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27 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Stu and his firm were instrumental in devising the strategy and implementing our complex estate plan which included a multigenerational trust structure. They introduced many concepts which were previously unknown by our family as a part of the process. We highly recommend the firm.
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23 Apr, 2020 by Brandon
If you want a 5 star law firm, to actually care about you and your family this is the place! Stuart and the team is AMAZING in my book. Communication is on point. Professional as it gets and will treat you like family during rough times and good times. They have taken my estate and have got me so much more organized and set up for success.
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21 Apr, 2020 by Ben j
I am confident now that all my affairs are in order. I have access to an expert on any tax or estate issue whenever I need it. As a matter of fact I call Stu for many other issues as well and I value his advice
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31 May, 2013 by Rosa garcia
I hired Mr. Burns to represent me in an IRS matter and he resolved it quickly. I would recommend him for any tax matter.
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12 Sep, 2009 by Jenna and james stevens
My mother passed away two years ago. I retained noel because he was referred to me by a friend of mine. From day one i knew that i had made the right choice. the administration of my mothers estate was done quickly and noel and judy not only kept me updated but they seemed like they genuinely cared. When i called and noel was not in he would call me back within 48 hours. I can not imagine anyone giving this attorney a negative review as my experience as a client with him was a good one. I would highly recommend this attorney.
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15 Sep, 2008 by Anonymous
I have been working with Noel Burns for about 4 years now and that is about 2 years too long for me. Adter a while, he stopped returning my phone calls and email messages. I do not know if it is him, per se, or his new assistant, Judy. Since he had to downsize his firm, his personal contact has been atrocious. I had to contact the Florida Bar Association to get him to give me a lousy phone call. I would not recommend his services.
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29 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Shipe gets a bad rap for a filing error but he is ethical and well l versed in the law. He is very careful, he doesn't waste your money and he helped our family keep our parents safe.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Marian&stuart
They took good care of us when we really needed help. The attorneys and office staff are the best!
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07 Feb, 2024 by Anne hamel
Leighton Law, Max Panoff and associates were wonderful and worked diligently to resolve my case in a timely manner. Throughout this difficult time, they were always readily available to answer any questions and I had many. I was very pleased with the outcome, and it will make my life a little easier. I just wish it would not have happened in the first place. Thanks again to everyone I worked with at Leighton Law.
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23 Apr, 2023 by Andie
My mom and I had the displeasure of talking with Cynthia Nunn from Leighton Law to discuss going after Orlando Health for their negligence in treating my dad's cancer, which led to his passing. Not only did she make us relive our nightmarish story that we had already submitted online, she wasted our time by shutting us down immediately. If she was going to say no, why make us relive the trauma? To add insult to injury, she was actually defending the negligent doctors in question and straight up told us that our loved one was going to die anyway. Whether that was true or not, you do not just say that so nonchalantly to other people. You would not like that if someone said that about your dad. I am almost glad they did not take our case because I would rather deal with the devil himself than deal with Cynthia and Leighton Law after the added emotional damage she did to us.
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14 Jun, 2023 by Pat brufladt
I do not recommend this law firm! We’ve been trying to settle our parents Trust for months. This is a very simple trust with only 2 assets. They were very slow to send out the creditor announcements. Here we are 7 months after signing all of their required agreements and are still in limbo. It’s been over a month since the creditor deadline and we still don’t have any resolution to settling this. So if you’re looking for a firm that you’re not going to have to babysit, don’t use this one.
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07 May, 2023 by Michael carr
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08 Sep, 2021 by Scott machnik
Will is a fantastic attorney. He has a vast amount of knowledge and experience, is meticulous and hard-working, commands a courtroom, is a very canny negotiator, and is always thinking of his clients' needs first. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Karon east
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27 Aug, 2024 by Macie
The lawyers are so smart. They are very thorough and they know how to get the job done and they like to put their clients needs first. The staff has been very accommodating and nice as well. I will recommend this firm and this team to anyone and everyone. 5 Stars hands down.
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25 Oct, 2023 by Mouse run
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10 Apr, 2023 by Carlos hernandez
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08 Dec, 2022 by Mayumi ozaki todd (尾崎真由美)
Hung is my first attorney and he saved me from a lot of cases! Such as big insurance bill and mortgage issue and many things. He saved my clients' cases, too. He is so competent with passion.
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03 May, 2022 by Selena tapia
THE ABSOLUTE WORST LAWYER I HAVE EVER CAME CONTACT WITH. Have been in a case with them for about two years and they have not filed a single file for me. For the past two years I’ve gotten billed monthly for absolutely nothing. ZERO. Do not trust these people. Take your business somewhere else. Besides the fact that they will bill you for doing nothing for you the main lawyer hung is an absolute disgrace to other lawyers. He is disrespectful and insulting. I have never experienced a more disrespectful business. DISGUSTING.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Seth turk
Quick responses. Pleasure to do business. I would refer to anyone who needs a good attorney.
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25 Feb, 2024 by Dan beyer
I worked with Emily Konicek to facilitate a name change transaction. She was thorough, responsive, and helped make it quick and painless. I would wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone looking for an attorney in her areas of specialization.
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31 Jan, 2024 by John kuczynski
I utilized Emily's practice to handle the adult adoption of my stepdaughter. Emily guided us through the process, and everything went smoothly from start to finish. She kept in touch along the way and answered all questions promptly.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Amy schiavo
Lani and the group are wonderful. Very friendly service.
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04 Apr, 2024 by Lauren henderson
0 stars. Rude, condescending, and over charges for simple clerical corrections. Would not recommend.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Al george
Never visited this place. Do not recognize it. Where are you getting these phony assertions ???
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28 Apr, 2024 by Dahlia angel
Great attorney and very caring. I have been working with Michael for many years and I consider him the best in Sarasota and Tampa area.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Stacey miller
Michael France doesn’t care about you or your problems
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10 Jan, 2022 by Ken yunker
We are so grateful for Tim Rudge and his paralegal, Mitzi for their work on our case. To start, they rescued our stalled case from our own bad choice of first attny. Tim took over and got our case going in the correct direction right away. He clearly explained every step and option we had in our case and executed our choices promptly with no ego or agenda. Tim and Mitzi were always easy to reach, we never waited more than 24hrs for answers. Mitzi copied us on documents and emails, usually the same business day, and always made sure we understood them and didn't have any questions. For our first legal experience, we couldn't be happier to have found these two to represent us.
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28 Apr, 2024 by Dahlia angel
Great attorney and very caring. I have been working with Michael for many years and I consider him the best in Sarasota and Tampa area.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Stacey miller
Michael France doesn’t care about you or your problems
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10 Jan, 2022 by Ken yunker
We are so grateful for Tim Rudge and his paralegal, Mitzi for their work on our case. To start, they rescued our stalled case from our own bad choice of first attny. Tim took over and got our case going in the correct direction right away. He clearly explained every step and option we had in our case and executed our choices promptly with no ego or agenda. Tim and Mitzi were always easy to reach, we never waited more than 24hrs for answers. Mitzi copied us on documents and emails, usually the same business day, and always made sure we understood them and didn't have any questions. For our first legal experience, we couldn't be happier to have found these two to represent us.
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28 Apr, 2024 by Dahlia angel
Great attorney and very caring. I have been working with Michael for many years and I consider him the best in Sarasota and Tampa area.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Stacey miller
Michael France doesn’t care about you or your problems
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10 Jan, 2022 by Ken yunker
We are so grateful for Tim Rudge and his paralegal, Mitzi for their work on our case. To start, they rescued our stalled case from our own bad choice of first attny. Tim took over and got our case going in the correct direction right away. He clearly explained every step and option we had in our case and executed our choices promptly with no ego or agenda. Tim and Mitzi were always easy to reach, we never waited more than 24hrs for answers. Mitzi copied us on documents and emails, usually the same business day, and always made sure we understood them and didn't have any questions. For our first legal experience, we couldn't be happier to have found these two to represent us.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Carla
CARLA MORRIS,,,, 90474314331...SORRY TO DO IT THIS WAY ONLY WAY I KNOW HOW TO CONTACT HER
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01 Oct, 2019 by Megan
My husband paid this attorney to do his taxes and then she just disappeared. Money taken but taxes were left in limbo. He’s had to start all over again. Don’t waist your money on this one.
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22 Oct, 2018 by Nicole
Lauren Russell work was superb. When challenged with a unique problem and a tight time frame she went above and beyond to deliver what was asked and then some. In addition, Lauren possesses a deep understanding of tax issues and is a true innovator in her field.”
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05 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Always have to call 3 or 4 times to be able to talk with him. Need to speak to two people before they will even consider to talk with him. Always "I have other commitments". Takes 2 or 3 emails before he responds. May be good attorney but if you want to business ( in this world were time does matter) he is not the guy to use.
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25 May, 2015 by Richard
Jeffrey is a corporate and estate planning attorney. He originally was hired to do my corporate work. After a number of years being represented by Jeff, he became the natural choice for my estate planning.
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12 Jun, 2014 by James
I have found Mr. Koltun to be very knowledgable, courteous and reasonable in all my deaings with him. He has provided excellent advice in some very tough and tricky corporate circumstances over a period of years for our company..
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15 Jul, 2024 by Joseph lauletta
Been waiting well over six month's for a return phone call in regards to my father's death .
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15 Nov, 2023 by Levi courtney
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23 Sep, 2023 by Gail doughty
Mr. Thompson consistently gave our condo association owners incorrect advice. He constantly backed the decisions of the former president, whether or not those decisions followed the current condo law. This has caused our association to have ongoing issues, some of which are very costly to correct.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Carla mansfield
Highly unprofessional behavior
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04 Jul, 2024 by Carolyn spoto
I'm glad to know what your all about and how I know to stay away. Too many complaints on this attorney.
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26 Oct, 2023 by Taylor griffin
Does not answer phone call back or make contact !!!
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26 Oct, 2023 by Thomas malmberg
The absolute worst unaccountable talk talk people who lost one million of the estate by being absolutely clueless, slow, ignorant self-satisfied little things. An estate cannot take nearly 4 years to clear. Your relatives need a life and not this company.
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14 Sep, 2022 by Ron lee
Impeccable firm.
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24 Jun, 2022 by John leeheart
Been here for years now, the building and location are great!
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24 Mar, 2024 by D d
This firm was closed on a Saturday but roped off its parking lot when the town has a weekly farmers market near it. Selfish non-community oriented law firm that should be boycotted.
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28 Jan, 2023 by Barbara j. sorey - love
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12 Jun, 2021 by Frank drysdale
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01 Aug, 2024 by Coco palm
Would not recommend. Very confrontational
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01 Aug, 2024 by Jack the buster
Unjust fees, i feel like I was told a lie
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01 Aug, 2024 by Savera team
Unfair. Questionable practice.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Coco palm
Would not recommend. Very confrontational
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01 Aug, 2024 by Jack the buster
Unjust fees, i feel like I was told a lie
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01 Aug, 2024 by Savera team
Unfair. Questionable practice.
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19 Jul, 2024 by Poysoniv
Don’t bother with this law office.
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03 May, 2022 by Rina schmerber (rinadee)
Okay
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10 Jun, 2021 by Samara orkin
Barbara has this authentic way of doing estate planning. I really felt she understood my needs and translating confusing legal talk into something I could understand while she built out my documents. I have already referred to 3 friends!
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24 Jul, 2019 by Jonathan
My company contracted Attorney Young and his company CWY Legal approximately 1 year ago for monthly retained services including review and response to all legal correspondence, state licensure compliance, and review of legal proceedings and complaints pertaining to some of our clients. Attorney Young has been vigilant in following-up on all matters brought to his attention and proactively notifying us of options and alternatives before making a final recommendation on actions. In particular he has done an excellent job helping us to follow up on alleged abuse of the Fair Debt Collection Practices act by creditors or collectors that are harassing some of our clients. We could not be more pleased with Attorney Young's professionalism and how easy it is to work with him.
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11 Jul, 2019 by Don
I interviewed Craig Young for a part or full-time attorney and I was not impressed, to say the least. I I have vast experience with attorneys and I don't feel that Craig Young is a knowledgeable one for a win. I sensed the he's looking to make quick money and that's all that he cares about.
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14 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
First consult was made four days in advance and was cancelled, literally, 20 minutes before the appointment time. The rescheduled consult was a two day wait that resulted in an abrupt “I’m too busy to spend 15 minutes to help you”. When I commented that I should have been told that initially (a week ago), she blamed incompetent staff.
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12 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Helped me deal with the IRS
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31 Jul, 2023 by Crystal sellers
You can't get the man to call you back you can never leave a message cuz the mailbox is full apparently he doesn't have a secretary he's very unprofessional at this point
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03 Dec, 2020 by Stephanie graska-casdorph
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29 May, 2014 by Anonymous
I would not hire him for Estate work again. Reviewing his work on a document, I found a mistake, which he corrected, but seemed to make light of.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Working with this lawyer initially was standard nothing outstanding, as we all know, some cases take a significant amount of time to be settled and as time gets longer the responsiveness and updates from this lawyer become nonexistent despite reaching out via phone and email as well as leaving messages. I do believe he knows what he’s doing but not very sociable and the basis of having/keeping clients is big on this.
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03 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Paid retainer for foreclosure representation for an estate. Then paid him monthly only to answer a complaint of 29 allegations with 5 statements. Which the judge said was no defense! I paid him monthly as well and he lied and said i told him i didnt need him anymore and withdrew from case before summary judgement because i was 2 weeks late on payment. Funny thing is, the documentation from the mortgage company was fraudulent and he never addressed it. Never heard back for refund after months and months of trying to contact. Nor did i receive an accounting of fees i requested.
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14 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
This man took retainer and monthly payment from my husband and myself for over a year to dispute a second mortgage that did not HE did not have negotiated into the Principle of the intial mortgage (he took care of that case) he told us it was unnecessary. Well he was wrong and we paid him for the year for him not to fight the case. It turns out he agreed with the foreclosure and did not research and told me they were selling my house for an interest mortgage that was less than 20% of my initial mortgage. He lied to us and did not do his job. Run for the hills. He needs to be sued for this type of theft. He does not do his job. He did help us initially, but I feel he has gotten lazy and greedy.
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09 Jan, 2015 by Marc netto
was behind on my mortgage did not know who to trust had many firms called me however this firm really did everything and you always could reach them. great results and service.
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24 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
Ira represented me in two different matters and handled both of them exceptionally well. He is multi-talented. He assisted my real estate development group in reducing its real estate taxes on one occasion and was able to get me out of a jam on a speeding ticket on the Taconic as well.
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22 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Our family has used Ira for several real estate transactions. He was excellent. Very honest and reliable.
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18 Nov, 2007 by Anonymous
In the entire time Mr. Halfond was supposed to be representing me, I only saw him twice. The first time, when he told me he would be representing me; the second when he cheerfully announced that I had better take the deal that was offered (life shattering- and NOT for any kind of a crime) or fight it and invariably lose- I took the deal against my own will, THEN found out that it could not be appealed- fine print that Mr. Halfond had failed to mention. He didn't try to advocate for me, and even hung up the phone on me on one occasion when I had called to ask a question about my case. After my "day in court", he spoke about the entire thing within earshot of no less than 5 people that I know of- breaking attorney client confidentiality with a private conference room available only 5 feet away- then had the audacity to put his hand out for me to shake it when all was said and done. Heed my warning- DO NOT trust this man with your freedom- and if he is appointed to you by the court, request someone else...
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17 May, 2024 by Rick greendonner
Prompt, professional legal services!
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09 Nov, 2023 by Eitan spell
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09 Nov, 2023 by Vitaliy kurdyuk
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17 May, 2024 by Rick greendonner
Prompt, professional legal services!
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09 Nov, 2023 by Eitan spell
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09 Nov, 2023 by Vitaliy kurdyuk
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Tax Lawyer Can Do for You

A tax lawyer specializes in the complex area of tax law, offering legal advice and representation on matters related to tax compliance, disputes with tax authorities, and tax planning. Tax lawyers help individuals, businesses, and organizations navigate the intricacies of federal, state, and local tax laws. They ensure that clients are compliant with tax regulations, minimize tax liabilities, and represent them in audits, appeals, or disputes with tax authorities such as the IRS.

Whether you need assistance with personal taxes, corporate tax strategy, or resolving an audit, a tax lawyer can protect your rights and help you manage your financial responsibilities.

When Should I Hire a Tax Lawyer?

Hiring a tax lawyer is advisable in several situations where tax issues are complicated, disputes arise, or legal strategies are necessary to manage tax liability. Common reasons to hire a tax lawyer include:

  • Tax audits or disputes with the IRS: If you are facing an audit or have received a notice of deficiency from the IRS, a tax lawyer can represent you and defend your rights during the process.
  • Tax debt relief: If you owe back taxes or face significant tax liabilities, a tax lawyer can help negotiate a payment plan, settlement, or Offer in Compromise with the IRS.
  • Tax planning for businesses or individuals: A tax lawyer can advise on strategies to minimize tax liabilities through legal deductions, credits, and other tax-saving mechanisms.
  • International tax issues: If you have foreign assets or income, a tax lawyer can help you comply with international tax laws, such as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) or Foreign Bank Account Reporting (FBAR) requirements.
  • Tax fraud or evasion accusations: If you're being investigated or charged with tax fraud or evasion, a tax lawyer can provide a defense and negotiate with the authorities to minimize penalties.
  • Corporate tax law compliance: Businesses, especially large corporations, benefit from the expertise of a tax lawyer who can handle complex issues such as mergers and acquisitions, employee benefits, and international tax planning.
  • Estate and gift tax planning: A tax lawyer can help you minimize estate taxes and ensure your assets are passed on efficiently through trusts, wills, and other tax-efficient structures.

Hiring a tax lawyer early can prevent costly mistakes and ensure you are fully compliant with all applicable tax laws.

What Does a Tax Lawyer Do?

A tax lawyer provides a wide range of services to assist clients with tax compliance, tax planning, and legal disputes. Their key responsibilities include:

  • Tax planning and advisory: Helping individuals and businesses plan their tax strategies to reduce liability, avoid penalties, and maximize deductions and credits.
  • Representing clients in tax disputes: Defending clients in disputes with the IRS or state tax authorities, including audits, appeals, and collections actions.
  • Filing Offers in Compromise: Negotiating settlements with the IRS for clients who owe more than they can afford to pay.
  • Handling tax litigation: Representing clients in tax court or other legal proceedings if a tax dispute escalates beyond the administrative level.
  • Estate and gift tax planning: Advising clients on how to structure their estate to minimize estate and gift taxes, including creating trusts, family partnerships, or charitable giving plans.
  • Assisting with tax fraud investigations: Defending clients accused of tax fraud, evasion, or criminal tax offenses.
  • International tax compliance: Advising clients with offshore assets on U.S. tax compliance and reporting requirements, including FATCA and FBAR.

How Are Tax Lawyers Paid?

Tax lawyers typically charge for their services in various ways, depending on the complexity of the work involved and the nature of the legal assistance required. Common payment structures include:

  • Hourly rate: Many tax lawyers charge by the hour, especially for complex cases or ongoing legal work such as audit defense, tax litigation, or corporate tax planning. Hourly rates can range from $200 to $600 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience and location.
  • Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as preparing a legal document, filing an Offer in Compromise, or handling a routine audit, some lawyers charge a flat fee.
  • Retainer: For businesses or individuals with ongoing tax needs, a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment used to secure the lawyer’s services and billed against as work is completed.
  • Contingency fee: In rare cases, particularly when negotiating settlements or resolving tax debts, a lawyer may charge a contingency fee based on the outcome of the case. This means they only get paid if they succeed in reducing your tax liability.

Always ask about the fee structure during the initial consultation to avoid surprises and ensure you understand how the lawyer will charge for their services.

How Much Does a Tax Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a tax lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the specific services required. Here are some general cost estimates:

  • Simple tax issues: For straightforward cases such as filing an Offer in Compromise or handling a routine audit, fees may range from $2,000 to $7,500.
  • Complex tax disputes: For more complicated cases, such as defending against tax fraud accusations, handling a significant IRS audit, or resolving international tax issues, costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the time and effort involved.
  • Hourly rates: Tax lawyers typically charge between $200 and $600 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases involving high-stakes outcomes.
  • Flat fees: For specific services, such as tax planning for an estate or preparing a legal document, a flat fee may range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of the task.

Always get a detailed estimate of fees during your consultation so you can plan your budget accordingly.

Top Questions to Ask a Tax Lawyer

Before hiring a tax lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your situation. Key questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with tax law?
    Ensure the lawyer has specific experience handling cases or issues similar to yours, whether it’s IRS disputes, corporate tax planning, or estate taxes.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify the lawyer’s fee structure - whether it’s hourly, flat fee, or retainer - and ask for an estimate of the total cost of your case.
  3. What are the potential outcomes of my case?
    Ask the lawyer to provide an honest assessment of your situation and the possible outcomes, such as tax reductions, settlements, or litigation results.
  4. Have you handled cases like mine before?
    Find out if the lawyer has experience with issues similar to yours, such as international tax compliance, criminal tax defense, or complex estate planning.
  5. What is the timeline for my case?
    Ask how long it will take to resolve your tax issue or dispute, as some tax matters can take months or years to fully settle.
  6. Will you handle my case personally?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work. Clarify who will be handling your case day-to-day.

How to Check the Credibility of a Tax Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable tax lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:

  • Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Look for specific tax law expertise: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in tax law and have handled cases like yours.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s expertise and service.
  • Ask for references: A credible tax lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their ability to handle complex tax matters.
  • Look for professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Bar Association’s Section of Taxation or the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) can indicate that the lawyer stays current with tax law developments.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first meeting with a tax lawyer, it’s essential to come prepared with all relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Tax returns and records: Bring copies of recent tax returns, especially those related to the issue you're facing.
  • IRS correspondence: If you’ve received notices from the IRS or state tax authorities, bring all relevant documentation.
  • Financial records: Bring records of income, expenses, assets, and any other relevant financial documents that the lawyer may need to understand your tax situation.
  • List of questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask the lawyer about your case, the legal process, and the potential outcomes.
  • Timeline of events: Provide a clear timeline of any interactions with the IRS or tax authorities, including audits, notices, or payment demands.

By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and help the lawyer assess your situation effectively, providing you with the best legal advice moving forward.

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