Do I need an attorney if I have back taxes?

I need to file 5 years of back taxes, where do I start and with whom?

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Answered By: David Hoines Law

Yes, or a Certified Public Accountant.

Answer Applies to: Florida
Replied: 7/11/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Steven J. Fromm

This really depends on the complexity of your situation and the amounts in question. A tax attorney can surely assist you in the preparation of the tax returns and represent you in negotiations with the IRS and other taxing authorities.

Answer Applies to: Pennsylvania
Replied: 7/11/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Law Offices of Sanford I Millar, A Professional Corporation

If a taxpayer has an obligation to file tax returns, (income or other) and fails to timely file without obtaining a valid extension then the taxpayer may face civil penalties for failure to file and failure to pay taxes. If the taxpayer has failed to file intentionally and with the intent of evading tax then the taxpayer faces potential criminal charges. If a taxpayer has multiple unfiled years, then he or she should retain counsel. Counsel should then do an appropriate interview with the client to determine the nature and amount of unreported income. The lawyer should also engage an accountant to prepare draft returns. Once the drat returns are prepared the lawyer should discuss a voluntary disclosure with the client depending on the amount, nature and source of the unreported income. Additional investigation may be required and further steps as well.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 7/11/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: The Schreiber Law Firm

First, you need to have the returns prepared. You do not need an attorney to file the returns, however, being several years of not filing may create an issue of being seen as a tax evader. If you work through an attorney, anything you say about your back tax issues is subject to the attorney client privilege whereas anything you say to a tax preparer or a CPA is not.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 7/11/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Tomas Ayuban

Depending on the circumstances, there may be criminal exposure as well as civil exposure. Because of this, you should consult with a qualified tax attorney to advise you on how best to proceed. Good luck!

Answer Applies to: Florida
Replied: 7/11/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.