The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is one of the most powerful government institutions in the US, but they are not invincible – if you have the right help. The question is when to bring in that help. Here are the times that you should immediately call a tax attorney.

You owe more than $10,000 in IRS back taxes

$10,000 is the minimum for most tax lawyers to take your case, not because amounts below $10,000 are inconsequential, but only because large debts deserve individual attention. You may also be able to negotiate a percentage off of your principal that is substantial monetarily – if you have the right tax attorney on your side in the battle.

You are the victim of IRS collections

The IRS is one of the most invasive organizations in government. They have the power to garnish your wages, freeze your bank accounts and even raid your retirement accounts if they feel you owe them money. However, the right tax attorney can stop all of these collection techniques and give you more time to work out a settlement or challenge the accusations of the IRS.

You cannot afford to pay off your IRS tax debt

Even if you know that you owe a debt to the IRS, having a qualified tax attorney can still help you. The government would much rather receive some of the money that you owe using a settlement technique rather than none by trying to get blood from a turnip. However, you need a tax attorney who is skilled in the laws that can reduce your principal and negotiate terms that lower payments into a budget that you can afford.

You want to negotiate a settlement with the IRS

Under no circumstances should you try to negotiate a settlement with the IRS on your own. They have lawyers on their side, and they will do everything to maximize the amount of money that you pay. Simply having an attorney will make them slow down and respect your wishes more, and if you have a good tax attorney, then you can actually turn the tables in your favor. Make sure that you do not ever talk to the IRS without an attorney.

There is no reason to be afraid of the IRS. Although they are powerful, they are subject to the law just as any other government agency is subject to the law. You need someone who knows the law. Give yourself the best representation during your negotiation with the IRS – call an effective tax lawyer before you make any communication with the IRS.