Tax Attorney West Virginia: Do You Need To Hire One?

Tax attorneys specialize in tax law and are knowledgeable about state and federal tax codes. They can help you navigate complex tax laws, interpret tax regulations, and provide legal advice tailored to your specific tax situation. A tax attorney can protect your rights and ensure that you are not being unfairly targeted by the IRS or state tax authorities. They can represent you in tax court, negotiate with the IRS on your behalf, and help you avoid penalties and fines. Tax attorneys can help you develop a tax strategy that minimizes your tax liability and maximizes your deductions. They can help you understand the tax implications of business decisions and assist you in structuring your business to be tax-efficient. If you are facing an IRS audit, a tax attorney can represent you and help you navigate the audit process. They can ensure that you provide the necessary documentation, protect your rights during the audit, and negotiate with the IRS to resolve any issues that arise.

How To Choose A Good Tax Attorney in West Virginia

Choosing a good tax attorney in West Virginia can be a daunting task, but here are some tips to help you find the right one:

• Look for Experience: Look for a tax attorney who has experience in dealing with tax issues similar to yours. An experienced attorney will have the knowledge and expertise to handle your case efficiently and effectively.
• Check their Credentials: Make sure the attorney you are considering is licensed to practice law in West Virginia and has no disciplinary actions or malpractice claims against them. You can check this information on the West Virginia State Bar Association’s website.
• Consider their Reputation: Look for an attorney with a good reputation in the legal community. You can check online reviews, ask for referrals from friends and family, or check with professional associations like the American Bar Association.
• Communication Skills: Choose an attorney who communicates clearly and promptly. A good attorney will keep you informed about the progress of your case and answer any questions you have in a timely manner.
• Fees and Billing: Discuss the attorney’s fees and billing structure upfront to avoid any surprises later on. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others may charge a flat fee or contingency fee. Make sure you understand how much the attorney will charge and how you will be billed.
• Personal Compatibility: Choose an attorney with whom you feel comfortable working. A good attorney should be professional, courteous, and respectful. You should feel comfortable asking them questions and discussing sensitive financial information with them.

Seeking A Tax Attorney In Your City?

Here are the five biggest cities in West Virginia by population, according to the United States Census Bureau:

1. Charleston – Population: 45,879 (as of 2020)
2. Huntington – Population: 43,790 (as of 2020)
3. Morgantown – Population: 31,073 (as of 2020)
4. Parkersburg – Population: 29,104 (as of 2020)
5. Wheeling – Population: 25,165 (as of 2020)

Common Fees For Tax Attorneys in West Virginia

The fees charged by tax attorneys in West Virginia can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the case, the attorney’s level of experience and expertise, and the geographic location. Here are some common fee structures used by tax attorneys in West Virginia:

• Hourly Rates: Many tax attorneys charge by the hour, with rates ranging from around $200 to $500 per hour. The actual rate will depend on the attorney’s experience and the complexity of the case.
• Flat Fees: Some tax attorneys may charge a flat fee for certain types of services, such as preparing and filing tax returns or providing legal advice on a specific tax issue.
• Contingency Fees: In some cases, tax attorneys may work on a contingency basis, meaning they will only receive payment if they are successful in resolving the tax issue or reducing the amount of taxes owed. The contingency fee is typically a percentage of the amount of taxes saved.
• Retainer Fees: Some tax attorneys may require clients to pay a retainer fee upfront, which is a sum of money that is held in a trust account and used to pay for the attorney’s services as they are rendered.

Common Individual Tax Issues

Here are some common individual tax issues that people may face:

• Failure to File Taxes: One of the most common tax issues individuals face is failing to file their tax returns on time. Failure to file can result in penalties and interest charges, which can add up quickly.
• Underpayment of Taxes: Another common tax issue is underpayment of taxes. This can occur if an individual did not have enough taxes withheld from their paycheck or if they did not make estimated tax payments throughout the year. Underpayment can result in penalties and interest charges.
• Tax Debt: Individuals may also face tax debt if they owe more in taxes than they are able to pay. This can result in penalties and interest charges, and the IRS may take collection actions to recover the debt.
• Tax Audits: The IRS may select an individual’s tax return for audit, which can be a stressful and time-consuming process. Taxpayers should be prepared to provide documentation and answer questions about their tax return.
• Identity Theft: Tax-related identity theft is another common issue. This occurs when someone uses another person’s personal information to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund. Victims of identity theft may need to work with the IRS to resolve the issue and prevent future fraudulent activity.
• Retirement Account Contributions and Withdrawals: Another common tax issue is managing retirement account contributions and withdrawals. This can include ensuring that contributions are within the annual limits, making required minimum distributions after reaching age 72, and managing taxes on withdrawals.

Corporate Tax Issues

Here are some common corporate tax issues that businesses may face:

• Compliance with Tax Laws: One of the most important corporate tax issues is ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws. This includes accurately reporting all income, deductions, and credits on tax returns, as well as meeting filing deadlines and making required tax payments.
• Tax Planning: Corporate tax planning is another key issue, as businesses need to understand the tax implications of their activities and make strategic decisions to minimize their tax liability. This can include structuring transactions in a tax-efficient manner, taking advantage of available tax credits and deductions, and managing tax liabilities associated with international operations.
• State and Local Taxes: Many businesses operate in multiple states or jurisdictions, which can create complex state and local tax issues. This includes navigating differences in tax laws, managing compliance requirements, and understanding the impact of state and local taxes on overall tax liability.
• Employee Tax Issues: Employers must manage various employee tax issues, such as withholding and remitting payroll taxes, managing employee benefits, and ensuring compliance with employment tax laws.
• Tax Audits: Like individual taxpayers, corporations may also face IRS audits. The audit process can be time-consuming and stressful, and businesses should be prepared to provide documentation and respond to the IRS’s inquiries.
• Tax Disputes: Corporations may also become involved in tax disputes with the IRS, which can be costly and time-consuming. These disputes may arise over issues such as transfer pricing, valuation of assets, or tax deductions claimed on a return.

Common Tax Resolutions

Here are some common tax resolutions that individuals and businesses may pursue to resolve tax issues:

• Installment Agreements: An installment agreement is a payment plan with the IRS that allows taxpayers to pay their tax debt over time in monthly installments. This can be a useful resolution for those who cannot pay their tax debt in full upfront.
• Offer in Compromise: An offer in compromise is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS to settle a tax debt for less than the full amount owed. This resolution may be an option for taxpayers who are unable to pay their full tax liability or who can demonstrate that paying the full amount would create financial hardship.
• Penalty Abatement: Taxpayers may be able to request a penalty abatement if they can demonstrate reasonable cause for failing to file or pay their taxes on time. This resolution may reduce or eliminate penalties assessed by the IRS.
• Innocent Spouse Relief: Innocent spouse relief is available to taxpayers who filed joint tax returns with their spouse or former spouse and who may be held responsible for their spouse’s tax liability. This resolution may provide relief from joint tax liability in certain circumstances.

Risks of Using a Tax Attorney in West Virginia

Like any professional service, there are some risks associated with using a tax attorney in West Virginia. Here are a few potential risks to consider:

• Cost: Tax attorneys can be expensive, and their fees may be higher than those of other tax professionals, such as accountants or enrolled agents. It’s important to understand the costs associated with using a tax attorney and to ensure that those costs are reasonable and affordable.
• Lack of Experience: Not all tax attorneys have the same level of experience or expertise in all areas of tax law. It’s important to ensure that the tax attorney you hire has the necessary experience and expertise to address your specific tax issue.
• Ethical Issues: Like any profession, there is a risk that a tax attorney may engage in unethical behavior or violate ethical rules. It’s important to choose a tax attorney who is reputable and ethical, and who is in good standing with the state bar association.
• No Guarantee of Outcome: While a tax attorney can provide advice and representation, there is no guarantee of a particular outcome. Tax law can be complex and subjective, and the final outcome of a tax dispute may depend on the specific facts and circumstances of the case.
• Communication Issues: Like any professional relationship, there is a risk of communication issues between a client and their tax attorney. It’s important to choose a tax attorney who communicates effectively and is responsive to their clients’ needs.

When Do You Really Need a Tax Attorney?

If you are accused of tax fraud or evasion, it is in your best interest to hire a tax attorney. A tax attorney can represent you in legal proceedings and help you navigate the complex criminal and civil penalties that may apply. If you have a complex estate, it is also recommended to hire a tax attorney. A tax attorney can provide guidance on how to minimize estate taxes and transfer assets to heirs in a tax-efficient manner.

When is a Tax Relief Company Better Than a Tax Attorney?

Tax relief companies and tax attorneys offer different services. Tax relief companies specialize in negotiating with the IRS and states on behalf of taxpayers who owe back taxes, penalties, and interest. These companies often have a team of tax professionals, including enrolled agents and tax preparers, who work to negotiate payment plans or settlements with the IRS. They may also provide assistance with preparing and filing tax returns, obtaining tax transcripts, and addressing other tax-related issues. There are situations where a tax relief company may be more beneficial than a tax attorney. Here are a few examples of  where a tax relief company may be a better option:

• Your tax debt is under $250K: If you owe less than $250K to the IRS, a tax relief company may be a better option than a tax attorney. Tax relief companies can negotiate with the IRS to reduce or eliminate penalties and interest, and set up an affordable payment plan that works for you.
• You need help with tax preparation: Tax relief companies often offer tax preparation services, which can be beneficial for individuals or businesses who need help filing their taxes correctly. This can help you avoid future tax problems and penalties.
• You want to avoid the high cost of a tax attorney: Tax attorneys can be expensive, and their hourly rates can quickly add up. A tax relief company may offer more affordable options, such as a flat fee for their services.

Tax Attorney or Tax Relief Firm: Know Your Options

Benefits of Using an Experienced Tax Relief Firm

There are several benefits to using an experienced tax relief firm to address tax issues. Here are a few:

• Expertise: An experienced tax relief firm has extensive knowledge of tax laws, procedures, and strategies. They can provide specialized guidance and help navigate complex tax issues.
• Representation: A tax relief firm can represent clients before the IRS and other tax authorities, providing a buffer between clients and the taxing authorities. This representation can help to alleviate stress and anxiety related to tax issues.
• Compliance: A tax relief firm can help ensure that clients are in compliance with tax laws, filing deadlines, and other requirements. This can help clients avoid penalties and other consequences associated with noncompliance.
• Resolution: An experienced tax relief firm can help clients resolve tax issues and disputes, such as unpaid taxes, tax liens, and wage garnishments. They can negotiate with the IRS and other tax authorities to resolve tax issues in the most favorable way possible for the client.
• Protection: A tax relief firm can help protect clients’ rights and interests during tax audits, investigations, and other interactions with the IRS and other tax authorities. This protection can help prevent clients from being taken advantage of or unfairly penalized.
• Savings: An experienced tax relief firm can help clients save money by identifying potential deductions, credits, and other tax-saving opportunities. They can also help clients avoid costly mistakes that can lead to fines, penalties, or additional taxes owed.

CuraDebt Tax Is At Your Service

If you are a resident of West Virginia who needs help resolving tax debt issues, we are here to help. We have 22 years of experience helping clients with numerous tax related issues. Contact us toll free today for your free consultation. Or submit here online for a free consultation. We will find the best resolution available to you based on your financial situation. 1-877-999-0486