Los Angeles Tax Controversy Attorney

In order to be a skilled tax controversy attorney in Los Angeles, one must be determined, focused, and have a thorough understanding of the law. Vic Abajian is all of those things and more. Mr. Abajian is a former IRS lawyer who prides himself on obtaining victories for his clients throughout California.

Our team of tax controversy attorneys fight for clients whether they are individuals or business entities. We offer the experience and knowhow of a large law firm, but with the feel and attention you get when working with a small firm.

Our California tax controversy law firm has gained credibility across the country with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). We understand how costly it can be to endure a drawn out legal case, which is why we are creative in representing our clients and resolving matters at the administrative level. Despite this, we still know that an educated client might want to pursue their matter through litigation and will prepare for such if it arises.

What is Tax Controversy?

A tax controversy is the resolution of a tax matter with any taxing authority for the following:

• Nonprofit or for profit businesses
• Individuals
• Trusts
• Estates

Tax controversies typically involve state, federal, or foreign entities. They often arise out of use tax, sales tax, income tax, estate/gift tax, or property tax.

Tax controversy matters can involve civil issues, such as dealing with collection agencies or tax audits conducted by the IRS; criminal matters, such as handling criminal investigations conducted by the Justice Department, the IRS, or state tax authorities; or foreign tax problems.

Tax Controversy Services of Abajian Law

When you are in need of tax controversy services, the Abajian Law Firm has the experience and knowledge of the law to handle any type of matter. Whether it is local, state, federal, or foreign; our team can review your case and rectify the situation in a timely fashion so you are not bogged down in the legal process for years to come.

The biggest advantage of working with Abajian Law is that the founder, Vic Abajian, knows the ins and outs of the IRS and the government having worked as counsel for the agency before moving to private practice.

Even though we are deeply knowledgeable of the law, we can evaluate your situation and determine if an alternative option is best for you when an attorney is not needed. Not every individual or business will require the assistance of a tax attorney in resolving tax controversies and we will be sure to advise of such when appropriate.

The Benefits of Working With a Tax Controversy Specialist

When you work with a tax controversy specialist from Abajian Law, you will be working with someone who has experience handling the following matters:

• Tax audits
• Pre-controversy tax advice
• Administrative appeals
• Freedom of Information Act actions and requests
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Representation of a taxpayer who is under criminal investigation
• Summons enforcement actions
• Advocating on your behalf when filing appeals with the United States Court of
  Appeals, the United States Supreme Court, and state courts
• Advocating on your behalf when faced with civil and criminal tax litigation in
  United States Tax Court, Federal District Courts, Court of Federal Claims, and
  state courts

Tax Controversy and Litigation

Early preparation for litigation is key when dealing with a federal tax controversy, which is why you need a skilled tax controversy lawyer on your side. We are familiar with the substantive, procedural and evidentiary rules, enabling us to provide proper counsel for our clients in dealing with all types of tax controversies. Whether your case reaches the litigation stage or not, we can ensure that your tax matter is resolved appropriately.

Dealing With IRS Administrative Tax Controversies

A large portion of the tax controversies we handle for clients involve IRS administrative controversies. Some of the IRS issues we handle include the following:

Pre-controversy counsel: Abajian Law can counsel you on pre-controversy issues before they become a problem. For example, we can provide you with advice on any of the following:

• Reporting
• Disclosure
• Document retention
• Other pre-controversy matters

For the most part, when a transaction or other item is challenged based on tax, the resolution can be achieved if there was planning involved related to the transaction.

Audit controversies: When you are faced with an audit as an individual or a business, we use the following procedures to deal with resolving the matter:

• Pre-filing agreements (PFAs)
• Fast Track Appeals resolution
• Early Referral
• Other IRS practices

Our tax controversy team has extensive experience handling IRS summonses, enforcement proceedings and joint defense agreements.

IRS appeals controversies: When you are filing an appeal with the IRS, we can prepare the protest and file the appeal with the agency on your behalf. We appear before a multitude of tax agencies across the state and the country for our clients to appeal decisions, negotiate settlements, or prepare for litigation.

IRS and Treasury settlements: We use creative approaches to help our clients obtain settlements with the IRS and Treasury Department.

Tax Collection Issues

When the IRS or state of California assesses a tax to an individual or business, that entity expects the tax to be paid and paid in full. There are payment plan options available, but not everyone knows how to go about requesting one. Not every taxpayer or business will have the funds readily available to make the payment.

Our tax controversy attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in obtaining payment plans that help them pay the assessed tax over a period that works for them. We also have experience negotiating a lower assessed tax amount when the payment plan does not result in paying the assessed amount in full.

How Do I Know if I Need a Tax Controversy Lawyer?

Receiving a notice from the IRS or other taxing authority is a stressful situation. Please note that all notices will be sent via the mail and will not come via email or phone. When you receive a notice it is important to pay attention to it and take action immediately. Doing so will limit any potential penalties you might incur.

As with any legal matter, it is important that you protect your rights under the law. Our attorneys are well-versed in all areas of California and federal tax law. Take advantage of our experience by scheduling a consultation. We will examine your case and determine if you even need a lawyer to resolve the matter.

Don’t take the chance of representing yourself when faced with a tax controversy. The issue might seem simple on paper, but can be challenging when you need to research the tax code and other laws pertaining to the controversy. Although a taxpayer may represent themselves in a tax controversy matter, it is highly not recommended as anything said or provided during the examination process has the possibility of enlarging the scope of the examination. An experienced tax controversy attorney can answer all of your questions and alleviate your worry.

Call a Tax Controversy Attorney at Abajian Law Today

Are you embroiled in a tax controversy matter at the state or federal level? Do you require tax controversy and audit support? If so, the experienced team at Abajian Law can help you resolve the matter in a timely fashion. Call our office at 818-396-5059, or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation with a Los Angeles tax controversy lawyer today.