When it comes to your taxes, hiring the right professional makes all the difference. If you’re dealing with a tax issue and aren’t sure whether you need a tax preparer or a tax attorney, this short guide should help.
In a nutshell, tax preparers file your taxes, whereas attorneys handle complex tax and legal issues.
Role of a Tax Preparer
A tax preparer is someone who fills out your tax forms and helps you file your taxes. They might be a certified public accountant (CPA), an enrolled agent (EA), or an individual experienced with tax filing. A tax preparer helps you file your tax forms accurately and on time, but their services are limited to basic tax compliance. Tax preparers can’t provide legal advice.
Role of a Tax Attorney
A tax attorney is a lawyer specializing in tax law. Their scope of services tends to be much wider than that of tax preparers. Tax attorneys can represent you in tax litigation, defend you against IRS criminal investigations, assist with tax disputes, and offer strategic tax planning.
Tax attorneys are preferable to tax preparers if you’re dealing with complex or international tax matters, important audits, or legal challenges like fraud.
Advantages of Working with a Tax Attorney
Working with a tax attorney has several benefits over working with a tax preparer, but the professional services you need depend on your situation. Some of the services you get with a tax attorney that you don’t have with a tax preparer are:
- Representation in IRS Disputes: Tax preparers can’t represent you in negotiations or litigation with the IRS. Tax attorneys are better suited for dealing with audits or disputes.
- Attorney-Client Privilege: With a tax attorney, you have attorney-client privilege. Every communication remains between you two, even if the IRS launches an investigation or criminal tax inquiry. Tax preparers, however, may be required by law to disclose information to the IRS during an investigation.
- Strategic Tax Planning: Tax preparers focus mainly on compliance, but tax attorneys can give you advice tailored to your financial situation. If you run a business or an estate, for example, you’re probably better off with a tax attorney.
Get Tax Help from a Reliable Tax Attorney
If you’re dealing with a complicated tax matter and you know that your tax preparer won’t be able to help, you can contact Gabaie & Associates, LLC. Our tax attorneys can help with a wide range of issues, from business taxes to IRS audits. Call today at (410) 358-1500 to discuss your tax problem, or fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you.
