Selecting The Right IRS Attorney

When you know that you need assistance in handling and dealing with your IRS debt, the best choice is to hire an experienced IRS attorney who can work with you to create a strong IRS debt defense. But how do you know if you have selected the right IRS attorney to work with you? There are things to consider and for you to do before hiring an IRS lawyer. A little bit of homework can ensure a successful fit between you and your financial attorney.

IRS Debt Defense

Some factors to consider when hiring a tax attorney are:

•  Assess their qualifications.
• Assess their experience.
• Assess the cost.
• Ask what they can do for you.
• Do you have a connection?

Assess Their Qualifications
Are they able to practice law in your state? Are they licensed? Did they pass the BAR? Are they a member of the American Bar Association? Ask them if they are a member of any other organizations.

Assess Their Experience
How much experience do they really have with tax law? Have they worked with the IRS previously? Did they used to work for the IRS? Do they have experience as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or do they have one on staff? How many cases have they had where they were defending clients against IRS debt? How successful have they been with those cases?

Assess the Cost
How much are they going to charge you? Is it a flat rate or will it be billed by the hour? Will they give you a free consultation to discuss your situation? Do they require up-front payment of all estimated costs or just a retainer? Will there be other costs involved? Do they charge phone calls by the minute, or a flat rate? What about their paralegals time? Since cost is always important, make sure you are really clear on what all the charges can or will be in advance.

Ask What They Can Do for You
Have the attorney detail what they can offer to do for you in your situation. This will be helpful if you are comparing lawyers and their costs with what they can bring to the table for you. Ask to have their plan for you in writing; this is especially important for the attorney you hire.

Do you connect with the lawyer?
Are you able to easily and comfortably discuss your case and the details without reserve? This is not to be mistaken with being the attorney’s buddy, but rather if you are comfortable enough to really talk about the situation and disagree if you are not happy with the course of action proposed.  Additionally, you should ask the attorney if she/he will be handling the case himself or if it will be delegated to another associate or handled by the firm as a group.

Other Considerations:

•  Seek a recommendation from the bar association
• Consult with and interview more than one attorney

Questions to Ask Prior to an Initial Consultation:

•  How much time should I allow for the meeting?
• What should I bring with me?
• Where is your office located?
• Does your office have any restrictions I should know about?
• Will there be a charge for this first meeting and is it due then?

Questions to Ask During the First Meeting:

•  How much will this cost?
• What are the possible outcomes?
• What will you provide for me?
• Do you have malpractice insurance?
• Have you ever been the subject of disciplinary action?
• Do you use email for the purpose of communicating with clients?
• If so, how are emails charged?
• Any other questions you feel relevant.
• If you don’t feel the attorney is right for you, but is a good attorney; ask who they would recommend.

Using these guidelines and tips should provide you with the best possible match for your IRS debt defense. whocanisue.com can help you find an experienced IRS tax attorney in your area to assist you with the complicated nuances of tax law and the decisions that will affect your financial life for some time.