Forget those advertisements about free consultations that are designed to get a client in the door for a sales pitch. Any reputable lawyer will agree to meet free-of-charge, prior to the formation of a contract. He is the one applying for the job. Make certain that the following questions are answered sufficiently:

• What licenses does the attorney hold? Is he an attorney and CPA or an enrolled agent?


• Can the attorney provide references from previous and current clients?


• What experience does the attorney have in relation to tax codes, laws and the IRS?


• Does the attorney personally oversee clients' cases or delegate them?


• How is the attorney's current case load and does he have time to be attentive?


• What fees does the attorney charge and can additional fees be expected?


• Has the attorney dealt with similar cases previously and how did he resolve them?

Perhaps the last and most important question to ask is, can the attorney help and if so, how? Be wary of attorneys that push for a retaining fee at the initial meeting, an honest attorney will not bind a client to a contract on the spot.

If a tax lawyer is not an affordable option then consider the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). It is a program courtesy of the IRS that acts as an independent organization to work with the taxpayer on current issues and the prevention of future problems.

Don't turn away from this program simply because it is run under the umbrella of the IRS. It is absolutely free and a taxpayer showing an effort towards a resolution might just cut a break. The IRS will always want its money and working with them directly, could pay dividends for both parties.

Taxpayers often get into trouble because the smaller issues get ignored and so from molehills grow mountains. Addressing a tax issue immediately can stop a potentially explosive tax problem in its tracks. Seek to resolve issues as they arise and the chances of ever needing the services of a tax attorney should be slim.