IRVINE, Calif. -- IRS Tax Problems Require a Tax Attorney/Enrolled Agent to Defend You and Enforce Your Rights!

Tax problems with the IRS can result in serious consequences, including liens, levies, garnishments, penalties, interest, and potential criminal charges – which can have dire consequences on your finances, livelihood, and ability to support your family.

Due to the serious nature of IRS tax issues, it is crucial for you to research and hire an experienced Tax Law Attorney/Enrolled Agent to represent and defend you. Be highly skeptical of extremely low upfront fees. (If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!) Plus, many people end up having to hire an attorney in the end anyway because the tax resolution firm botched the case. Do not simply rely upon a tax resolution firm or general practice law firm/CPA firm, unless you have thoroughly done your research.

When it comes to the complex world of tax law, it is important to hire a Tax Attorney and/or an Enrolled Agent that focuses on tax representation in controversy and litigation matters. For example, if you had a serious medical condition, would you go to a nurse or a doctor/specialist? Why would you go to an inexperienced firm for a tax problem that might have dire consequences?

When selecting a Tax Professional, it is important to recognize that NOBODY can make you any guarantee as to the outcome of your matter. Nobody has a crystal ball to tell them how the audit/examination, IRS Appeal, or U.S. Tax Court case will play out. For the most part, Tax Resolution firms do not usually employ Tax Attorneys and Enrolled Agents, because employing these people cost money and overhead --and Tax Resolution firms are known for farming cases out to 3rd party contractors at a low-hourly fee, who are even less motivated to assist you than the person who sold you in the first place.

Also, many of these tax resolution firms are not regulated by either the State Bar or any other governing body. While they are usually great at getting you to part with your money, the representation is lacking. Another issue to stay abreast of is the “low up front fee.” Many of these tax resolution firms promise a low fee, BUT what they don’t tell you is that they’re really not going to do anything on your case until they have received the full fee – and by that time the window of opportunity for your case to be effectively negotiated has long passed. It is important to hire a firm that will jump in the game the moment representation begins and take over all communications with the IRS on your behalf. Timing is crucial when it comes to dealing with a tax problem.

The benefit of hiring a Tax Attorney/Enrolled Agent is threefold: 1) Solid tax knowledge/experience. 2) Ability to represent you in all 50 states and all phases of representation from the IRS audit through U.S. Tax Court. 3) Held liable for their actions via the State Bar. Also, in order to be deemed an enrolled agent (which is the highest credential the IRS awards), a person must pass very vigorous testing from the IRS, as well as maintain at least 24 hours annually in tax continuing education courses.

While attorneys also have a duty to complete continuing education courses, it is usually a minimal amount and there is no state requirement that the CLE has to be in tax. As to CPAs (Certified Public Accountant), while there are several CPAs who are capable and effective in negotiating tax matters, the majority of CPAs focus on accounting not tax. Therefore, if you are considering hiring a CPA to represent you in a tax matter, it is important to vet out the individual’s background to ensure that they have the necessary tax experience/background to assist you.

Remember, tax consequences can have life-long consequences, so be sure to “go with your gut” and if it sounds too good to be true…it probably is!

S. Matthew Golding is a Tax Attorney and Enrolled Agent. His domestic and international law practice emphasizes the representation of clients worldwide in matters involving all phases of Civil and Criminal Tax. Matthew’s clients include U.S. and foreign citizens living abroad in countries such as Iraq, Japan, Afghanistan, Indonesia, South Africa, Pakistan, and Korea. Matthew is currently enrolled in one of the nation’s Top Master of Tax Law Programs at the University of Denver in a distance program designed for experienced professionals. He worked his way through school, graduating University of Denver (1996) and Whittier Law School (1999) and earning Dean’s List distinction at both institutions.





· Member, State Bar of California, 1999-Present


· Member, State Bar of New York, 2004-Present

· Enrolled Agent, Federally Licensed Tax Practitioner (Highest credentialawarded by the IRS)


· Admitted, United States Tax Court


· Real Estate Broker, California Department of Real Estate



He is the owner and operator of http://www.GoldingLawyers.com; http://www.GoldingTaxSolutions.com; http://www.GoldingRealEstateStrategies.com


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