Updated: June 11, 2025

By: Kari Brummond, EA|Reviewed by: Charles P. Corsello, EA

Tax Relief Attorney

A person in a suit holding a pen over a scale of justice while another hand holds a clipboard

If you’re facing serious tax issues, choosing the right professional matters. Tax relief attorneys can provide legal protection and negotiate with the IRS. They help resolve back taxes faster and more effectively than other tax professionals.

Owe the IRS, are under audit, or need help with penalties? An experienced IRS tax attorney can guide you toward the best solution.

Why Do You Need a Tax Attorney?

A tax attorney is not just a tax expert. They’re a licensed lawyer who understands tax law and can represent you in legal matters. They can:

Communicate directly with the IRS or state tax agencies
Handle tax liens, levies, and wage garnishments
Reduce penalties and settle tax debts
Represent you in tax court if needed

You can start your search here of top-rated local tax attorneys that help with tax problems. We have created a system to show taxpayers the best attorneys to help with their unique tax problems. You can easily filter by your problem or desired solution and for the specific tax agencies involved.

What Do Tax Attorneys Do?

A tax lawyer helps you resolve tax problems with the IRS and various state tax agencies. They apply tax law to protect your rights and minimize what you owe. They can also represent you in court.

What Are the Qualifications of a Tax Attorney?

To become a licensed tax relief attorney, professionals must:

Earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
Pass the state bar exam
Often pursue advanced training, like an LL.M. in Taxation
Stay compliant with ethical standards and continuing education
These credentials ensure they’re equipped to handle everything from audits to litigation

Do Tax Attorneys Specialize?

Tax attorneys know the federal tax code thoroughly and understand state tax laws in detail. Most of them who specialize in tax law deal with the following:

Audit representation
Delinquent tax returns
Unfiled tax returns
Installment agreements
Offers in compromise
Penalty relief
Tax levy release
Tax lien release
Wage garnishment removal

Choose a tax attorney with experience in your issue and the solution you’re seeking. If you have both state and federal tax issues, make sure the tax lawyer is experienced with the tax agencies in your state.

How Can a Tax Attorney Help You?

An IRS tax lawyer can help you with the following:

Researching your case
Communicating with the IRS
Negotiating tax settlements
Representing you in court
Saving you money

Most tax lawyers start with a free consultation where you can assess if they are a good match for your needs. You will tell them about your tax problems, and they will outline how their services can help you.

Benefits of a Tax Relief Attorney

The main benefit of working with any tax pro is that they help you negotiate with the IRS. When you choose a tax attorney, in particular, you also reap the following benefits:

1. Tax Attorney-Client Privilege

This privilege encourages open, honest conversations, which leads to better advice and stronger legal representation. Other tax professionals, like accountants or enrolled agents, don’t offer this level of protection. For sensitive tax issues or aggressive strategies, a tax relief attorney offers an added layer of security.

2. Well-Rounded Advice

A tax relief attorney can offer solutions that other tax professionals can't. For example, only attorneys can give legal advice about bankruptcy or represent you in court. Their legal training allows them to look at your entire situation and recommend the best strategy. If your case involves serious legal risks or multiple tax issues, a tax debt attorney is often the best choice.

3. Representation

A tax attorney can represent you in all dealings with the IRS. This includes everything from responding to notices to appearing in tax court. With power of attorney, they take over communications and negotiate directly with the IRS.

4. Tax Negotiation

A tax relief attorney understands how to negotiate complex tax matters, including reducing penalties, settling debt, and stopping aggressive IRS actions. Their legal training and experience with tax law help them push for better outcomes than most other professionals.

Tax attorneys must follow strict ethical rules under IRS Circular 230 and their state bar. These rules protect you by holding attorneys to high standards. Unlike salespeople at tax relief firms, attorneys can’t use pressure tactics or give false promises. They risk losing their license if they break these rules.

Situations and Problems a Tax Relief Attorney Can Help With

If you’re facing legal tax issues, tax crimes, IRS collection actions, a tax relief attorney can help you. You may want to reach out to a tax attorney If you are dealing with any of the following tax situations or problems.

Tax attorneys can help with many other issues. Don't see your tax concern on this list? Then, contact one directly to talk about your situation. TaxCure offers a curated list of tax attorneys so you can find someone experienced with your tax issue.

Tax Court

If you are heading to tax court, it is always smart to have one on your side. A tax lawyer will be able to represent you in court and will likely know the best approach for handling your situation.

Tax Evasion

Tax evasion can lead to severe penalties, including fines or prison. A tax debt attorney can help reduce those risks and may even remove penalties if there's a valid reason for non-compliance.

Tax Fraud

If you have committed tax fraud, you need legal protection. This includes actions like false deductions, fake credits, or hiding income. A tax attorney gives you attorney-client privilege. They help manage the risks and guide you through the legal process.

Willful failure to file taxes

Title 26 USC Section 7203 of the Internal Revenue Code states that not filing taxes or providing required information can lead to up to one year in prison, fines, and other penalties. If you're facing charges under this section, you need a tax attorney to protect your rights.

Obstruction of Internal Revenue Law Administration

Under Section 7212 of Title 26 USC, taxpayers who make threats or impede the administration of internal revenue laws can face up to three years in prison and monetary penalties.

Under criminal investigation by the IRS

Being investigated by the criminal investigation division of the IRS should never be taken lightly. Agents receive training from the IRS and FBI and may carry firearms. You might not know you’re under investigation until they file charges. If you suspect trouble due to past tax mistakes, contact a tax relief attorney immediately.

Worried about IRS criminal investigation

You often won’t know about an IRS investigation until they file charges. If you made past tax mistakes, speak with a tax attorney before the IRS acts. Depending on the situation, they may be able to help you apply for amnesty or reduce your risk of criminal exposure.

Criminal tax defense

Tax fraud allegations and criminal tax charges can have extremely serious consequences. If you have been accused of a tax crime, you should not deal with the situation on your own. A tax attorney can help to defend you or your business.

Failure to disclose offshore accounts

Failing to report and pay taxes on foreign assets can lead to criminal charges and civil penalties. The Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVCP) allows you to come forward without facing penalties. It’s only available if the IRS hasn’t started an investigation. Over 100 countries now sharing financial data with the U.S.; the IRS is more likely to identify noncompliant taxpayers.

Tax Solutions a Tax Attorney Can Help With

The right resolution option depends on your tax issue and your personal situation. A tax attorney can help find the right solution for your needs. Here are some of the resolution methods they use:

These are just some of the resolution options offered by tax attorneys. When you work with a tax attorney, they find the best resolution for your unique situation.

Offer in Compromise Tax Settlements

An offer in compromise lets you settle your tax debt for less than you owe. The IRS approves it when they believe they won’t collect more through forced collection. A tax attorney can help you prove this and handle the complex filing process.

IRS Payment Plans

The IRS offers various forms of payment plans. A tax attorney can review your finances and choose the best payment plan. They also calculate the monthly amount and handle all required filings.

Penalty Abatement

You can reduce or remove IRS penalties through penalty abatement. If you had a valid reason for falling out of compliance, a tax attorney can help you show the IRS you acted in good faith and qualify for relief.

Innocent Spouse Relief

This protects one spouse from joint liability when the IRS deems it unfair to hold both responsible.

IRS Bankruptcy

At times, bankruptcy can help resolve IRS tax debt. While most tax pros avoid this option, a tax attorney or bankruptcy attorney can evaluate if you qualify. Discharging tax debt through bankruptcy is complex and depends on specific financial and legal factors.

IRS Wage Garnishment and Levy Release

If the IRS has garnished your wages or seized your bank funds, you may struggle to cover basic needs. A tax debt attorney can seek release of the garnishment or levy by proving financial hardship and negotiating better terms.

Release of Federal Tax Lien

A tax lien is the IRS’s legal claim to your property and can block asset sales. A tax relief lawyer may help remove the lien from your assets.

Currently Not Collectible/Hardship Status

If you can’t pay your tax bill, a tax relief lawyer can help you qualify for currently not collectible (CNC) status. This stops IRS collections. In some cases, the statute of limitations may expire before you’re able to pay, and the debt disappears.

Signs You Need to Hire a Tax Attorney

You should strongly consider hiring a tax attorney or other tax resolution professional if any of the following apply to you or your business.

You owe the IRS $10,000 or more.
You have two or more years of unfiled tax returns.
You owe penalties to the IRS.
The IRS has placed a federal tax lien on your assets.
The IRS has levied your bank account.
The IRS is garnishing your wages.
You want help dealing with the IRS.

The IRS has the legal right to use a broad range of collection tactics, and the agency has a lot of power. To protect yourself and your assets, you may want to work with a tax professional.

Should I Hire a Tax Attorney from My Local Area?

A lot of people struggling with tax issues wonder if working with a tax attorney near them is the right solution. There are pros and cons to choosing a local tax attorney, and you should weigh your options carefully when deciding.

Going with a local tax attorney gives you the following benefits:

In-person meetings with your tax attorney.
Easy to drop off documents or IRS notices.

However, restricting your options to tax attorneys near you comes with the following downsides:

A limited pool of attorneys.
Risk of not finding someone who specializes in your tax issue.
Potential of wasting time driving to their office for in-person meetings or to drop off documents.
Local tax attorneys may not have established relationships with the IRS.

You don’t always need a local lawyer for taxes. You can send documents by email or mail and handle everything through virtual meetings or phone calls. Focus on experience, not location. Use platforms like TaxCure to find the best fit, whether they are nearby or across the country.

Who Are the Best Tax Attorneys?

The best tax attorney for you depends on your specific issue. Look for one with relevant experience and strong negotiation skills. Before making your choice, you may want to read a few reviews, but make sure you know how to interpret the reviews.

At TaxCure, we have a curated list of tax attorneys and other tax professionals from around the country. You can search for them based on their experience with different tax issues and tax resolution methods. Then, you can consult with a variety of attorneys until you find the right fit. Just click a "Find a Tax Pro" button at the very top of our site and then filter by tax attorneys.

Other Types of Tax Professionals

While tax attorneys are excellent professionals to help with tax problems, there are other professionals that can help with various tax problems. Below are the details on other types of tax professionals.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

CPAs are certified tax professionals that can help with a variety of tax issues, tax planning, tax filing, and more. When comparing CPAs vs. EAs, you'll find that they both can handle tax-related concerns, but CPAs also have a broader range of potential focus areas.

Enrolled Agent

An enrolled is a licensed tax professional who can represent taxpayers in matters relating to the IRS tax laws. Unlike an attorney or CPA, they obtain their authority from the federal government rather than state governments.

Certified Tax Resolution Specialist

These licensed tax professionals hold certification from the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers. Enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys earn it by meeting education and experience standards and passing an exam.

Former IRS Agents

If you work for the IRS for at least five years in a role that includes interpreting the tax law, you earn an EA designation. Many former agents are also CPAs and tax attorneys. Hiring a former IRS agent/officer means that you get to work with someone who has deep insights into IRS practices and policies.

Tax Attorney Vs. CPA: Differences Between Tax Pros

When a lot of people start searching for help with back taxes, they wonder if they should hire a CPA or a tax lawyer. Both of these professionals can handle complex tax issues, but in the rare situation that a case goes to court, only a tax attorney or US Tax Court Practitioner (USTCP) can represent you in front of the IRS. A USTCP is an enrolled agent who has passed a special test.

So, what's the difference between a CPA and a tax attorney? The main difference is their training.

CPA Qualifications

These are the qualifications to look for:

Most CPAs hold a bachelor's degree in accounting.
Many also earn a master's in accounting or an MBA.
They must complete one to two years of supervised accounting experience.
They must pass the CPA exam, which includes four tests.
The exam, run by the AICPA, focuses 60 to 80 percent on federal taxation.
CPAs must complete ongoing education to keep their license active.

What Do CPAs Do?

Unlike tax lawyers, CPAs are not authorized to practice law, but they can handle the following:

Tax return preparation and filing

A CPA can be an invaluable resource for people and businesses with complex tax situations or taxpayers with high net worth.

Minimizing tax liabilities

CPAs use their in-depth knowledge of the tax code to ensure their clients pay as little tax as legally possible.

Tax planning

CPAs also work with their clients to create tax plans that help them meet their short and long-term personal or business goals.

Back tax resolution

CPAs can help their clients with unfiled returns, back taxes, penalty abatement, and other state and local tax issues.

Pros and Cons of Hiring a CPA

CPAs offer a lot of benefits to their clients. You can experience the following benefits when you hire a CPA:

Help with tax prep

CPAs can prepare and amend tax returns for businesses and individuals.

Reduced tax liabilities

CPAs can help reduce tax liabilities on your current tax return. They can help you identify strategies to reduce your tax bill in the future.

Assistance with back taxes

CPAs can help you explore many resolution options for your back taxes. Like a tax attorney, they can negotiate with the IRS on your behalf.

The only potential drawback of working with a CPA vs a tax attorney is that they can’t represent you in court. If you anticipate going to court, you need a tax attorney.

Pros and Cons of Hiring Tax Attorneys

While deciding between a tax attorney vs a CPA, you should also look at the pros and cons of tax attorneys. The main advantages of working with a tax attorney include the following:

Experienced in resolving complex tax issues.
Can save you money on back taxes.
Ability to help you through an audit.
Can represent you in front of the IRS.
Can defend you in court.

However, hiring a tax attorney also comes with a few downsides. Here are the disadvantages of working with one:

No tax prep assistance

Tax attorneys typically don't prepare tax returns. Their law firms often employ IRS Enrolled Agents or CPAs who can help with tax prep if needed.

Higher fees

Because they tend to deal with complex issues, tax attorneys often charge higher fees than CPAs and enrolled agents. However, this may not always be the case. Get quotes from other types of professionals.

Hourly costs

Hourly fees can get expensive. To help you control costs, some tax resolution law firms charge a set price based on what you need.

Tax Attorneys Vs. CPAs Vs. Enrolled Agent

Tax attorneys and CPAs are not the only options when you need tax help. Enrolled agents are licensed tax professionals who focus on IRS issues and representation. They earn their status through testing or by working for the IRS. They offer another strong option alongside tax attorneys and CPAs.

All three of these pros have credentials to represent you for unpaid taxes, IRS collections, audits, and appeals. When deciding between EAs vs CPAs vs tax attorneys, consider experience, how they make you feel, and the value they bring.

How Much Do Tax Lawyers Charge?

The cost of hiring an IRS tax attorney can vary significantly. Depending on your situation, fees can range from $500 to $10,000 or more. Below are some of the factors that affect the cost of a tax attorney:

Case type

The type of tax case and the amount of investigation affect the cost. Simple delinquent filing cases usually cost less than complex matters like tax evasion or audit defense. Some tax attorneys don’t work criminal cases, so find one who does.

Type of tax resolution

Tax resolution options require different amounts of paperwork and expertise. For example, setting up an installment agreement is generally easier than applying for an offer in compromise.

Length of your case

The longer your case takes to resolve, the more you should expect to pay. This doesn't apply if your tax relief lawyer agrees to accept a set price based on your tax resolution method.

Fee structure

Some charge a flat fee per case; others charge hourly. Still, others charge separate fees for investigation (discovery), compliance, and resolution.

Support staff

If you have multiple lawyers working on your case, you may face a higher bill. You may lower costs by working with a tax attorney supported by Enrolled Agents, CPAs, or paralegals.

You can also read our complete guide on the costs of hiring a tax attorney.

Do Tax Lawyers Offer Free Consultations?

Most tax attorneys start with a free consultation. In the no-cost consultation, you explain your situation. The tax attorney outlines your options and estimates the timeline.

Free consultations with tax attorneys can take place in person or over the phone. To make the most of this time, you should have details about your tax situation or your latest notice from the IRS.

Sometimes with a free consultation, you will talk with a representative at the attorney’s firm to discuss your case, and you may not talk directly with the attorney.

Are Tax Attorneys Affordable?

Hiring a tax attorney in many cases can be a smart investment, especially when you are facing complex issues with the IRS or state tax authorities. In many cases, their efforts may result in financial savings that exceed their feels, the real value of the tax attorney often goes beyond just the dollars and cents.

Experienced tax attorneys can help protect your rights, reduce stress, and avoid mistakes. Their services cover things like dealing with an audit, negotiating a settlement, or stopping aggressive collection actions. Their expertise can make the difference between a favorable resolution with long term solutions and a prolonged financial or legal burden.

How Can I Find a Pro Bono Tax Attorney?

Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics offer free help to qualifying taxpayers. To be eligible, your income must be under 250% of the poverty line, and your tax issue must involve less than $50,000. Volunteer lawyers for taxes provide this service through a program backed by the Taxpayer Advocate.

Find a Tax Attorney Today

At TaxCure we have made it easy for taxpayers to find top-rated tax resolution attorneys throughout the country. Our network includes many tax professionals. It features tax attorneys who resolve IRS and state tax issues. You can start your search below by selecting the agency/agencies you are having issues with and then