Tax Attorney

Tax Attorney

Tax Attorney

Tax Attorney: As we get knee-deep into tax season, questions often arise about whether a taxpayer needs a Tax Attorney, and if so, what hire a tax attorney vs. CPA vs EA. There a wide array of tax professionals. When it comes to tax attorneys, there are many different areas of practice. Some focus on International and Offshore matters, while others practice in areas such as employment tax, sales tax, or business tax. In addition, some Tax Attorneys may have earned advanced credentials such as an LL.M. (Master’s in Tax Law) and/or the coveted Board-Certified Tax Law Specialist credential.

While a Tax Attorney may perform activities that overlap other tax credential such as an Enrolled Agent (EA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA), others tax attorneys may be both an Attorney/EA or Attorney/CPA — so they can handle the full spectrum of tax and legal matters necessary to resolve complex issues.

Let’s learn more about a Tax Attorney does:

What does a Tax Attorney Do?

A Tax Attorney represents clients in all aspects of Tax Law.

There are many different area of tax, such as International Tax, Business Tax, Employment Tax, Sales Tax, etc.

Depending on the nature and complicated nature of the transaction, an Attorney may be involved from beginning of the transaction, join in at the middle of the road, or be retained to perform a final analysis review at the end of the transaction, but before execution.

When to Hire a Tax Attorney?

Not every tax challenge requires a tax attorney.

For example, if you are a compliant taxpayer and have questions about tax deductions, how to make certain elections, and if certain items are deductible, an EA or CPA may be able to assist you.

But, if you have more complex tax challenges, you may prefer to use a Tax Attorney.

Som examples, include:

  • Offshore and International Tax Compliance
  • Tax Audit
  • Special Agent Investigation
  • Levy or Seizure
  • Criminal Investigation

How do Tax Attorneys Charge?

Different tax attorneys will have different methods of charging fees.

At our firm, we practice a flat-fee model for representation (tax and legal).

Some other firms may charge hourly.

If you are working with an hourly firm, you will want to be sure to get a rough estimate of the fee for services before you begin the process.

Tax Attorney vs. CPA

A Tax Attorney is licensed by at least one state court (even if all they practice is federal tax).  The Tax Attorney has legal training and focuses their legal practice on tax related matters. 

There is an attorney-client privilege for legal matters.

The CPA is a Certified Public Accountant. CPAs focus on accounting, and most CPAs do not handle tax. Rather, they limit their representation to auditing and accounting matters — although some CPAs handle tax.

There is no attorney-client privilege a CPA.

Tax Credentials and Attorney Qualifications

Tax Credential are earned over time.

Generally, experienced attorneys in this field will have the following credentials/experience:

  • 20-years experience as a practicing attorney
  • Extensive litigation, high-stakes audit and trial experience
  • Board Certified Tax Law Specialist credential
  • Master’s of Tax Law (LL.M.)
  • Dually Licensed as an EA (Enrolled Agent) or CPA

What is a Board-Certified Tax Specialist?

It is a tough feat. There are more than 200,000 attorneys in California, and tens of thousands of them practice in some area of tax. In California alone, there are less than 350 Board-Certified Tax Specialists.

Why?

Because the test is brutal.

It covers many different areas of tax, oftentimes areas which are not even included in the practitioner’s daily area of practice.

Tax Specialist Exam study materials are scarce at best, and basically the practitioner has to rely upon is his or her experience to complete the full day exam. 

And, in order for a person to be Board-Certified — the applicant must also meet rigorous ethical and experience requirements as well.

Golding & Golding: About Our International Tax Law Firm

Golding & Golding specializes exclusively in international tax, and specifically IRS offshore disclosure

We are the “go-to” firm for other Attorneys, CPAs, Enrolled Agents, Accountants, and Financial Professionals across the globe. Our attorneys have worked with thousands of clients on offshore disclosure matters, including FATCA & FBAR.

Each case is led by a Board-Certified Tax Law Specialist with 20 years of experience, and the entire matter (tax and legal) is handled by our team, in-house.

*Please beware of copycat tax and law firms misleading the public about their credentials and experience.

Less than 1% of Tax Attorneys Nationwide Are Certified Specialists

Sean M. Golding is one of less than 350 Attorneys (out of more than 200,000 practicing California Attorneys) to earn the Certified Tax Law Specialist credential. The credential is awarded to less than 1% of Attorneys.

Recent Golding & Golding Case Highlights

  • We represented a client in an 8-figure disclosure that spanned 7 countries.
  • We represented a high-net-worth client to facilitate a complex expatriation with offshore disclosure.
  • We represented an overseas family with bringing multiple businesses & personal investments into U.S. tax and offshore compliance.
  • We took over a case from a small firm that unsuccessfully submitted multiple clients to IRS Offshore Disclosure.
  • We successfully completed several recent disclosures for clients with assets ranging from $50,000 – $7,000,000+.

How to Hire Experienced Offshore Counsel

Generally, experienced attorneys in this field will have the following credentials/experience:

  • 20-years experience as a practicing attorney
  • Extensive litigation, high-stakes audit and trial experience
  • Board Certified Tax Law Specialist credential
  • Master’s of Tax Law (LL.M.)
  • Dually Licensed as an EA (Enrolled Agent) or CPA

Interested in Learning More about Golding & Golding?

No matter where in the world you reside, our international tax team can get you IRS offshore compliant. 

Golding & Golding specializes in FBAR and FATCA. Contact our firm today for assistance with getting compliant.