Many Americans are faced with an IRS problem every year.  If you happen to fall into this situation, it is important that you seek the help and advice of a qualified tax attorney.  While there are many reasons to hire one attorney over another, here are five important things to look for when hiring a tax attorney for your case.

1.    Credentials
Having the proper credentials is essential when looking for a tax attorney.  Does he or she have a law license?  Is he or she a Certified Public Accountant or Enrolled Agent?  Also, look at the attorney’s website to see if he or she belongs to any local, state, or national tax professional organizations.

2.    Experience
The second most important thing to look for is the tax attorney’s experience.  Not only do you want someone experienced in tax law, but also someone experienced with your particular situation.  A tax problem can have serious consequences and cost you money if not handled properly.  Do not be afraid to ask very specific questions during your initial consultation to be sure you are hiring the right person for the job.

3.    Customer Reviews or Complaints
You should always search online or through social media to see what other past clients have said about the attorney you are looking to hire.  Does he or she have good rapport  with her clients?  Is he or she timely in responses to clients’ concerns?  What are his or her past results with clients?  Reading past clients’ opinions will give you a sense of that attorney’s reputation in your community.

4.    Cost/Benefit
After you do research, you will want to set up a face-to-face meeting with your potential tax attorney.  During the meeting, you will get a sense of how the two of you would work together and whether or not you would benefit from his or her services.  For example, if you discover you owe the IRS significantly less than what it would cost to hire the attorney, you may want to explore other options.  However, if the opposite is true, then it is certainly worth the investment to hire the attorney.

5.    Beware of Promises or Guarantees
During your consultation with the tax attorney, you want to be listen closely to what he or she or telling you.  Be wary when the attorney makes any promises or guarantees about the outcome of your case.  It is impossible to predict the final result of any tax case, especially during the first consultation.  Also, beware of attorneys that want to charge a percentage based on what you owe the IRS.  An honest tax attorney will be upfront of you about the realistic expectations and fees of what could happen based his or her experience and past cases.

We hope you have learned some valuable information for your search in finding the right tax attorney for you.