Why You May Need a Tax Lawyer
Taxes affect nearly every financial decision individuals and businesses make. While accountants handle preparation and planning, tax attorneys provide legal expertise when matters become complex or contentious. In Allentown, residents and businesses must navigate federal, Pennsylvania, and local tax obligations, including the state's inheritance tax and local earned income taxes.
Tax lawyers help clients resolve IRS and Pennsylvania Department of Revenue disputes, structure business transactions, plan estates, and protect assets. Their legal training and attorney-client privilege make them essential partners in situations involving audits, collections, or potential penalties.
Services Offered by Tax Attorneys
Tax attorneys handle audit representation, tax controversy and litigation, offers in compromise, installment agreements, penalty abatement, unfiled returns, business entity structuring, mergers and acquisitions tax planning, estate and gift tax planning, trust administration, and nonprofit tax exemption. Some focus on resolving disputes, while others concentrate on planning.
The Top 10 Tax Law Practices in Allentown
1. Kennedy Tax Solutions
Kennedy Tax Solutions is led by an attorney who is also a CPA, focusing on IRS tax resolution, audits, and unfiled returns. Its dual expertise allows clients to address both legal and accounting aspects of tax problems.
2. Gross McGinley
Gross McGinley provides counsel on personal, business, and estate tax matters, including IRS audit representation. Its integrated practice areas help clients coordinate tax planning with business and estate strategies.
3. Norris McLaughlin
Norris McLaughlin's tax attorneys handle tax controversies, audits, business tax planning, and estate planning. The firm's depth allows it to manage complex matters involving multiple jurisdictions.
4. The Roth Law Firm
The Roth Law Firm focuses on estate and trust taxation, tax planning, and resolution of tax issues. Its targeted expertise benefits families planning wealth transfers and individuals resolving tax concerns.
5. Fitzpatrick Lentz and Bubba
Fitzpatrick Lentz and Bubba offers tax planning in connection with business transactions, estate planning, and succession. Its attorneys help families and business owners minimize taxes while achieving long-term goals.
6. Stevens and Lee
Stevens and Lee has a sophisticated tax practice covering corporate tax, state and local tax, and tax controversy. It is well suited for businesses facing complex tax issues.
7. King, Spry, Herman, Freund and Faul
King Spry assists clients with estate and business tax planning, as well as nonprofit and educational institution tax matters.
8. Tallman, Hudders and Sorrentino
Tallman, Hudders and Sorrentino provides estate planning and business tax guidance, helping clients structure transactions and plan for the future.
9. Steckel and Stopp
Steckel and Stopp focuses on estate planning and elder law, including Pennsylvania inheritance tax planning and trust administration for Lehigh Valley families.
10. Broughal and DeVito
Broughal and DeVito offers estate planning and related tax services, helping clients protect assets and navigate estate administration.
Tax Law Trends
Changes to federal tax law continue to affect estate planning, business deductions, and individual rates, making periodic plan reviews important. The IRS has increased enforcement efforts and modernized its technology, leading to more automated notices and audits. Cryptocurrency reporting requirements have expanded. Remote work has raised new questions about state and local tax residency. Pennsylvania's inheritance tax remains a key planning consideration for families in Allentown.
How to Choose a Tax Lawyer
Determine whether your need is planning-oriented or dispute-related, and choose an attorney with relevant experience. Ask about credentials, such as an advanced tax law degree or CPA license. Inquire about experience with the IRS and Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Discuss fees upfront and request a clear explanation of strategy. For serious matters involving potential penalties or criminal exposure, involve a tax attorney early.
Tax Attorney vs. CPA vs. Enrolled Agent
Understanding the difference between tax professionals helps you choose the right one. Certified public accountants excel at tax preparation, bookkeeping, and financial planning. Enrolled agents are federally licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS and often focus on preparation and resolution. Tax attorneys bring legal training and attorney-client privilege, which can be critical when there is potential criminal exposure, complex litigation, or significant legal structuring involved.
Many Allentown taxpayers benefit from a team approach, with an accountant handling ongoing compliance and a tax attorney stepping in for disputes or major planning decisions. Coordinating these professionals ensures that legal and financial strategies align and that sensitive matters receive appropriate protection.
Responding to an IRS Notice
Receiving a letter from the IRS or the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue can be alarming, but prompt action is the best response. Read the notice carefully, note any deadlines, and avoid ignoring it, since penalties and interest continue to accumulate. Gather the returns and records the notice references before contacting the agency. If the notice involves an audit, a large balance, or questions about unreported income, consult a tax attorney before responding. Professional guidance at this early stage often leads to faster and more favorable resolutions.
Conclusion
Tax issues can be complex and stressful, but experienced legal guidance makes them manageable. The tax law practices on this list help Allentown individuals and businesses resolve disputes, plan strategically, and protect their financial futures. Whether you face an audit or are planning a major transaction, the right tax attorney is an invaluable ally.