Tax Lawyer In Chelsea, MI

Austin & Larson Tax Resolution is a full-service tax debt resolution firm that specializes in helping individuals and small business owners navigate complex tax challenges with both the IRS and Michigan Department of Treasury. Based right here in Michigan, we maintain offices throughout the state including Brighton, Saginaw, Lansing, and Jackson which means we can meet you face-to-face to develop personalized strategies that address your unique tax concerns.

Our team brings together diverse expertise: we have federally-licensed IRS Enrolled Agents, experienced CPAs, and a dedicated tax lawyer in Chelsea, MI who understands both federal and Michigan state tax law inside and out. This combination allows us to handle everything from straightforward payment plans to complex tax litigation and appeals. When you work with our tax lawyer in Chelsea, MI, you’re getting someone who can represent you at every level whether that’s negotiating with revenue officers, preparing offer in compromise applications, or defending you during audits.

We know that dealing with tax authorities can feel overwhelming. The letters, the phone calls, the threat of wage garnishments or bank levies. That’s exactly why we exist. Our approach is to take the weight off your shoulders and work directly with the IRS or state on your behalf, securing the most favorable resolution possible while keeping the process as stress-free as we can. No matter how complicated your situation might seem, our team of tax resolution specialists, including our skilled tax lawyer in Chelsea, MI, is ready to provide the support and expertise you deserve.

Ready to put your tax problems behind you? Contact us today for a free consultation and discover what it’s like to work with a team that genuinely cares about your financial future.

Choosing the right tax professional makes an enormous difference in your outcome. Here’s what you gain when you work with a qualified tax attorney rather than trying to handle IRS matters alone or with less experienced assistance.

Legal Representation and Courtroom Experience

Tax attorneys are the only professionals legally authorized to represent you in U.S. Tax Court. If your case requires formal litigation or appeals before a judge, having an attorney with actual courtroom experience becomes absolutely essential. Our team has successfully argued cases before federal courts and administrative tribunals, securing favorable rulings that have saved clients tens of thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands, of dollars in tax liabilities.

Attorney-Client Privilege

Unlike CPAs or enrolled agents, any conversations you have with your tax lawyer are protected by attorney-client privilege. This is a significant legal protection that means you can speak completely freely about your situation without worrying that your words will be used against you later. This privilege encourages honest, open communication, which ultimately leads to better legal advice and stronger, more effective strategies for resolving your tax problems.

Comprehensive Problem Solving

Tax debt rarely exists in a vacuum. Often, it’s connected to broader financial challenges: business losses, divorce, medical emergencies, unemployment, or other life circumstances. A skilled tax resolution attorney sees the complete picture of your situation. We coordinate with other professionals when necessary (bankruptcy attorneys, financial advisors, etc.) and develop holistic solutions that address both your immediate tax problems and your long-term financial stability.

Protection from IRS Collection Actions

The IRS wields powerful collection tools that can devastate your finances quickly. Bank levies can drain your accounts overnight. Wage garnishments can claim up to 25% of your take-home pay. Property liens can prevent you from selling assets or refinancing your home. Our attorneys know exactly how to stop these collection actions, often within just days of being retained. We understand the legal procedures, deadlines, and negotiation tactics that govern IRS and state tax collection activities.

Access to Tax Relief Programs

The IRS and Michigan Department of Treasury offer various relief programs, but qualifying requires detailed knowledge of eligibility requirements and proper documentation. We’ve helped individuals and businesses obtain relief through programs like Offer in Compromise, penalty abatement, innocent spouse relief, installment agreements, and currently not collectible status. Our extensive experience means we know which programs fit your specific situation and how to present your case in the most persuasive way possible.

Peace of Mind

Perhaps the most valuable benefit is simply this: peace of mind. When you have a dedicated advocate handling your tax matters, you can refocus on what really matters, your work, your family, and rebuilding your financial life. You’ll sleep better at night knowing an experienced professional is fighting for your interests and protecting your rights as a taxpayer every step of the way.

• You haven’t filed tax returns in multiple years and you’re worried about what will happen if you come forward
• The IRS has sent threatening notices about bank levies or property seizures and you don’t know how to respond
• Your wages are currently being garnished and it’s creating serious financial hardship for your family
• You’re facing a tax audit and you’re concerned about what the auditor might uncover
• You received a massive tax bill that you simply cannot afford to pay in full
• Your business owes payroll taxes and you’re personally on the hook for the debt
• You’re considering bankruptcy but you’re not sure if it will actually discharge your tax debts
• The IRS placed a federal tax lien on your property and it’s blocking you from selling or refinancing
• You were married to someone who didn’t pay taxes and now the IRS is pursuing you for their debt
• You need professional tax preparation services to prevent future compliance problems

What does a tax lawyer do that other tax professionals can’t?

A tax attorney provides legal representation that CPAs and enrolled agents simply cannot offer under the law. Only tax lawyers can represent clients in U.S. Tax Court litigation and provide attorney-client privilege protection. Tax attorneys also handle highly complex legal matters involving criminal tax investigations, fraud allegations, and cases requiring sophisticated legal arguments and courtroom experience.

For straightforward tax preparation or basic bookkeeping, a CPA typically suffices. However, when you’re facing serious IRS collection actions, audits with potential legal consequences, or disputes over substantial tax liability, a tax attorney’s expertise becomes invaluable. According to the Taxpayer Advocate Service, having proper legal representation significantly improves outcomes in complex tax cases.

How much does it cost to hire a tax attorney in Michigan?

Tax attorney fees vary based on case complexity and the attorney’s level of experience. Most Michigan tax lawyers charge hourly rates between $200 and $500, though many offer flat-fee arrangements for specific services. For example, preparing and submitting an Offer in Compromise might cost $3,000 to $7,000, while penalty abatement services could range from $500 to $2,500.

At Austin & Larson Tax Resolution, we believe in complete transparency. We’ll explain all costs upfront during your free consultation and work with you to find a fee structure that fits your budget. Most clients discover that professional representation saves them far more than the attorney’s fees through substantially reduced tax liabilities, eliminated penalties, and favorable settlement terms.

Can a tax attorney stop wage garnishment?

Yes, a tax lawyer in Chelsea, MI can often stop wage garnishment remarkably quickly. We file the necessary paperwork with the IRS to request a levy release, and we’ve achieved results within just days in many cases. The key is acting fast, once a wage garnishment starts, it continues taking money from every paycheck until either the tax debt is fully paid or a collection alternative is established.

Our attorneys negotiate installment agreements, submit Offers in Compromise, or request currently not collectible status to halt garnishments. We also challenge garnishments that violate IRS procedures or that create undue financial hardship under federal guidelines. Time is absolutely critical, so contact us immediately if you receive a Final Notice of Intent to Levy.

What’s the difference between a tax attorney and a tax consultant?

Tax attorneys are licensed lawyers who graduated from law school, passed their state bar exam, and chose to specialize in tax law. They can represent clients in court proceedings, provide legal advice about tax strategy and compliance, and offer attorney-client privilege protection.

Tax consultants is a broader term that may include CPAs, IRS Enrolled Agents, or other tax professionals who focus on tax preparation, tax planning, and IRS representation for audits and collection matters. Both play valuable roles in the tax resolution ecosystem.

For complex legal issues, potential criminal investigations, or court representation, you need a tax attorney. For tax planning, return preparation, or routine IRS correspondence, a tax consultant may be entirely appropriate. Many firms, including ours, employ both tax attorneys and tax consultants to provide truly comprehensive services under one roof.

Do I need a tax lawyer if I haven’t filed returns in several years?

While not always legally required, having a tax lawyer in Chelsea, MI helps significantly when dealing with multiple years of unfiled returns. The IRS takes non-filing very seriously and can pursue criminal charges in extreme cases, particularly when there’s evidence of willful evasion.

A tax lawyer protects your interests while helping you come into compliance safely. We analyze your specific situation, determine which years must be filed, reconstruct income and deduction records from available sources, and negotiate with the IRS to minimize penalties and interest. We also establish a sustainable plan to keep you compliant moving forward.

If you’re concerned about potential criminal exposure or you’re facing substantial tax debt, consulting with a tax attorney before filing anything is wise. According to the Federal Trade Commission, many taxpayers benefit tremendously from professional guidance when resolving complex tax situations with serious consequences.

Tax debt is often intimidating, frustrating, confusing, embarrassing, and stressful. But it doesn’t have to be. Austin & Larson Tax Resolution transforms tax problems into fresh starts. Our tax lawyer in Chelsea, MI and surrounding areas stands ready to fight for you.

Should the weight of tax debt be pressing down on you, we urge you to connect with us for a no cost consultation. Our objective revolves around untangling tax debt complexities for clients entangled in an array of tax related dilemmas. It would bring us immense satisfaction to furnish you with solutions to your inquiries and aid you in swiftly settling your tax debt matters.

Don’t wait for collection actions to escalate. Don’t let penalties and interest continue mounting. Take control today by scheduling your free consultation with an experienced tax lawyer in Chelsea, MI. Call us weekdays from 8am to 6pm, or fill out our online contact form to get started. Your journey to tax freedom begins with a single phone call.