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Facing tax issues can be intimidating, but meeting with a tax attorney doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re dealing with back taxes, unfiled returns, or IRS notices you don’t understand, preparing for your first meeting can make a big difference in how efficiently your case is handled. In this article, we explain…
- What to expect out of a tax attorney consultation in Missouri.
- What documents and information to bring to your initial consultation.
- How to approach the process for the best possible outcome.
What Documents Should Missouri Business Owners Bring To Their First Tax Attorney Consultation?
The most important thing you can bring is complete and accurate documentation, especially any recent notices from the IRS or the Missouri Department of Revenue. Ideally, send these documents ahead of your appointment, so the attorney has time to review them. Include:
- All pages of any IRS or Missouri tax notices, not just the first page.
- Any prior correspondence related to the issue.
- A list of tax years you believe are affected.
- Any documentation related to filed or unfiled tax returns.
Many clients misunderstand the notices they receive. They might think a levy is already in place when it’s not, or miss their appeal rights. That’s why seeing the actual notices is absolutely critical. Your attorney needs to assess your situation based on facts, not assumptions.
How Can I Start The Conversation During An Initial Tax Consultation Effectively?
Just explain what you know about your tax situation. Even if you’re unsure about the details, that’s okay. The attorney will verify everything. In fact:
- Clients are accurate about 50% of the time.
- The other 50% often underreport the extent of the problem, sometimes unintentionally.
- Your attorney will conduct an independent investigation to uncover all relevant issues, including missed filings or additional liabilities.
It’s common for clients to believe they owe one amount, only to discover they have unfiled returns or older debts they weren’t aware of. That’s why a complete, careful analysis is necessary.
Lance Drury, founder of The Law Office of Lance R. Drury in Missouri, has spent his career helping individuals and business owners confront and resolve serious tax problems with confidence. Known for his strategic, nonjudgmental approach, Mr. Drury has guided hundreds of clients through IRS audits, levies, and unfiled returns. His firm helps uncover the full scope of a client’s tax situation, ensuring no stone is left unturned.
If you're overwhelmed by tax debt or facing confusing IRS notices, schedule a consultation with Lance Drury today, because taking the first step is the most important one.
What Questions Will A Tax Attorney Likely Ask During An Initial Meeting?
To properly assess your situation, a tax attorney will typically ask:
- Do you currently have an IRS levy or lien in place?
- Are there any unfiled tax returns?
- Is a Revenue Officer assigned to your case?
- Is your tax debt joint with a spouse or individual?
- Which tax years are involved?
- When were those returns filed, if at all?
The IRS has a limited window to collect on tax debt, known as the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED). If enough time has passed, part or all of your tax debt may no longer be legally collectible. But here’s the catch: the clock doesn’t start until you file your return. If the IRS had to file for you—a substitute return—the countdown hasn’t begun.
In one well-known case, a client owed a staggering $500,000, and by carefully monitoring the CSED, his attorney helped more than $150,000 of that expire. Within another year or two, the rest may also run out, potentially saving him hundreds of thousands.
How Should I Follow Up After Meeting With A Tax Resolution Attorney?
After the initial consultation, your attorney will typically file a Power of Attorney (POA) form to access your tax records. This can take up to a month to process. They’ll also conduct a full history review, sometimes going back to as early as 1990.
From there, they will determine whether returns are missing. If so, the most recent six years must be filed before negotiation can begin. If all necessary returns are filed, you’ll likely be asked to complete a financial statement, which the attorney will use to evaluate your ability to pay and structure a resolution plan.
Keep in mind: the process is step-by-step and takes time. As one expert put it, If you’re not spending at least nine months on a tax case, you’re not getting the best deal possible. Many tax problems took years to develop, and they take time to resolve properly.
How I Help New Clients Who Are Visibly Ashamed Or Scared
It’s very common for clients to feel embarrassed or overwhelmed, but you shouldn’t. Here are some things we’ll communicate to you so that you don’t:
- You are not alone. There are over 26 million delinquent taxpayers in the U.S., and that number is expected to rise to 35 million by 2032.
- Most tax trouble starts with good intentions, whether paying employees or vendors first, thinking you’ll catch up later.
- Bad economic conditions and unexpected events often exacerbate things.
The most important message is this: You’re doing the right thing now. While failing to pay taxes usually doesn’t lead to jail, failing to file returns can. That’s why the first step in every case is making sure your returns are filed, even before repayment is discussed.
Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?
For more information on a tax attorney consultation in Missouri, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (314) 260-6120 today.
