Do you need a tax attorney if you have not filed taxes since 2003 and you owe back taxes that you cant afford to pay?

Answer 1

The IRS can be reasonable and helpful at times. An attorney may be able to help you set up a payment plan that will work for you.

Ans

Having a professional represent you is clearly better...especially as the argument "I can't afford it" is an excuse that only goes so far..and in fact, tends to infuriate some, frequently with reason. (It's highly likely you make much more than the IRS clerks, phone reps, and even agents that your speaking too...and they are paying theirs...on the other hand, if you are making less...than you will probably have no or very little tax to pay...maybe even some type of benefit coming).

Agreeably tax attorneys are expensive....and the program that your going to best fit into...to avoid criminal actions and to get the quickest resolution from the IRS is well known and has a process and forms to use..called "Offer in Compromise". You can do it yourself...but again...you may have problems technically...(answering the Qs right), determining your actual liability, etc.

Instead of Attorney you may consider a Tax Accountant - however I think your best option is something called an E.A. - short for an enrolled agent. It means someone who passed the tests to represent people in front of the IRS...who isn't an Attorney or a CPA...and frequently - look for this in their yellow pages ad...they are retired IRS agents...hence they pragmatically know how the system operates and can frequently get some understanding from their ex-compadres in arms, that other professionals can't. Look under Tax Advisors.

More:It is suggested to hire a tax professional if you have an outstanding tax debt. Check your tax debt bill, there must be a huge penalties and interests if you did not file taxes since 2003. Sometimes "Offer in Compromise" is working, however it can be frustrating for individual tax payer.

Only EA, tax attorneys and CPA are allowed to work in tax resolution industry:

• Former IRS agents do have a good understanding with tax code however some of them always consider IRS is right so you should pay the back taxes. Keep in mind they used to work for IRS.
• CPA is great but they don't know the tax law.
• Tax attorneys have a good understanding of tax law.