| For many people, establishing a relationship with the | | | | Appeal and Collections. This usually insures that you |
| right tax attorney is not as easy as it seems. We tend | | | | have someone capable of negotiating deals in your |
| to use different tactics and techniques to select what | | | | favor with the IRS. |
| we perceive to be the right one only to later feel like | | | | Question 4. What area of the law do you currently |
| we should have done more homework. | | | | specialize in and for how long have you been working |
| Some of us tend to rely on word of mouth from a | | | | that area? Tax law is very broad and to the extent |
| friend or family which for the most part is based on | | | | that you can pin point your search to the specific niche |
| superficial strengths. They are a nice person, | | | | that your problem revolves around, that will serve you |
| knowledgeable and really performed well for me and | | | | very well. |
| my family. | | | | Question 5. Do you feel that you can help me with my |
| It is difficult to compare these factors from one tax | | | | specific tax problem? They are always going to say |
| attorney to the next and many of us are unaware of | | | | yes and you need to read between the lines. They are |
| which questions to ask in order to determine whether | | | | always going to feel that they know enough about |
| there truly is a match between the customer's needs | | | | your are to justify having you as a client. You need to |
| and the tax attorneys qualifications and specialty. | | | | ask probing questions that are answered with a direct, |
| Below you will find eight questions that will provide a | | | | relevant example in your specific problem area. |
| baseline to find the right attorney for you. | | | | Question 6. What has your success rate been when |
| These questions are designed to provide you with the | | | | you have handled cases like mine? If he or she has |
| answers you need to analyze all of the different | | | | successfully handled cases like your in the past, there |
| strengths and weaknesses of a prospective Tax | | | | will be an excellent chance that they will be prepared |
| Attorney and shield you from getting ripped off and | | | | for all of the potential results of your legal process and |
| guiding you to hire the right tax attorney. | | | | they will work out the best deal possible. |
| So here goes, | | | | Question 7. Can you provide raving fans, AKA |
| Question1. Are you a member of the state bar | | | | references? This may not be easy due to the |
| association. This may seem trivial and you would be | | | | sensitive and private nature of the subject matter. |
| surprised how many people hire an attorney that is not | | | | However, it is critical to get a sense of how successful |
| authorized to represent you in your state. | | | | and happy your attorney has been in similar situations. |
| Question 2. Are you a CPA or what is called an | | | | Question 8. What are all of the things that are included |
| enrolled agent. An enrolled agent is an individual that | | | | in your legal fees? Here is where you determine how |
| has experience working with the IRS and would | | | | much value you are truly receiving from you lawyer |
| therefore have a deeper understanding of the process | | | | and how much you will invest in them. |
| involved in working with the IRS. | | | | Ask these questions to a minimum of 3 Tax |
| Question 3. To what extent do you have experience | | | | Attorneys and you will get a feel for which one you |
| in dealing with the IRS? Ideally you want your Attorney | | | | bond with and will provide you the best service. |
| to have atleast 5 years of experience in the areas of | | | | |