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Robert Thurmond Prior, experienced Business, Elder Law attorney in Watkinsville, GA with 7 reviews
Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,22
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5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
7 Reviews
star star star star star
08 Oct, 2018 by Harold
Without question, Bob is the best attorney I have had the pleasure of dealing with in 40+ years in the construction business. I am probably 10 years late in doing our Estate planning but the good news is we have picked the perfect lawyer to guide us thru the process. He is well organized, extremely knowledgeable, easy to deal with and you learn very quickly that you have picked the perfect person to put your trust in. He is an absolute pleasure to deal with. He is very attentive to details and prepares the documents in an organized manor. You have a comfortable feeling in dealing with him and you know that he is extremely talented. My only regret is that I did not meet him sooner. Without any reservation I recommend Bob.
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05 Oct, 2018 by Faye
Bob is helping my husband and me with estate planning and we have found him to be extremely knowledgeable and concise with his advice. He has the abi,it’s to explain very difficult issues in layman’s terms so that we can fully understand the process. We ate very pleased and will continue to call on him with other legal needs.
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07 Apr, 2017 by Judy
Bob Prior has been assisting me with estate planning and other matters for several years. I have found him to be very well informed in all areas of his profession, very prompt with anything that had to be carried out, and very kind as he listens and advises. I would highly recommend Attorney Prior for anyone's legal needs.
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Timothy Franklin Sanders, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Watkinsville, GA with 10 reviews
Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
30,60
star star star star star
4.6/5
Google Maps
4.6
10 Reviews
star star star star star
29 May, 2023 by Lauren torres
I hired him for my divorce case and he did bare minimum. Then, he forgot to put my name change in my finalized divorce paperwork (it was in my petition and signed off by the judge) and he refused to fix his mistake while trying to re-charge me for it again. I had to go outside of him and do this on my own (at a much cheaper rate) to get this done. He also was very avoidant and ignored my calls, texts, emails. When coming up with the child support amounts, he called my ex and asked him what he made then put it down. I had to fight to get a check stub on my own which proved he made way more in order for Tim to change it. My ex refused to sign things and his job refused to enforce the child support order bc he was a "nice guy". Tim did nothing! I was beyond glad to be done with him and I will never be back. I wouldn't recommend anyone else to him either, especially a woman.
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17 Nov, 2022 by Susan butts
Lisa Taylor of Stembridge Taylor LLC has provided phenomenal legal counsel for Hi-Hope Service Center. She worked hard to quickly understand the services provided by Hi-Hope and the nature of work done by our employees. She ably assisted us with navigating many complex pandemic related challenges as well as many other more typical human resources issues. She is readily available, prompt with responses and meets the deadlines to which she has agreed. I would highly recommend working with Stembridge Taylor!
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08 Nov, 2022 by Suxingliu “star”
The lawyers and staff was very professional, friendly and kind. They have provided excellent suggestions, advice and help on my case which are being falsely accused with bad faith. They helped me won the case which was against a powerful party! They protected my rights and encouraged me through this 14 months-long and stressful period. And they offered discount rate by their kindness. I really thanks for Stembridge Taylor LLC, and especially Lawyer Lisa Taylor and Victoria Engleman, who are both so kind and professional. Strong suggestion to anyone who are seeking legal advice and support!
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Gary L Coulter, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Watkinsville, GA with 0 reviews
Below Average
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0,00
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0.0/5
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Richard Eugene Rawlins, experienced Business, Real Estate attorney in Watkinsville, GA with 0 reviews
Below Average
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0,00
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0.0/5
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Christopher David Rowe, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Watkinsville, GA with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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0.0/5
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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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