Income tax is a tax paid on any kind of income. Anyone with an income over a certain minimum limit is liable to pay a tax. Income tax attorneys advise on how much income is taxable and how to calculate standard deductions and any rebates that are available to a person paying tax. They also help in filing income tax returns. Also, in case of criminal proceedings for income tax evasion or fraud, they fight on behalf of their clients.

Simply paying taxes is not enough, you also need to file the returns. This will help you see if you paid the right amount, or paid too little or too much. An income tax attorney can help you here by suggesting the correct payment to be made to avoid being charged with tax evasion or, conversely, whether you can apply for a refund in cases where you paid excess tax.

Many people are not aware of the income tax laws. Senior citizens may not know of special benefits accrued to them through exemptions and self employed people like freelancers, contractors, and consultants may not be aware that they need to pay a self employment tax along with their regular income tax. Consulting an income tax attorney in these matters always ensures that you remain on the right side of the law even while taking full advantage of the exemptions and credits due to you.

Income tax attorneys also fight cases of income tax fraud and evasion. They have expertise in representing anyone charged with concealing income, making wrong deductions, filing incorrect returns, tax evasion, or any other crime related to payment of income tax. They often reach a compromise out of court. Laws like “innocent spouse” allow the husband or wife of the charged party to be given some relief. Income tax attorneys take advantage of such laws to work out the best possible deal for their client.

In tax planning, it is important to consult an experienced tax attorney so he can advise the best legal means available to minimize taxes, get exemptions or rebates, and the best arrangement for filing returns. The federal and state tax laws are intricate and sometimes the laws differ from state to state. There are many tax exemptions available for certain groups like senior citizens, who may not be aware of those exemptions. However, trying to minimize or avoid paying taxes using legal loopholes without first consulting an attorney is risky and can land one in trouble with the government and Internal Revenue Service.

Tax attorneys also represent a person or organization under investigation for tax evasion/fraud. This involves negotiating with the IRS on behalf of the client, fighting for the client in case criminal proceedings are initiated as well as working on reduction of penalties if client is found guilty. A skilled tax lawyer can reach an out of court settlement for the tax defaulter and minimize penalties if he or she is convicted.

Consulting a tax attorney is a better option than consulting a tax advisor or accountant because as a lawyer, a tax attorney cannot be forced to appear as a witness against his client. So all communication between the attorney and his client is confidential, which is not the case if a tax advisor is made to testify against a person charged with tax crimes.

Selecting the right attorney, with expertise in the area required is very important. Apart from experience, he or she should have excellent references and be a member of the bar association. A good tax attorney is an asset which can save you from much trouble later.