Many people take on an air of fear when they are forced to deal with the IRS, and understandably so. There are definite ramifications when you are subject to an IRS audit. Not only could you end up owing a significant amount of back taxes, but there is even a possibility of referral to criminal prosecution. At the same time, you may obtain a favorable outcome in your case, which can mean either owing no money at all or being able to settle your matter with the IRS for less than the amount that they originally wanted.
Hiring an experienced New York tax attorney from The Thorgood Law Firm can make all the difference in your case, and you may obtain a better result than if you tried to deal with the IRS on your own. To understand why you need a tax lawyer for an IRS dispute, you must understand what role they play in the process.
A Tax Attorney Makes Sure That You Understand the Law
Before you go further in any dispute with the IRS, it is essential to understand the Tax Code and how it applies to the facts of your case. The Internal Revenue Code is very lengthy and complex. How the IRS is proceeding in your matter could be based on how they are interpreting their own laws and regulations. The IRS can be aggressive in interpreting the tax law, and they are not always correct.
A best tax attorney can research laws and regulations to ensure that you have the proper understanding before you move forward with your case. They have their own understanding of tax law. The IRS is certainly not going to explain the law to you, so you must have someone in your corner who will make sure that you understand what is happening.
A Tax Lawyer Communicates with the IRS
Dealing with the IRS can be one of the scariest things for an individual taxpayer. The mere receipt of an envelope in the mail with the agency’s name in the return address can strike fear in the hearts of taxpayers. It is even far more stressful if you are talking directly to an IRS agent because you know what they have the capability to do under the law.
The IRS does not necessarily begin every single case with the intention of vigorously pursuing you. Much depends on what they learn during the course of an audit. The results guide how they intend to proceed, if they will even take action at all. Therefore, it is critical that you communicate with them in a prudent manner during the entire dispute process. What you say and do can make a large difference in the result of your case.
A tax lawyer will speak on your behalf to the IRS in matters relating to your dispute. They prepare the written responses to any inquiries that the agency may make. Your tax attorney also communicates verbally on your behalf. They know how to communicate with the IRS and what the agency may look for during an audit, and how they will handle a dispute. Having an attorney speak on your behalf can keep you from inadvertently making statements that can worsen your legal situation. There is such a thing as saying too much to the IRS, and it could land you in even more trouble.
A Lawyer Negotiates Your Tax Issue with the IRS
Many taxpayers do not know that they have the ability to negotiate with the IRS. The agency often goes into a dispute over the amount of money that they want to get, but they are prepared to accept less. In other words, the IRS is willing to deal with you in the hopes of getting some money from you. They understand that you always have the potential to file for bankruptcy, where you can get some relief from tax debts. In many cases, the agency wants to get some money now to close the matter from their own books.
A tax attorney knows how to negotiate with the IRS. They understand that there are different strategies that you can use in discussions to arrive at the final amount that you will have to pay. These negotiations can unfold over time, and you may be able to obtain a better result if you are patient.
A Tax Lawyer Litigates on Your Behalf
As a taxpayer, you are always entitled to due process under the law. The IRS does not always get the final say when they make an assessment against you. There is always the right to fight the IRS in court, where an objective judge will make their own determination about whether you owe money. You may take legal action against the IRS if it is treating you wrongfully, such as taking action to freeze your bank accounts or take your assets.
To effectively litigate against the IRS, you need the help of an experienced attorney who knows how to litigate in the tax law system. Your lawyer comes up with a legal strategy on your behalf, whether you are defending against an action that the IRS has filed against you or you are initiating the legal fight in court against the agency. A tax lawyer devises your most effective legal arguments to use when you are taking on the IRS in court. In the end, it will be a judge who decides your case when you cannot resolve your issues with the IRS.
Contact a New York Tax Lawyer Today
If you have received notice from the IRS that you are either subject to an audit or you owe them money, you have legal rights. You do not have to accept their conclusion as a given. You should speak with an experienced New York tax attorney at Thorgood Law Firm to discuss your case. Take the first step towards being free from problems with the IRS by contacting us online, or by calling us today at (212) 490-0704. We offer free consultations to prospective clients, and we represent clients in all 50 states when they have issues with the IRS.
