. The IRS, Franchise Tax Board (FTB), and California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) have aggressive collection powers. They can seize your bank accounts, garnish your wages, and even revoke your passport. You don’t have to face them alone.

A skilled tax attorney brings legal expertise and attorney-client privilege—protections that CPAs and enrolled agents cannot provide. They understand the tax code, know how to negotiate with tax agencies, and can craft a strategy for your specific situation. The right legal team can achieve remarkable results, saving clients millions of dollars through expert negotiation and litigation.

I’m Attorney Samuel Landis, Managing Partner at Segal, Cohen & Landis. With over 15 years of experience and an LL.M. in Taxation, I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals and businesses resolve even the most challenging tax situations. This guide will walk you through when to hire a tax attorney, how they can solve your problems, and what to look for when choosing the right professional to fight for you.

When To Hire A Tax Attorney: Common Tax Crises In Los Angeles

Receiving a letter from the IRS, FTB, CDTFA, or EDD is stressful. These agencies have entire teams working to protect the government’s interests, not yours. That’s where an experienced la tax attorney becomes crucial. At Segal, Cohen & Landis, we’ve spent over 33 years fighting for taxpayers against aggressive agency tactics.

Navigating IRS Audits and Investigations

An IRS audit is stressful, whether it’s a simple correspondence audit or a full in-person examination. As your la tax attorney, we handle all communication with the IRS, challenge their claims, and ensure they interpret the law correctly. We represent you from the first notice until the case is resolved.

Some cases, known as “eggshell audits,” involve suspected criminal activity. Everything you say could be used against you, making immediate legal representation essential. We work to prevent a referral to the Criminal Investigations Division and fight to eliminate civil fraud penalties.

If an audit has an unfavorable outcome, we can request audit reconsiderations to review the case for errors or new information. For more guidance, see our guide on Los Angeles Tax Laws: What You Need to Know About IRS Representation.

Resolving Tax Debt and Collection Actions

The IRS and state tax authorities use powerful collection tools, including wage garnishments, bank levies, and property seizures. They can even revoke your passport. These actions can be financially devastating.

Our job is to stop these collection actions and find a lasting solution. We negotiate the release of garnishments and levies and challenge federal tax liens that damage your credit. A major part of tax debt is accumulating penalties and interest. Through penalty abatement, we can often have these removed if you had reasonable cause for non-compliance.

To explore tax relief options, visit our page on Essential Los Angeles Tax Relief Options for Economic Relief.

Handling Criminal Tax Charges and Fraud

Criminal tax charges for tax fraud or tax evasion are life-changing. When the IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) division gets involved, the stakes are high. The IRS has a conviction rate of over 90% for criminal tax cases, with most convictions leading to prison time.

If you’re under investigation, hiring an la tax attorney is essential due to attorney-client privilege. Your conversations with us are confidential and legally protected, a safeguard that doesn’t exist with CPAs in criminal matters. We can also use a Kovel agreement to extend this privilege to an accountant working under our direction. Our goal is to prevent charges from being filed, but if they are, we build an aggressive defense based on over 33 years of experience.

Offshore Tax Compliance and FBAR

Having foreign accounts is legal, but failing to report them can lead to devastating penalties. The IRS takes FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) and FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) compliance very seriously.

Willful FBAR violations can result in criminal penalties up to $250,000 and five years in prison. Civil penalties can be even worse, often the greater of $100,000 or 50% of the account balance. If you have undisclosed foreign accounts, it’s best to come forward before the IRS finds them. Through voluntary disclosures and streamlined filing procedures, we can help you become compliant while significantly reducing penalties. We have guided hundreds of taxpayers through this process, saving them tens of millions of dollars.

For more on the legal framework, see 31 U.S.C. § 5321(a)(5).

The Resolution Playbook: How A Tax Attorney Solves Your Problems

Feeling overwhelmed by tax debt is common, but there is almost always a way out. An experienced la tax attorney acts as your strategic partner, building a comprehensive resolution playbook custom to your financial reality and the nature of your tax debt. This involves careful legal strategy, skilled negotiation, and, when necessary, aggressive litigation.

The right legal team can achieve substantial savings, allowing you to get your life back on track.

Crafting a Debt Resolution Strategy

Since every tax situation is unique, we begin by thoroughly analyzing your finances to determine the best resolution. Options include:

• Offer in Compromise (OIC): This allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed. The IRS approval process is strict, making expert negotiation critical.
• Installment Agreement: This lets you pay off your debt over time with manageable monthly payments. We negotiate terms that work with your budget to ensure long-term success.
• Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status: If paying your tax debt would cause severe financial hardship, we can pursue CNC status. This temporarily halts all IRS collection activities, giving you breathing room to recover financially.
• Collection Statute Expiration Dates (CSED): The IRS generally has ten years to collect a tax debt. We track these dates and use strategies to ensure the collection period doesn’t get improperly extended.

We apply these same strategies to resolve disputes with California state agencies like the FTB, CDTFA, and EDD. Learn more at our page on California State Tax Resolution Services.

The Path of Tax Litigation and Appeals

When negotiation isn’t enough, the litigation and appeals expertise of an la tax attorney is essential. If the IRS or a state agency has made an error or refuses to acknowledge your rights, we are prepared to fight.

Your first step is often an appeal. The IRS Appeals Office is an independent division that resolves disputes without going to court. For state matters, we can file appeals with the State Board of Equalization (SBOE) or the Office of Tax Appeals (OTA).

If an appeal doesn’t resolve the issue, we are prepared to go to trial. We represent clients in U.S. Tax Court, which allows you to challenge an IRS deficiency notice before paying the disputed tax. We also handle cases in Federal District Court and State Superior Court for refund claims or to challenge state tax decisions.

Should a trial result in an unfavorable decision, we can pursue appeals in higher courts, such as the Federal Circuit Courts. Tax litigation is a serious step, but sometimes it’s the only way to achieve justice. Our experience with docketed appeals and trials means we know how to steer these complex proceedings and give you the strongest possible representation. At Segal, Cohen & Landis, we bring the experience of over 15,000 successfully represented clients to every case.

Why An LA Tax Attorney Is Your Strongest Ally

Facing the IRS and California tax agencies can feel like you’re up against a giant. A la tax attorney brings something fundamentally different to the table than other tax professionals—the power of the law.

The Critical Advantage of Attorney-Client Privilege

Attorney-client privilege is a powerful legal protection that only an attorney can offer. When you speak with your la tax attorney, your conversations are legally confidential. The IRS cannot force your attorney to reveal what you discussed, even if your case becomes a criminal matter.

This protection does not apply to CPAs or enrolled agents in the same way. If a civil audit turns into a criminal investigation, your accountant could be forced to testify against you. Attorney-client privilege allows you to be completely honest with your representative, enabling them to build the strongest possible defense without fear that your words will become evidence.

Expertise Beyond the Numbers for a top la tax attorney

While accountants are experts with numbers, tax disputes require legal thinking. An attorney is trained in:

• Tax Law Interpretation: We analyze statutes, case law, and legal precedents to find arguments and solutions that go beyond simple tax code readings.
• Legal Procedure: We know the strict rules and deadlines for filing petitions in U.S. Tax Court and other legal forums. Missing a deadline can mean losing your rights.
• Litigation and Trial Skills: We are trained to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make persuasive legal arguments in a courtroom.
• Criminal Defense: Only an attorney can represent you in a criminal tax case, where your freedom is at stake.

At Segal, Cohen & Landis, we combine large-firm expertise with boutique-firm attention. We explain your options clearly and work alongside you to resolve your tax problems. For more on our approach for businesses, see our guide to Business Tax Attorneys in Los Angeles: Key Insights.

Finding The Right LA Tax Attorney For Your Case

Choosing the right la tax attorney is a critical decision. You need an experienced and trustworthy partner to steer complex legal landscapes and fight for your best interests.

Key Qualifications and Experience to Look For

When evaluating attorneys, focus on tangible qualifications and proven experience. Look for:

• Certified Taxation Law Specialist: This designation from the State Bar of California signifies a high level of proficiency and experience in tax law. You can verify credentials with The State Bar of California.
• LL.M. in Taxation: This advanced legal degree demonstrates a deep, specialized education in tax law, controversies, and advanced strategies.
• Former IRS Attorneys: These professionals offer invaluable “insider knowledge” of IRS strategies and internal workings.
• Decades of Experience: Longevity in tax law indicates a deep understanding of evolving laws and a proven ability to handle a wide range of cases. At Segal, Cohen & Landis, we have over 30 years of experience, and our attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience handling thousands of complex tax cases.

Understanding the Cost: Fee Structures for a top la tax attorney

Cost is a major concern, and fees vary based on case complexity and attorney experience. Common structures include:

• Hourly Rates: You pay for the attorney’s time, which works well for cases with an unpredictable scope.
• Flat Fees: A single, upfront price for a well-defined service, like preparing an Offer in Compromise. This provides cost certainty.
• Retainers: An upfront payment held in a trust account, from which the attorney bills their time. This is common for lengthy cases.

While cost is a factor, it’s important to evaluate the value. A skilled attorney who can save you thousands of dollars or prevent criminal charges is an investment that pays for itself. Reputable firms offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and potential costs. For more details, see An Overview of Fees for Los Angeles Tax Attorneys.

Questions to Ask During Your Consultation

Your initial consultation is your chance to assess an attorney’s expertise and communication style. Be sure to ask:

• “What is your experience with cases like mine?” Look for specific examples, not vague assurances.
• “Who will be my primary point of contact?” At our firm, all cases are handled by partner attorneys to ensure top-level expertise.
• “How do you structure your fees?” Get a clear breakdown of all potential costs.
• “What is your communication policy?” Clear expectations on updates and response times are crucial.
• “What is a realistic outcome for my case?” An honest attorney will provide a straightforward assessment of the risks and opportunities, not a guarantee.
• “What are the next steps if I decide to hire you?” A clear action plan shows the attorney is organized and proactive.

Take your time, ask questions, and trust your instincts. The right attorney will make you feel heard, understood, and confident.

Frequently Asked Questions About LA Tax Attorneys

When facing tax problems, it’s natural to have questions. Here are answers to the questions we hear most often at Segal, Cohen & Landis about hiring an la tax attorney.

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

The cost depends on the complexity of your case. Most la tax attorneys use hourly rates, flat fees for specific services, or an upfront retainer. Rates vary based on the attorney’s experience and the work required. A straightforward case will cost less than a complex criminal defense. Many reputable firms, including ours, offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and provide a realistic cost estimate so you can make an informed decision.

Can a tax attorney really reduce my tax debt?

Yes, often dramatically. An experienced la tax attorney uses proven strategies to reduce what you owe. These include Offers in Compromise (settling for less than the full amount), penalty abatement (removing penalties for reasonable cause), and securing Innocent Spouse Relief. While no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome, hiring a skilled negotiator dramatically increases your chances of achieving significant debt reduction. We’ve seen it happen thousands of times over our 30+ years in practice.

Do I need a tax attorney if my case isn’t criminal?

Yes, it is highly recommended for many civil tax matters. An la tax attorney is essential for complex situations like IRS audits, navigating resolutions for large tax debts, or handling disputes with the IRS, FTB, CDTFA, or EDD. Most importantly, even in civil cases, you benefit from attorney-client privilege. This legal protection keeps your conversations confidential, allowing you to speak freely so your attorney can build the most effective strategy. This protection is not available when working with a CPA or Enrolled Agent if a case turns criminal.

Conclusion: Take Control Of Your Tax Situation Today

Tax problems are a heavy burden, but you don’t have to carry it alone. Taking proactive steps with a professional la tax attorney provides peace of mind and a clear path forward. With the right legal expertise, most tax situations can be resolved.

At Segal, Cohen & Landis, we’ve spent over 33 years building a reputation for accessible, partner-led service. We’ve successfully represented over 15,000 clients, helping individuals and businesses across Los Angeles resolve their federal and state tax issues. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience to every case.

The longer you wait, the more limited your options become. Tax problems rarely improve on their own. By reaching out early, you give yourself the best chance at a favorable resolution.

Don’t let tax problems dictate your life. Contact an expert la tax attorney today to start resolving your tax issues and reclaim the peace of mind you deserve.

Los Angeles Tax Attorney