While tax attorney and tax advocate services may sound similar, they are actually two very distinct services. A tax attorney is a legal representative who provides legal advice on taxes, while a tax advocate service is a private company that helps taxpayers navigate the complicated U.S. tax system. Both services can provide assistance with filing taxes, but there are important differences between them. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them different.

Tax Attorney Vs. Tax Advocate Service

The primary difference between a tax attorney and a tax advocate service is the type of representation they offer. A tax attorney is an individual licensed to practice law in the state where they reside and represent clients in court regarding matters related to taxes. Their expertise lies in understanding the complex language of the Internal Revenue Code and providing legal advice on how best to deal with any issues related to taxes or financial disputes with the IRS or federal government.

Tax advocate service companies, on the other hand, specialize in helping individuals and small businesses navigate the U.S. taxation system by providing guidance on filing taxes or resolving disputes with the IRS or state governments over unpaid taxes or other financial issues. These companies typically employ CPAs who have strong knowledge of taxation laws and regulations as well as experience dealing with IRS representatives on behalf of their clients. They can help you understand your rights under federal and state tax laws, develop strategies for reducing your overall tax liability (e.g., through deductions), assist with filing your return correctly each year, and represent you in negotiations with the IRS if necessary.

Differences In Cost

Another major difference between these two services is cost; hiring a tax attorney will usually be more expensive than using a tax advocate service since attorneys are legally required to charge higher fees than non-legal professionals such as CPAs employed by advocacy firms due to their additional training and qualifications necessary for representing clients before courts or tribunals if needed (which advocacy firms do not). However, it’s important to note that no matter which option you choose, you should always ask for an estimate up front so you know exactly how much it will cost before making any commitments or agreements—and make sure you get everything in writing!

Scope Of Services:

Tax attorneys: Tax attorneys are lawyers who specialize in tax law and have passed a bar exam in their jurisdiction. As such, they are able to provide legal representation in tax-related matters. This means that they can represent taxpayers in court and negotiate with the IRS or state tax authorities on their behalf. Tax attorneys can also provide advice on tax planning and other tax-related issues.

Tax advocate services: Tax advocate services are companies that provide assistance to taxpayers in resolving tax-related issues. They may be staffed by professionals who have expertise in tax law, but they are not necessarily lawyers and are not able to provide legal representation. Tax advocate services may be able to help taxpayers negotiate with the IRS to reduce tax debt, prepare and file tax returns, or provide advice on tax-related matters. However, their services may be more limited than those offered by tax attorneys.

It's important to consider the scope of services when deciding whether to hire a tax attorney or a tax advocate service. If you are facing a complex tax issue that may require legal representation, such as a tax dispute with the IRS or state tax authorities, you may want to consider hiring a tax attorney. If your needs are more straightforward, a tax advocate service may be able to help you with tasks such as preparing and filing your tax returns or negotiating with the IRS to reduce your tax debt.

Conclusion:

In any situation where you are responsible for filing taxes or dealing with disputes and discrepancies with the IRS, it is essential to choose the best qualified and knowledgeable professional. This could mean considering both a tax attorney and a tax advocate service. Evaluating each option carefully based on your specific requirements, including the level of expertise needed, as well as how much you can realistically afford to pay will ensure that you make the right choice for you. When done correctly, either option could prove beneficial in saving time and money - so deciding wisely is key!