{"id":353996,"date":"2025-04-04T15:57:30","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T20:57:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/tax\/legal-help-resources\/when-should-small-business-owners-talk-to-a-tax-attorney.html"},"modified":"2026-02-24T08:48:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T13:48:09","slug":"when-should-small-business-owners-talk-to-a-tax-attorney","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/legal-help-resources\/when-should-small-business-owners-talk-to-a-tax-attorney.html","title":{"rendered":"Red Flags for Business Owners: When To Call a Tax Attorney, Not a CPA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Red Flags for Business Owners: When To Call a Tax Attorney, Not a CPA<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A tax attorney<\/span> is a legal professional who handles complex tax laws<\/span> to protect businesses from lawsuits and personal liability. CPAs<\/span> handle bookkeeping, preparing returns, and filing taxes. Business owners<\/span> should know when it\u2019s best to speak with either a tax attorney<\/span> or a CPA<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

When it comes to filing taxes, a small <\/span>business<\/span> owner<\/span> should turn to an accountant or CPA<\/span>. However, when your business<\/a> finds itself in trouble or needs to deal with a touchy business issue, your needs are better served by a tax attorney<\/span>, not a tax professional<\/span>.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no doubt that a CPA<\/span> is your go-to professional for tax preparation<\/span>. They can help with your company\u2019s IRS<\/span> tax<\/span> filing<\/span> and ensure that you take advantage of every tax credit<\/span><\/a> and tax deduction<\/span> available to you.<\/p>\n

When it comes to addressing a corporate tax issue<\/span><\/a> or restructuring your company, a CPA<\/span> may not be your best option. Instead, a local <\/span>tax<\/span> lawyer<\/span> with experience in these matters is a better choice.<\/p>\n

This article examines some of the red flags that should indicate that it\u2019s time to call an experienced <\/span>tax attorney<\/span> instead of a tax professional<\/span>. It also explains how a local <\/span>tax<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a> can help your business resolve immediate tax problems<\/span> and prevent trouble down the road.<\/p>\n

The CPA<\/span> vs. Tax Attorney<\/span>: Fork in the Road<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re a small <\/span>business<\/span> owner<\/span><\/a>, you know how difficult it can be to deal with the Internal Revenue Service<\/span> (IRS<\/span>). Even before your business is up and running, you\u2019ll have to make decisions that impact your business taxes<\/span>. This is why so many business owners<\/span> decide to seek legal representation<\/span>.<\/p>\n

A tax lawyer<\/span> can be helpful in a variety of situations, including:<\/p>\n