Tax season is just around the corner and, for many people, getting a tax attorney or specialist is fast becoming a top priority. While this is certainly the right mentality, many people often jump at whomever they first run across or who offers the best price for what they need done.
The problem with many of these quick-fire approaches is that you open yourself up for potential mistakes and improper tax filings or advice. Truly, the statement, “you get what you pay for” rings home more so here than virtually anywhere else.
When looking through different tax attorneys, you want someone that has clear and immediate evidence that they know what they’re doing and will get you in less trouble than you’re currently in once hired. Below, we’ll go over many of the key qualities and requirements a competent tax attorney should have so you can handle your tax issues easily and with as little stress as possible.
Why Is It Important I Find A Competent Attorney?
This may seem like a silly question at first, but in truth, there is very little that distinguishes a “competent” attorney from an “incompetent” one. As we’ll discuss below, competent tax attorneys are more likely to have a host of experiences that they can pull from when handling your case or looking at your situation. Often, new tax attorneys may know all about the different aspects of tax law in theory, but they may falter completely when it comes time to put it into practice.
By investing your time in a tax attorney that shows clear signs of competence, you improve your chances of having all of your tax issues properly and correctly looked at with a lowered chance that there will be any problems later on.
What Makes A Competent Tax Attorney?
#1. They Are Experienced
As previously mentioned, experience is the number one name of the game. Arguably, it is the most important factor when it comes to bringing on a tax attorney. This is because, while education and expertise may be highly valued and sought after, there are certain things you can only gain from first-hand experience.
Finding a legal tax firm or a tax attorney that has proven experience under their belt (especially those sensitive to your issue) will not only improve your chances of winning any disputes or filings but will help you save time and money as well.
#2. They Are Highly-Educated
While an experienced tax attorney is important, so too is an educated one. Many times people have been made to believe that education isn’t a valuable commodity next to experience. And though it isn’t quite as important, it’s still essential for any competent tax attorney.
Your attorney should at least have passed the bar and have a legal law degree and license. They should also potentially have a CPA license as well as a master’s in taxation. Again, the more they know about tax law, the more invaluable they’ll ultimately be.
#3. They Are Highly-Reviewed
Tax attorneys that don’t prominently display their success stories and high reviews should immediately be looked at with skepticism. Going to platforms like Yelp or other search platforms is a great way to see how previous clients have regarded their work. The higher their reviews, and the more reviews that they have, the more credible and reliable they ultimately will have proven themselves to be.
