Resolving a tax matter to your satisfaction can take a level of skill and finesse that you do not have. Rather than go up against the IRS alone, you need someone with experience, knowledge, and confidence handling tax disputes to help you. Protect your money and settle what you owe to the government by taking advantage of these five important benefits that come with hiring a skilled tax lawyer.

Tax Code Knowledge

The current IRS tax code spans more than 1700 pages. Do you have time to read all of it? Will you understand what you have read and know how to apply it to your tax case?

Chances are that you answered no to both questions. Rather than despair, you can hire a tax lawyer who does know the code and has the time to research and apply the laws fairly and accurately to your tax matter.

The tax codes at the state and federal levels are always changing. Why risk the outcome of your case on outdated information or a misunderstanding of the current tax laws? When you hire a tax lawyer, you benefit from this individual's knowledge of those codes and how they should pertain to your particular IRS matter.

Protection from Abuse and Intimidation

Most IRS agents are extremely professional and courteous when engaging everyday taxpayers. They do not employ threatening tactics or lies to get you to pay what you owe.

However, you do not want to risk coming up against a rogue agent who might not be above abuse and intimidation when he or she meets with you. When you have a professional tax lawyer by your side, you are protected from such threats. Your lawyer can act as your representative in meetings and ensure that your rights are protected for the duration of your tax case.

Filing Returns

Your tax lawyer is also ready to help you file any returns that you need to submit to the IRS. For example, if you need to change some information on this year's return, your lawyer can help you file an amended return quickly and efficiently.

Your attorney can also file late returns or returns from this year. If you need an extension for filing, you can have your attorney fill out the necessary paperwork and request that extension from the IRS.

Along with submitting your returns, your counsel can also make sure your proof of income gets submitted in time. He or she can send in your 1099s, 1098s, W-2s, and other income documentation.

Intermediary

Speaking with the IRS by letter or telephone can be intimidating. You may not be sure how to answer questions or what information to give to the agent in charge of your case.

Rather than incriminate yourself or accidentally give false information, you can hand off the task of speaking with the IRS to your tax lawyer. Your lawyer can speak on your behalf and handle phone calls, answer letters, and take care of other communications for you. Your lawyer will know what details to give and ensure that all of the information is factual and accurate.

Payment and Asset Protection

Finally, your tax attorney will know what measures to take to protect your income and assets. The IRS has the right to put a lien on your assets or garnish your income to settle your debt. When you hire a tax lawyer, he or she can safeguard your finances by:

• setting up an installment agreement with the IRS
• filing for an Offer in Compromise, or OIC, to settle your debt
• request your debt be placed in Currently Not Collectible, or CNC, status
• arrange to pay your debt using a credit card, ACH withdrawal, money order, or other payment methods

All of these payment and settlement options can protect your income from garnishment and prevent your assets from being seized. If your wages are already being garnished or your assets have already had liens placed on them, these actions could result in those collection efforts being released.

The IRS has the right to pursue the debt that you owe the government. You can act in your best interests and stay on the right side of the IRS by utilizing these five advantages that come with hiring a professional tax lawyer today.