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02 Dec, 2015 by Myer
My family's trust attorney. Did not return my phone call in regards to an important but simple trust question. She was quite curt and rude when I called again. The first time I spoke to her, she was pleasant enough.
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13 Nov, 2013 by Linda j. schultz
Linda Silveria is the best of the best at working with families that have to make very difficult decisions. She is gentle and very professional. I worked with Linda when she did my parents trust, then my trust and many of my clients over the years that all loved her. She speaks English not legalese. She is looking to see that her clients best interests are fully satisfied and interjects possibilities as she is thinking ahead of the curve. Having a Living Trust and timely estate planning when life events change....keeps you empowered and puts your mind at ease so your family knows EXACTLY what you want done with your assets!!
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26 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
Linda is not only very personable and knowledgeable, she explains things (using a white board as appropriate) thoroughly in language that is easy to understand without feeling that your question is inappropriate or ignorant.
Linda explained various options available to us in our need for a will, trusts and durable medical power of attorneys and then gave us very detailed forms to complete that were extensive but, again, easy to understand. She told us not to hesitate to call her with any questions we might have.
Our concerns included protecting our assets and reducing the tax liabilities for our heirs. Linda was able to explain the current tax laws and helped us make decisions that met our needs. We felt that the final documents she drew up met those concerns and needs. Linda's work is thorough, accurate, and definitely personalized.
My husband and I highly recommend Linda.
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19 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I went to her free consultation and was blown away by all the information she gave me so I decided to hire her with no doubt that she will do a great job. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I've handed her all the related documents and summarized my case so she can be fully prepared but I was shocked how she came in without reading / learning about my case.
I was very nervous at the hearing so I listened to her advice but all she did was to take the easy way out for her, ignoring the best interest in me. It seemed like she didn't wanna put effort in protecting me or fighting for my benefit at all. Probably because she wasn't prepare at all. Even the opponent party said, " You should speak up, that's what you are here for "
She came unprepared, her legal knowledge is very limited and she made many mistakes. I was shocked when I read the legal document she created after the court. I needed to point out many of her mistakes. My case included simple calculations and she has an MBA but couldn't get the easiest math correct. I wish I never hired her.
I told my friend who's going through her divorce now that I regret hiring her then she happened to know her. She told me that Lucy's response on avvo was so fast, she was thinking of hiring her too but her emails were not responding to the questions she asked so she ended up not hiring her.
I checked her profile prior to hiring and felt I was very mislead of the " Rising star " award. I don't know how they give out awards but do NOT be mislead by that because it didn't apply in my case. The receivers is the worst performer in court.
She did such a lousy job. I never write reviews but decided to post here to save another me.
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13 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Lucy handled my family case from beginning to end, took all the pressure off me, all I had to do was answer her questions when she needed information PLUS she was always available to answer any of my questions especially during the first few days. 100% would REFER and RECOMMEND her.
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23 Nov, 2024 by Ressnyk h
Estoy feliz con el servicio que estoy recibiendo. Me da mucho gusto que el señor William y la señorita Jeanette me hayan atendido porque fueron muy amables y me ayudaron a entender mi proceso.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Fredy acosta
Me atendió la señora Elvia muy formal y atenta me especificó todo lo que se va hacer por mi caso
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16 Nov, 2024 by Celi pérez
Son super amables y me atendieron bien
Estoy en proseso y confio en ellos que todo va salir bien.
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09 Feb, 2024 by Roma
Tom skinner a lawyer who advocates in tenants and workers. I was referred to him by another well respected attorney at a prestigious law firm. As soon as the call began Skinner became annoyed, disinterested, dismissive and down right condescending. Skinner has absolutely no bedside manners whatsoever and down right does not care about what people are going through nor does he pretend to care. I was just seeking consultation with whether or not if I had a case or not, among another relevant workers case that was ongoing since 2015, and settlement negotiations has started. Now money was not an issue if it would have been a paid consultation which it was not. In fact he was answering his own calls which begs to differ if he even had a secretary. Skinner was by far the Rudest, Disrespectful, Callous, Arrogant, Aggressive, Egocentric, Impatient man that I have seen in my professional experience. This man does not know how to conduct himself around women and clearly Does Not respect women whatsoever, He rushed me off the phone however KEPT asking me which Law Firm referred me to him because he was so obviously offended that SKINNER name was given as a recommendation which was clearly a compliment. I had further things to discuss with him but now I will be taking my business elsewhere. Mr. skinner how you treat someone reflects who you are inside and out. How you treated me was beyond disgusting and unacceptable, karma sir is a beautiful thing that I promise you.
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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:
-
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
