Tax problems are a special kind of misery. The U.S. Tax Code is so complicated most people just try to muddle through it every year and hope no one is paying too much attention. Then one day, a letter arrives and it turns out the government was paying attention—now they’re demanding money you don’t have, threatening fines or even jail time.
If you find yourself in a situation like this, you shouldn’t go it alone. Here are the benefits of hiring a tax attorney to relieve the burden and drastically improve the outcome.
You Need Expertise
As the saying goes, “When you find yourself in a hole, the first thing is to stop digging.” Maybe you’ve made mistakes; don’t worry. As we said before, tax laws are very complex and always changing. So the important thing is not to make any more mistakes going forward.
You’re probably not a tax expert and will unlikely become one in the next few weeks. But, on the other hand, the people who work for the IRS or California’s Franchise Tax Board are tax experts, and they don’t give points for not understanding the law. So you’re going to need help.
Someone who understands the tax system can help you correct mistakes from past filings and chart a path forward. For example, if you owe money in back taxes, there are options beyond making a single lump-sum payment. There are even programs to have your debt forgiven. A tax attorney will be familiar with all of this.
Reduce Penalties
Tax problems are often accompanied by fines, penalties, and interest that has accrued in the meantime. A $1000 mistake can quickly balloon into a $5000 or more debt. The good news is that what you have to pay is often negotiable. Attorneys that regularly deal with the IRS, FTB, and other tax authorities may be able to reduce the total amount you owe significantly.
Note: Contact an attorney immediately if you are facing a criminal tax investigation. These cases can result in hefty fines and jail time; you will need legal representation.
Take the Burden Off Your Shoulders
The emotional stress of dealing with tax problems can be immense. The underlying legal problems are complex, and the amount of money at issue is often daunting. This stress can drive people to make more mistakes or, even worse, just ignore the problem.
You need someone who can look at your documents and say, “Okay, I see what happened. Here’s what we’re going to do….” Hearing these words can be a great relief, and so much of the stress you’ve been carrying will fade once you hand your tax problems over to an expert.
Get Started with a Consultation
The first step in dealing with your tax problems is to schedule an appointment with an attorney. At Hoffman & Forde, our tax attorneys have years of experience resolving these matters and improving client outcomes. Book a consultation to learn more about your options.
Recent Comments