Every year, individuals and business owners across Tennessee and Michigan receive an IRS notice and immediately assume the situation is more serious than it actually is. Many have already spoken with a national “tax relief” company that promised dramatic outcomes before fully understanding the facts — only to find that significant fees were paid while the underlying issue went unresolved.

The reality is that many IRS tax balances — particularly smaller ones — can be resolved calmly and methodically once the situation is properly evaluated. For taxpayers in Murfreesboro, Nashville, and Franklin, Tennessee, as well as Midland and Saginaw, Michigan, the most important first step is usually not urgency. It is understanding your available options and addressing the issue before it becomes unnecessarily complicated

Key Takeaway: Tax problems become more manageable — not less — when addressed early and thoughtfully. Early action preserves options. Delay eliminates them.

Start With a Proper Evaluation: The Questions That Matter

Responsible tax professionals rarely recommend a specific resolution strategy before reviewing the relevant facts. Before determining the right path forward, several important questions must be answered:

• How much tax is actually owed?
• Have all required federal and state tax returns been filed?
• What stage of the IRS collection process has been reached?
• What is the taxpayer’s current financial ability to pay?
• Are there planning opportunities that could prevent future issues?

Only after these questions are addressed does it make sense to determine whether a payment arrangement, negotiation, or another resolution strategy is appropriate. For many taxpayers, the answer is more straightforward than they expected.

Why Early Communication With the IRS Prevents Escalation

One of the most common drivers of IRS collection problems is lack of communication. When IRS notices go unanswered, the collection process continues moving forward automatically. Over time, that process escalates from simple billing notices to more serious enforcement measures — including liens, levies, and wage garnishments.
When taxpayers respond early — requesting time to pay, setting up payment arrangements, or providing requested financial information — the situation is often stabilized before enforcement becomes necessary. Early communication preserves options.

Understanding IRS Collection Thresholds

Federal Tax Lien Filing

Under IRS administrative guidelines, the Service may consider filing a Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) when an unpaid balance exceeds $10,000. However, in practical terms, the IRS often does not routinely file liens until balances approach $50,000 — though this can vary depending on the specific facts of a case. Many taxpayers still have meaningful time to resolve the situation before enforcement escalates.

The “Seriously Delinquent” Tax Debt Threshold and Passport Risk

Under Internal Revenue Code §7345, when a taxpayer’s total federal tax debt exceeds a threshold adjusted annually for inflation — currently approximately $64,000 — the IRS may certify the debt to the U.S. State Department. This can lead to denial of a passport application, revocation or limitation of an existing passport, and restrictions on international travel. For business owners and professionals who travel internationally, addressing IRS balances well before this threshold is essential.

IRS Tax Resolution Options: What Is Actually Available

The IRS offers several programs designed to help taxpayers resolve manageable balances in an orderly way. In many cases — particularly when balances are below $50,000 — the process can be relatively straightforward.

Short-Term Payment Extension (Up to 120 Days)

Taxpayers who expect to pay their balance within approximately 120 days may qualify for a short-term extension. No formal installment agreement is required, though interest and penalties continue to accrue until the balance is paid in full.

Streamlined Installment Agreement

One of the most commonly used IRS resolution tools. Available when the total balance owed is $50,000 or less:

• The balance must generally be paid within 72 months or before the collection statute expires
• A detailed financial disclosure is typically not required
• The arrangement can often be established online or with Form 9465
• Payments are usually made through direct debit or payroll deduction

Standard Installment Agreement

If the balance cannot be paid within the streamlined time frame, the IRS may still allow a payment plan after reviewing the taxpayer’s financial condition. This process generally requires submitting financial information through Form 433-F or related forms.

Partial Payment Installment Agreement (PPIA)

When a taxpayer can make monthly payments but cannot fully satisfy the debt before the IRS collection statute expires, the IRS may accept a Partial Payment Installment Agreement. This involves ongoing financial review and can result in a portion of the total debt never being collected.

Offer in Compromise (OIC)

An Offer in Compromise allows certain taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed when the IRS determines the full balance is unlikely to be collected. Offers are evaluated based on the taxpayer’s ability to pay, equity in assets, and income relative to allowable living expenses.
Important: Offers in Compromise receive significant attention in national advertising but are appropriate only in specific circumstances. They require careful financial analysis before submission. Not every taxpayer qualifies.

Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status

If paying the tax would prevent a taxpayer from covering basic living expenses, the IRS may place the account in Currently Not Collectible status. Active collection efforts are suspended, though interest and penalties continue to accrue. The IRS may periodically review the taxpayer’s financial condition.

When Does a Tax Resolution Attorney Add Value?

Although many IRS balances can be handled directly with the Service, certain situations genuinely benefit from experienced professional guidance:

• Multiple years of unfiled federal or state tax returns
• Balances approaching IRS enforcement thresholds
• Business owners with payroll tax liabilities or complex financial structures
• Disputes regarding the accuracy of a tax assessment
• Negotiating advanced strategies such as Offers in Compromise or Partial Payment agreements
• Situations involving IRS revenue officers or active collection enforcement

For business owners in particular, unresolved IRS matters can create complications with financing, business partnerships, and long-term succession planning. Addressing these issues thoughtfully — before they reach enforcement — helps maintain both financial clarity and operational stability.

A Practical Perspective on Tax Resolution

In our experience, the most effective approach to resolving an IRS problem is rarely dramatic. More often, it involves carefully reviewing the facts, stabilizing the situation with the IRS, and creating a clear, documented path toward resolution.

In some cases, that means professional representation. In others, it simply means helping a taxpayer understand the steps needed to address the issue responsibly — without overpaying for solutions they do not need.
The families and business owners we work with in Rutherford County, Nashville, Franklin, Midland, and Saginaw appreciate this approach because it focuses on reducing uncertainty rather than creating it.

MIDLAND, Mich – Moving between states is one of the basic freedoms we have as Americans but state individual tax rules can make it a little more challenging. Here is a brief summary of the steps you need to do to prove to Michigan that you’re no longer a resident for individual income tax purposes.

What You Need to Know
A person who used to live in Michigan needs to know how to officially end their residency with the Michigan Department of Treasury. You must understand the legalrules for changing your “domicile” (your main home), what to do with your taxes, and how to prove that you no longer live in Michigan.

The Rules
What is Domicile and How Do You Change It?
In Michigan, your “domicile” is your main, permanent home that you always plan to return to. To stop being a Michigan resident, you have to do three things at the same time:

1. Decide to leave your Michigan home for good.
2. Decide to make a new state your permanent home.
3. Actually move to and live in that new state.
   The Department of Treasury will look at many things to decide if your domicile has
   changed, such as:
   ● Where you keep your most important belongings.
   ● Where your family lives.
   ● Where you vote.
   ● Where you have memberships (like clubs or gyms).
   ● Where your car is registered.
   ● Where you do your banking.
   ● Where you run your business.
   No one single thing is the most important. The state looks at all of them together.

What to Do with Your Job’s Withholding
If your job takes out taxes from your paycheck, you must tell your employer that you no longer live in Michigan within 10 days of moving. This will make sure that they stop taking out Michigan taxes. This change will only affect future paychecks, not any that came before you told them.

Proving You No Longer Live in Michigan
The state of Michigan assumes you are still a resident unless you can show them proof that you are not. You have to give the Department of Treasury detailed information to prove you have moved. If you don’t pay taxes in the state where you now claim to live,
the state of Michigan might not believe you have moved.

File a final Michigan Form MI-1040
When you are a resident of Michigan, you are required to pay income tax on all income
you earn, regardless of where it was earned. A “part-year resident” is someone who
moved their permanent home into or out of Michigan during the tax year. For the time
you were a resident, you must pay Michigan income tax on the income you earned,
received, or accumulated while living there. Filing a final return ensures you have
properly reported and paid tax on that income.

The state presumes that a taxpayer is a Michigan resident unless they can prove
otherwise. Filing a part-year return is a formal way of notifying the state of your change
in residency status for tax purposes. This helps to prevent the Department of Treasury
from mistakenly believing you are still a resident and sending you notices about unpaid
taxes on income earned after you moved.

What This Means for You
To officially end your Michigan residency for tax reasons, you must:

1. Meet the legal rules for changing your domicile. This means you must show that
   you planned to leave Michigan, planned to live in a new state, and actually moved
   there. You should provide proof like voter registration, car registration, and
   banking information from your new state.
2. Tell your employer. If your job takes out taxes from your paychecks, you must tell
   them you are no longer a Michigan resident within 10 days of moving. This will
   change your future tax withholding.
3. Give the state proof. You must give the Department of Treasury detailed proof
   that you no longer live in Michigan. This includes showing that you have moved
4. your life to another state. If you are not paying taxes in your new state, it will be
5. harder to prove you have moved.
6. File a final tax return. Your final partial-year resident tax return is your final
   declaration showing that you have left the state and have appropriately resolved
   your Michigan residency status.
   
   By following these steps, you can make sure that the state of Michigan officially
   recognizes you as a nonresident for tax reasons.

This information is provided for information purposes only. Please consult with a licensed practitioner before acting on any advice you read in a web post or other media.

• Stay Updated with Changing Tax Laws: Tax laws and regulations change frequently. Business owners must stay updated to ensure they are compliant and avoid costly penalties. A tax consultant will provide current information and guide businesses through any recent changes.
• Maximize Deductions: Many business owners are unaware of the numerous deductions available to them. A tax planning session can illuminate these potential savings, ensuring business owners aren’t overpaying on their taxes.
• Cash Flow Management: Effective tax planning can improve a company’s cash flow. By understanding tax liabilities and planning ahead, businesses can manage their finances more efficiently.
• Avoid Costly Mistakes: The punitive implications of tax errors can be severe. A tax consultant can help identify and rectify potential issues before they become major problems.
• Strategic Business Planning: Tax planning isn’t just about compliance; it’s a strategic tool. A consultation can help business owners make informed decisions, from investment strategies to hiring practices, all tailored to their specific tax situation.
• Peace of Mind: With a professional overseeing their tax strategy, business owners can focus on what they do best – running their businesses. They can rest assured that they are minimizing liabilities and making the most of any available tax benefits.

You can schedule your tax planning consultation today by calling (615) 267-0125 or (989) 704-6560.

About Charles R. Frazier JD LLM

Charles R Frazier is the principal attorney for Frazier Law, a tax, estate and business law firm with offices in Middle Tennessee and Central Michigan. Charles writes and speaks nationally on topics of tax planning, tax controversy & defense, business and succession planning, and estate planning. Charles is a member of bar in the states of Michigan, Tennessee and Texas. Mr. Frazier can be scheduled for consultations or interviews at (615) 267-0125 or (989) 704-6560.

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier has expanded its practice in the Great Lakes Bay market to now include estate planning, elder law and business succession planning services. Adding to its existing tax planning, compliance and controversy services, the firm is now able to provide these additional services throughout the state of Michigan.

Tax and estate planning attorney Charles R. Frazier was admitted and licensed to practice law in Michigan, and was sworn in by Honorable Judge Stephen Carras at the Midland County Courthouse this summer. Attorney Frazier is a highly-credentialed and experienced attorney who is a certified estate planning law specialist, a certified exit planning advisor to business owners, and a tax attorney who holds two advanced tax degrees; a Master of Taxation from The Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Laws (LL.M taxation) degree from the University of Alabama.

The Frazier firm has offered nationwide tax controversy services since opening its doors in 2009, and it opened a Midland office in May 2022.

The Frazier firm is devoted to tax planning, tax controversies, estate planning, and business succession planning. It represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in estate and trust administration and works with nonprofits to obtain and maintain tax-exempt status. Frazier has helped countless business owners and entrepreneurs avoid or resolve problems with the IRS or Department of Revenue. Stopping IRS collections, assisting clients with tax audits, and creating installment agreements are a few of the existing tax services that previously existed at the firm.

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About the Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier

The Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier provide legal counsel to individuals and businesses, and focuses on tax law and estate planning. The firm handles tax collections and tax audit matters before the IRS or Michigan Department of Revenue, as well as tax planning and compliance. The firm’s estate planning practice helps guide clients through the process of obtaining wills, living wills, powers of attorneys and completing other estate planning matters. Since 2009, The Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier has saved its clients millions of dollars in taxes; given customers the peace of mind that comes with a thoughtful estate plan; and settled countless difficult probate estates.

While the firm provides tax law and estate planning services nationwide, the primary services that are offered at the Midland location are tax planning, compliance and controversy.

“I am excited that our firm is expanding to new markets and serving more individuals and businesses across the country,” said Charles R. Frazier, owner and founding attorney. “As we grow, it will be a top priority for me that we maintain the highest service levels to all taxpayers in every region. We are creating new jobs for legal and accounting professionals while we help our clients save money, optimize their company operations, and address their tax needs.”

Frazier, a military veteran, founded the law firm in 2009. Headquartered in the Nashville, Tenn., area, the firm has experienced significant growth in the last two years. It has more than doubled the size of its staff and it has opened three new offices in Brentwood, Tenn., Dallas, Texas, and Midland, Mich.

“Our firm has a reputation among our customers and community for always maintaining integrity, operating with professionalism, and most importantly, keeping our clients’ best interest in the forefront of everything we do,” Frazier continued. “With a proven history of more than a decade, we are confident that our business model and superior customer service will propel our continued growth.”

The Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier offers tax controversy services and has helped countless business owners and entrepreneurs avoid or resolve problems with the IRS. Stopping IRS collections, assisting clients with tax audits, and creating installment agreements are a few of the tax services offered at the firm. Tax compliance cases such as delinquent return preparation as well as tax planning advisory services are also handled in-house by the firm’s attorneys and accountants.

About the Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier

The Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier provides legal counsel to individuals and businesses, and focuses on tax law and estate planning. The firm handles tax collections and tax audit matters before the IRS, as well as tax planning and compliance. The firm’s estate planning practice helps guide clients through the process of obtaining wills, living wills, powers of attorneys and completing other estate planning matters. Since 2009, The Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier has saved its clients millions of dollars in taxes; given customers the peace of mind that comes with a thoughtful estate plan; and settled countless difficult probate estates.

“I am honored and excited to join the team at the Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier, and I’m looking forward to contributing my experience and expertise to the firm. I believe the additional service offerings will help expand the highly-successful brand that Charles has built over the years to new markets as well as provide existing clients with the convenience of having their tax matters streamlined at one company.”

The Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier has offered nationwide tax controversy services since opening its doors in 2009 and has helped countless business owners and entrepreneurs avoid or resolve problems with the IRS or Department of Revenue. Stopping IRS collections, assisting clients with tax audits, and creating installment agreements are a few of the existing tax services that previously existed at the firm.

“Rick’s addition to our team significantly expands our service offerings for our tax clients. Tax compliance cases such as delinquent return preparation as well as tax planning advisory services can now be seamlessly handled in-house by our team. Thus, our clients will have enhanced continuity to address all their tax needs,” said firm principal Charles R. Frazier.

“With Rick joining the Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier, we’ll be a tax planning, compliance, and controversy one-stop solution. Our tax planning services will help our individual and business clients to look ahead at areas where they can save money and optimize their company operations. With tax controversy, we will promptly resolve any tax issues that may have occurred while conducting business.”

Please join us in welcoming Rick to the team.

File and Pay on Time: One of the quickest ways to get in trouble with the IRS is to neglect filing and paying your taxes on time. This can result in a big headache that you definitely want to avoid. If you need additional time to prepare and file your taxes, then consider applying for an extension. This will provide you with an additional three months to complete your tax returns which will then be due on October 15, 2020. Requests for extensions by businesses and individuals must be filed no later than July 15. Always remember, an extension only grants you extra time to file, not pay. Be sure to pay the IRS anything you owe by July 15, or you’ll be subject to penalties and fees. If you can’t pay the full amount by the due date, contact the IRS about setting up a payment plan.

Special Debt Relief Program is Scheduled to Expire: In March 2020, the IRS launched a People First Initiative that was designed to help people facing challenges related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Activities such as payments for installment agreements and offers and compromise were suspended. The IRS also suspended some collection functions such as new liens and levies. However, these relief initiatives are scheduled to expire on July 15. If you are unsure of the status of your specific tax matter, we encourage you to contact an experienced tax attorney to ensure your affairs are in order.

For more tax tips and upcoming deadlines, visit the official IRS website. Tax Attorney Charles R. Frazier is a former IRS agent and is able to effectively represent his clients in federal tax cases. Contact our office today for a low-cost consultation or for assistance with federal or Tennessee tax matters.

Do I have to pay income tax on my IRS stimulus check?

No, the Payment is not includible in your gross income. Therefore, you will not include the Payment in your taxable income on your Federal income tax return or pay income tax on your Payment.

Can the IRS garnish my check and apply it towards an outstanding tax bill?

No, with one exception. The Payment may be offset only by past-due child support. The Bureau of the Fiscal Service will send you a notice if an offset occurs.

If I didn’t file taxes in 2018 or 2019, is it too late to file and receive a stimulus check?

Use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) online tool that provides answers to tax questions. The “Do I Need to File a Tax Return?” tool can help you determine if you’re required to file a 2019 federal income tax return.

Answer the questions about your filing status, federal income tax withheld, and basic information to help you determine your gross income to see if you need to file a 2019 tax return. If you had no income or income under a certain amount, you are not required to file a tax return. If you are not required to file a tax return, the “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here” tool is the fastest way to get your Payment.

Will my stimulus check negate and replace my regular income tax refund that I normally get?

A Payment will not reduce your refund or increase the amount you owe when you file your 2020 Federal income tax return.

A Payment also will not affect your income for purposes of determining eligibility for federal government assistance or benefit programs.

For more information or for legal assistance with this or other tax matters, feel free to contact the Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier. We are accepting new clients. For the safety and protection of you and our employees, consultations are being conducted by phone and video conference call.

WHAT ARE TAX LAWS?

Tax laws are rules set in place by federal, state, and local governments that help those entities calculate how much you owe in taxes each year. There are tax laws for every kind of tax set in place, such as income, estate, luxury, property, corporate, and more. Congress and state legislatures are the ones that create the majority of tax laws for federal and state taxes respectively. They’re also the ones who go back in and update, revise, or get rid of tax laws on their respective levels. Tax laws change almost every year, so it can be hard to know and keep track of every individual law when tax season comes around. There are, however, some laws that will always stay in place no matter what, such as not being able to falsely report deductions on your tax return, or not being able to falsely claim dependents when you have none. Tax laws are largely set in place to protect both the taxpayers as well as the government from false claims.

FEDERAL TAX LAWS

The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) is the foundation of all federal tax law here in the United States. The Code is made up of 11 different subtitles, all of which cover the different kinds of federal taxes (estate, excise, income, etc.). The IRC is the main authority for federal taxes and all tax forms and their instructions are based off the IRC. These codes also make the rules that taxpayers and the IRS are required to follow.

Federal tax regulations allow for more laws than are contained in the IRC. The Department of Treasury is allowed to set regulations that are used to interpret every code section. The regulations that the Department of Treasury issue all have high authority, forcing the IRS to enforce tax laws in accordance with the regulations. Most of the tax laws set forth by the IRC are quite short, with some being no more than a few sentences. The regulations that the Treasury applies to the code, however, are quite long, with some being several pages long as to go in-depth on how to enforce the regulations set in place on their corresponding codes.

STATE/LOCAL TAX LAWS

State and local tax laws vary not only from each other, but from the federal laws as well. While some states don’t have income taxes to enforce, other tax laws revolving around inheritance or sales tax may be put in place. Every state makes their own tax codes that are completely separate from the other states and the federal tax codes alike. This means that every state has their own tax code that does the same thing as the IRC does on the federal level. Tax laws can also be made on the county and city levels as well. Each of these would have their own tax codes as well to help regulate their own laws that are in accordance with both state and federal tax laws.

As we said before, tax laws are not permanent features by any means on any level. Over the years, the federal government has issued income tax cuts and business tax incentives to help revitalize or strengthen the economy as a whole. At the state and local levels, property tax can fluctuate depending on the state of the local economy, and sales tax can change on certain items depending on the market as well as state or federal factors. To change a tax law, Congress or your local legislature will first propose the potential law. The proposition will then go to a vote, and if it passes then the idea will then be made into a law at its respective level.

If the IRS is coming after you because they believe you’ve broken a tax law on any level, the first thing you should do is hire an experienced tax attorney for help. The tax lawyers at the Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier are highly knowledgeable in all forms of IRS tax law and are ready to help you. Learn more about our professional tax attorneys, get answers to our most frequently asked questions, or contact us today to set up your appointment.

GET YOUR REFUND FASTER

It’s no rumor that tax returns can take a long time to show up in your mailbox. However, filing your tax return early will help you get your return quicker. As the age-old saying, “early to bed, early to rise” goes, the same can be said for your tax return. The earlier you file your return, the earlier you’ll get it back, especially if you submit it electronically and opt for the direct deposit option rather than a standard check. By filing your return electronically, as you can with most tax software, you’ll speed up the process of your tax return quite a bit.

IDENTITY SECURITY

Identity theft has run rampant in the United States over the past decade or so. If thieves get access to your Social Security number, they have everything they need to not only steal your identity, but file a false tax return in your name. If you have your identity stolen and a thief files a tax return in your name, not only will you not get your tax return, but you’ll have a heavy uphill battle to fight in order to prove that you are the real you. After that, you’ll have to enter a pin number every year in order to file your taxes. Tax identity theft usually happens early in the year, so filing your taxes early can prevent thieves from stealing your identity and your tax return.

EXTRA TIME TO PAY

If you owe money to the IRS, filing your taxes early will give you extra time to get your finances in order and pay. When you owe money during tax season, you don’t have to pay until the deadline in mid-April. That means if you file your tax return in January, you’ll have about three months to come up with a plan and pay the IRS. Even if you owe money, filing your taxes early will let you know exactly how much you owe the IRS, which could have changed since the last time you checked.

OBTAINING INFORMATION

Do you plan on buying a new house or going back to school this year? Then, filing your taxes as early as possible will help you get the financial information you need for these big life decisions. For bigger financial endeavours, you’ll need proof of income, but when you apply for financial aid or try to buy a house, you’ll need your tax return in order to do both. When you file your tax returns early, whether you owe money or you expect to get some back, you’ll get the paperwork you need in order to complete your financial aid and proof of income forms.

If you need legal information or help when it comes to your taxes, partner with the Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier, your local tax attorney in Nashville. Our tax lawyers will fight to get you what you deserve. Learn more about our knowledgeable tax attorneys, see how our attorneys can help you, or contact the Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier to set up your appointment today.

These five tips can help business owners avoid tax problems down the line:

1. Gather bank records: While most banks offer online access to account history and activity, there may be a limit on how far back customers are able to retrieve online statements. Meanwhile, the IRS can go back up to three years to audit your tax returns. If you require statements from your bank that are beyond what’s available online, retrieval fees could apply. So it’s a good idea to print your bank records at the end of the year.
2. Preserve your receipts: Supporting documentation for your tax returns can also include receipts for business purchases during that year. Because many receipts are printed on thermal paper, the ink can potentially fade away over time. To prevent loss or damage of your receipts, scan and save electronic copies on your computer or save them in an online folder in the cloud. If you’ve been using a credit card to make business purchases, review your statement and note which purchases are business-related (such as travel, meals, etc.) so you can have a record of all your business expenses.
3. Record your mileage: A common audit trigger for the IRS is mileage that is outside of the typical parameters for your line of business. For example, if you are a marketing consultant and your mileage expenses are comparable to that of an over-the-road truck driver, then that might raise a red flag. Accurately establish the number of miles driven for business in a 12-month period. There are apps such as MileIQ that can help you track mileage throughout the year. If you forgot to record the mileage at the beginning of the year, you could also request a Carfax report that documents service dates and odometer readings. It’s also a good practice to get your car serviced at the beginning and end of each year to have a record of miles driven in a 12-month span.
4. Document gambling wins and losses: Gambling establishments are required to report winnings to the IRS on a form W2-G. However, gamblers are expected to document their own losses. Many professional gamblers get in a bind when they have poor record keeping. Failing to account for losses throughout the year hinders a gambler from expensing the losses. Gamblers should keep a detailed diary to accurately document their losses.
5. Consult with a professional: Tax returns with mistakes are subject to accuracy- related penalties, unless the return is prepared by a CPA or tax attorney. However, not everyone wants to pay the fees CPAs or tax attorneys may charge for tax return preparation. If you are preparing your own return, get it reviewed by a tax professional before filing. Tax laws are always subject to change and it’s better to catch mistakes on the front end.

Qualifications

When you first start out on your search for a tax attorney, look for the basics. Your tax attorney needs to have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and be licensed in their state in order to practice law in the first place. Most of the time this is a given and something you won’t need to research, but if you feel like you need to know for sure or you feel suspicious about the tax attorney you went to for help, you can check and know for sure by looking at the state bar for proof.

Once you know that your preferred lawyer is legally allowed to practice law, look for extra qualifications. A Master of Laws in taxation isn’t necessary to have to be a tax lawyer, but it’s a great qualification to have when you’re looking for an experienced tax attorney. You can also find tax attorneys who are certified public accountants, which will help those who need specific help with certain tax issues.

Trusted by others

Word of mouth can be a powerful marketing tool. Not only does it spread information, but many times it helps people find the perfect thing or services for them. When looking for the perfect tax lawyer for you, ask people you trust if they know anyone that they think is a good fit. Check with your accountant or banker to see if they know of any tax lawyers they would recommend. You can also ask different kinds of lawyers to see if they know of any good tax lawyers they think could help you and your specific situation. If those routes aren’t an option, you can always check your state’s bar association for tax attorneys specialists that practice in your area.

Make sure they’re right for you

Just because you like the attorney you’ve met with, doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for you. Ask and make sure that lawyer has any experience with cases like yours. Make sure you explain your specific situation in detail to your potential lawyer so that they understand everything that’s going on with your case. That may result in a consultation fee, but compared to the cost of a bad lawyer and any fees you may have to pay to the IRS, the consultation fee is well worth it. Some tax lawyers may only specialize in certain areas as well, meaning that they could be a great lawyer, just not for your specific case. If the tax lawyer you’ve met with doesn’t have experience with cases like yours, you can always choose to go a different route. You can also ask that attorney for a referral for a lawyer that has experience with cases like yours.

You can always trust that the experts at the Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier can help you with your case. When you’re looking for a tax attorney in Nashville, look no further than Charles R. Frazier. Learn more about our experienced tax attorneys, view testimonials from our previous clients, or contact the Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier to set up your appointment today.