Taxes can be difficult and confusing to file, and hundreds of people find themselves in tax trouble every year. If you’re currently being hassled by the IRS, here are five qualities you should look for when hiring a tax lawyer.
1. Communication
Your tax lawyer should be an effective communicator, and they should also be able to explain things to you in a way that makes sense. Tax law can be convoluted and difficult to dissect, making your tax lawyer your best resource for understanding everything about your case. For example, if you’re having trouble understanding why a refund is being held, even though nine out of ten are issued within 21 days, your lawyer should be able to explain why it may be held and why a review may have been needed. However, if they are ineffective at communicating, you can risk having misunderstandings and end up more confused than when you started, something that you should never have to deal with.
2. Critical Thinking
Your tax lawyer should be a skilled critical thinker able to come up with solutions and effective strategies quickly and efficiently. Critical thinking is important when it comes to tax law, and without it, you could risk losing your case and ending up right where you started. Make sure that your tax lawyer is able to spot loopholes and weak spots in your case, and come up with a course of action that works best for your situation.
3. IRS Experience
Another quality that your tax lawyer should have is experience with the IRS. You want tangible proof that they have a track record of working to solve problems and cases involving the IRS so that you know that you’re getting the best representation possible. While all tax lawyers have to start somewhere, often experience will be what wins cases.
4. Keeping Up With New Laws
Tax law is always changing, and it is important that your tax lawyer is able to keep up. You don’t want them to build a case based on an outdated law only to wind up losing your case because your defense was faulty. Make sure that your lawyer is informed and knowledgeable about the current federal tax laws so that you can have the best chance possible of fighting the IRS effectively.
5. A Focus On Tax Law
Your tax lawyer should be just that: a tax lawyer. They also shouldn’t deal with family law, car accidents, or anything else. You want to ensure that your lawyer has a singular focus and isn’t going to be held up on any other types of cases that could result in yours not getting the special attention it needs.
If you are in need of a tax lawyer, keep in mind these five qualities to ensure that you can find the most qualified lawyer for your case. For those in Chicago, contact Whelan Tax today!