Tax lawyer Los Angeles: #1 Expert Help

Why Facing the IRS or State Tax Authorities Demands Specialized Legal Help

Tax problems are deeply personal and can impact every part of your life. When the IRS or California tax agencies get involved, the situation can quickly become overwhelming.

Tax lawyer Los Angeles professionals provide critical legal representation for IRS audits, back taxes, wage garnishments, tax liens, or criminal tax investigations. An experienced tax attorney can negotiate with federal and state agencies, protect your rights, and pursue solutions like Offers in Compromise or installment agreements for overwhelming tax debt.

When You Need a Tax Lawyer in Los Angeles:

IRS Audits & Appeals – Legal representation during examinations and administrative disputes
Tax Debt Resolution – Negotiating Offers in Compromise, installment agreements, or Currently Not Collectible status
Liens & Levies – Stopping wage garnishments, releasing bank levies, and removing tax liens
Criminal Tax Defense – Protection against fraud or evasion charges from IRS Criminal Investigation
State Tax Issues – Representation before California FTB, CDTFA, and EDD
Offshore Compliance – FBAR penalties, FATCA issues, and voluntary disclosures
Business Tax Problems – Payroll tax disputes, worker classification, and Trust Fund Recovery Penalties

Facing the IRS or California Franchise Tax Board is daunting. The tax code is complex, and the stakes are high, with one wrong move potentially leading to financial strain or even criminal charges.

Expert guidance resolves the immediate crisis and protects your financial future.

As Attorney Samuel Landis, I bring over 15 years of experience as a Tax lawyer Los Angeles clients trust. I specialize in IRS controversy resolution and innovative settlement strategies, developing modern techniques to streamline complex cases while ensuring discretion and results.

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Why You Need a Tax Lawyer in Los Angeles

When facing tax problems with the IRS or California’s Franchise Tax Board, the intricate laws can be baffling and intimidating. The expertise of a Tax lawyer Los Angeles professional becomes essential.

Inaction can be severe. Unaddressed tax debts lead to mounting penalties and interest, escalating into a crisis. Tax authorities can impose property liens, bank account levies, or wage garnishments. Serious cases of fraud or evasion can even lead to criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment. A skilled Tax lawyer Los Angeles mitigates these risks and protects your rights. We use our understanding of tax law to negotiate on your behalf, aiming for the best outcome to safeguard your financial future. For instance, we can assist with IRS penalty abatement to reduce your overall tax burden.

Tax Attorney vs. CPA: Knowing Who to Call

When facing tax issues, it’s crucial to know whether to call a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a tax attorney. While both are financial professionals, their roles and the protections they offer differ significantly.

Feature	Tax Attorney	CPA
Primary Focus	Legal interpretation, tax disputes, representation	Financial accounting, tax preparation, financial advice
Authority to Represent	IRS, State Tax Courts, Federal Courts	IRS, State Administrative Hearings (not tax court)
Attorney-Client Privilege	Yes, protects confidential communications	Limited, generally no privilege for tax preparation
Handling Disputes	Aggressive negotiation, litigation, criminal defense	Audit support, general tax advice
Education	Juris Doctor (JD), often LL.M. in Taxation	Bachelor’s or Master’s in Accounting

A tax attorney focuses on legal interpretation, representing clients in tax court and defending against criminal charges. A key advantage is the attorney-client privilege, which protects confidential communications, vital in cases with potential criminal risk.

CPAs specialize in accounting, tax preparation, and financial planning. They are excellent for compliance and general advice. While they can represent clients in IRS audits, their authority doesn’t extend to tax court or criminal defense.

Complex cases with both financial and legal risks often benefit from a collaborative approach. A CPA can handle the accounting while a Tax lawyer Los Angeles provides legal strategy, protects your rights, and represents you in disputes.

Key Qualifications for a Top Los Angeles Tax Lawyer

Choosing the right Tax lawyer Los Angeles is critical. Look for specific qualifications and expertise in this specialized field.

Here’s what to look for:

Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Laws in Taxation (LL.M.): An LL.M. in Taxation signifies advanced, specialized education and a deep understanding of the tax code.
Certified Taxation Law Specialist: This certification from the State Bar of California is a highly desirable credential, demonstrating an attorney’s proven expertise in taxation law.
State Bar of California Membership: Any attorney practicing in Los Angeles must be an active member of the State Bar of California.
Years of Experience: Experience is crucial in tax law. Our firm, Segal, Cohen & Landis, has over 33 years of experience and has served over 25,000 satisfied clients.
Former IRS Attorney Experience: Attorneys who previously worked for the IRS offer an invaluable “insider’s perspective” on its operations and strategies, which is a significant advantage.
Client Testimonials and Reviews: Positive reviews offer real-world insights into an attorney’s effectiveness and client care. Many firms also offer free consultations to assess their approach.

Taking the time to research and select a highly qualified Tax lawyer Los Angeles who meets these criteria provides the best chance for a successful resolution. For more guidance, visit our page on Find Tax Attorney Los Angeles.

A Guide to Core Tax Resolution Services

Navigating tax law requires specialized knowledge. At Segal, Cohen & Landis, we offer a comprehensive suite of tax resolution services for individuals and businesses in Los Angeles.

Navigating IRS Audits, Appeals, and Tax Controversies

An IRS audit notice can be frightening. As your Tax lawyer Los Angeles, we provide robust IRS representation and develop custom audit defense strategies for correspondence or field audits. During an audit, we handle all IRS communications professionally and strategically to protect your case.

If an audit is unfavorable, we guide you through the IRS administrative appeals process, which aims to settle disputes without litigation. If a settlement isn’t reached, we are prepared for tax court litigation. For high-risk “eggshell audits,” we can use a Kovel agreement to extend attorney-client privilege to an accountant, safeguarding financial information. For more details, see our IRS Audit Attorney LA page or the official IRS website.

Resolving Overwhelming Tax Debt: Liens, Levies, and Garnishments

Tax debt is often compounded by aggressive collection actions. As your Tax lawyer Los Angeles, we specialize in resolving tax debt and protecting your assets from liens, levies, and wage garnishments.

Understanding Tax Liens: A federal tax lien is a legal claim against your property for unpaid tax debt. We negotiate the release, withdrawal, or subordination of liens to protect your finances. Learn more on our page about More info about tax liens.
Releasing Bank Levies: An IRS bank levy seizes funds from your account. We act swiftly to release levies by demonstrating hardship or negotiating other payment options.
Stopping Wage Garnishments: A wage garnishment directs your employer to send part of your pay to the IRS. We intervene to stop garnishments and help you regain control of your income.

To resolve the underlying debt, we pursue several strategies:

Offer in Compromise (OIC): An OIC allows eligible taxpayers to resolve their tax liability for less than the full amount owed. We have successfully helped clients settle significant debts for a fraction of the original amount, such as a $600,000 liability for under $1,500.
IRS Installment Agreements: If an OIC isn’t feasible, we can negotiate an installment agreement for you to pay your debt in manageable monthly payments over time.
Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status: For severe financial hardship, we can help you apply for CNC status to temporarily suspend IRS collection efforts.

Our team provides comprehensive Tax Debt Relief Los Angeles services to achieve the best possible outcome.

Criminal Tax Defense and High-Stakes Investigations

When facing allegations of tax evasion or fraud, the stakes are incredibly high, involving the IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Division. You need an experienced Tax lawyer Los Angeles to protect your constitutional rights.

Tax evasion is intentionally not paying taxes, while tax fraud is deliberately misrepresenting information. The IRS has a high conviction rate (over 90%) in referred criminal cases, with most convictions leading to prison time. The civil fraud penalty can be 75% of the underpayment, making immediate legal intervention essential.

Our attorneys excel in protecting your rights and working to avoid indictment. We can assist with:

Intervention with IRS CI: We intervene early in investigations, before formal charges, to present your case and protect you from self-incrimination.
Voluntary Disclosure Program: We can facilitate participation in this program for taxpayers who have committed tax crimes to come into compliance and potentially obtain criminal clearance.
Kovel Agreements: When an accountant’s forensic analysis is needed, we can establish a Kovel agreement to extend attorney-client privilege to them.

If you are under investigation, do not speak to tax authorities without legal counsel. Contact a skilled Tax lawyer Los Angeles immediately to safeguard your future. For more guidance, consult our Los Angeles Tax Fraud Attorney Guide.

Tackling California and Los Angeles-Specific Tax Issues

California has its own intricate state and local tax laws. In Los Angeles, this means navigating multiple agencies like the Franchise Tax Board (FTB), the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), and the Employment Development Department (EDD), each with unique rules and powers.

California’s complex tax code demands a specialized approach. When disputes arise, an experienced Tax lawyer Los Angeles provides the expertise to protect your interests. We are well-versed in both federal and state tax matters.

State and Local Tax (SALT) Representation

Our firm provides robust representation across all California state and local tax matters.

Franchise Tax Board (FTB): As California’s main income tax agency, the FTB handles personal and corporate taxes. We represent clients in FTB audits, appeals, and collections, including residency audits.
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA): The CDTFA administers sales, use, and other special taxes. We handle disputes involving complex business transactions, including audits and appeals. See our Los Angeles Sales Tax Attorney Guide for more.
Employment Development Department (EDD): The EDD handles state payroll taxes. We assist with EDD audits, which often focus on worker classification and can result in substantial penalties.
California Residency Audits: The FTB may audit individuals with ties to multiple states to determine their tax residency. We help clients steer these complex audits to establish their correct residency status.
Property Tax Disputes: We assist Los Angeles property owners with disputes over valuations and assessments. Our Property Tax Attorney Los Angeles Tips offer further insights.

Common Tax Issues for LA Businesses

Businesses in Los Angeles face a range of tax issues that require specialized legal attention.

Payroll Tax Problems: Failure to remit payroll taxes can lead to severe penalties, including the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP), which holds owners personally liable. Our Los Angeles Payroll Tax Attorney Guide explains how we can help.
Worker Classification (Employee vs. Independent Contractor): Misclassifying workers is a common and costly mistake, leading to back taxes and penalties from the IRS and EDD. We help businesses steer these complex rules and can argue for relief under Section 530 of the Revenue Act of 1978.
EDD Audits: The EDD frequently audits businesses for compliance with payroll tax laws, especially worker classification. These audits can have major financial repercussions.
Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP): This penalty holds individuals personally liable for unpaid “trust fund” payroll taxes (withheld income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes).

Addressing these issues with expert legal representation from our Business Tax Attorneys in Los Angeles Key Insights can prevent significant financial distress.

Offshore Accounts and FBAR Compliance

Many in Los Angeles have global financial interests, which come with specific tax compliance obligations for offshore accounts. Failure to comply can lead to severe penalties.

Foreign Bank Account Reporting (FBAR): U.S. persons with foreign financial accounts exceeding $10,000 in aggregate value must file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) annually.
FATCA Compliance: The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires reporting of foreign financial assets by both foreign institutions and U.S. taxpayers (often on Form 8938).

Penalties for non-compliance are staggering. Willful FBAR violations can lead to civil penalties of $100,000 or 50% of the account balance, and even criminal penalties including prison time, as outlined in 31 U.S. Code § 5321(a)(5).

Our Tax lawyer Los Angeles team has extensive experience in:

IRS Voluntary Disclosure Program: This program offers a path to compliance and potential avoidance of criminal prosecution for willful failures to report offshore accounts.
Streamlined Filing Procedures: Available for non-willful failures, these procedures offer reduced penalties.

Navigating these complex international tax rules requires expert guidance. We help you understand your obligations and ensure compliance. For resources, visit our page on Help for Americans living abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hiring a Tax Lawyer

We understand that seeking legal assistance for tax matters often comes with questions. Here are some of the most common inquiries we receive.

What should I expect during an initial consultation?

An initial consultation with a Tax lawyer Los Angeles is your chance to discuss your tax situation, understand your legal options, and see if the attorney is a good fit. You should expect:

Case Evaluation: We will listen to your story, ask pertinent questions, and review any relevant documents you provide to understand your tax problem.
Document Review: It’s helpful to bring any IRS notices, audit letters, or other tax-related correspondence you’ve received.
Discussion of Legal Options: We will explain the various legal strategies available, outlining potential paths to resolution.
Fee Structure Explanation: We will clearly explain our fee structure, whether it’s an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a retainer.
Strategy Overview: We’ll provide a preliminary overview of how we would approach your case.

Many Los Angeles tax law firms, including ours, offer free consultations, allowing you to gain valuable insights without financial commitment.

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

The cost of a Tax lawyer Los Angeles varies based on case complexity, attorney experience, and services required. Common fee structures include:

Hourly Rates: Many attorneys charge an hourly rate for complex cases requiring ongoing research, negotiation, or litigation.
Flat Fees: For defined services, such as preparing an Offer in Compromise, a flat fee may be quoted.
Retainers: For extensive cases, an attorney may require an upfront retainer, against which hourly fees are billed.

The total cost depends on the work involved. We prioritize transparency and discuss all potential costs during your consultation. For a more detailed understanding, please refer to our page on the Average Costs of Hiring a Tax Attorney in Los Angeles.

Can a tax lawyer stop IRS collection actions like levies?

Yes. A Tax lawyer Los Angeles can intervene to stop aggressive IRS collection actions like levies. When the IRS issues a bank levy or wage garnishment, time is critical.

Here’s how we can help:

Collection Due Process (CDP) Hearing: Requesting a CDP hearing formally challenges an IRS collection action and generally puts a hold on collection activities.
Negotiating a Hold with the IRS: We can often negotiate a temporary hold on collections by showing the IRS we are actively working toward a resolution.
Releasing a Levy: We work quickly to release existing levies, often by demonstrating financial hardship or arranging an alternative payment plan.
Setting Up a Payment Plan: Establishing a payment plan, like an installment agreement, is a common way to stop collections.

Our firm is experienced in navigating the procedures required to protect your assets. For further information, visit our More info about tax levies page.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Tax Situation Today

Facing tax challenges from the IRS or state agencies is stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. The expertise of a dedicated Tax lawyer Los Angeles can turn overwhelming problems into manageable solutions.

An experienced tax attorney provides specialized legal knowledge and strategic negotiation skills. We protect your rights, mitigate financial risks, resolve tax debts, and defend against criminal charges. This representation provides peace of mind and secures your financial future.

At Segal, Cohen & Landis, our extensive experience of over 33 years and a track record of helping over 25,000 satisfied clients speaks for itself. Our team handles a full spectrum of federal and state tax issues, from audits and appeals to complex litigation and offshore compliance, offering big-firm expertise with personalized service.

Don’t let tax problems define your financial well-being. Take control of your tax situation today. Contact an experienced Los Angeles tax attorney for help and find how our expertise can make a difference for you.