Baton Rouge Tax Lawyer

Tax Credentials And Experience You Can Trust

U.S. tax law is among the most complicated legal fields. There are countless nuances to the federal tax code. Additionally, navigating the administrative processes for tax audits and controversies can be incredibly tricky.It is wise to seek support from a Baton Rouge tax lawyer.

Attorney Carl S. Goode in Baton Rouge is one of only a small number of Louisiana lawyers who is board certified as a specialist in tax law through the Louisiana Bar Association. With a degree in accounting, he also holds a master’s in taxation law. This means he has the outstanding credentials necessary for navigating even the most complicated and challenging of tax-related issues.

Carl draws on more than 40 years of experience to provide detailed guidance for clients facing all cases related to tax law. He can work one-on-one with you to address your tax concerns with clarity and precision.

Guidance On The Full Spectrum Of Tax Matters

Carl handles tax cases involving:

• Tax planning (including in conjunction with estate planning)
• Tax audits and controversies
• Tax law evaluation and analysis
• Offers in compromise
• And more

He also addresses tax issues in the context of estate administration and succession cases. Tax considerations can play a major role in estate issues, both estate planning and administration. Because Carl is also a board-certified specialist in estate law, he has the in-depth knowledge and skills needed to address all the ways these areas overlap.

What Is Tax Planning?

Tax planning will typically involve the process of trying to reduce the amount of taxes that you are expected to pay, along with preparing the taxes that you will have to pay. There are a number of different situations where tax planning may be a wise decision.

Tax planning is critical for businesses, particularly small businesses, LLCs, individuals operating as businesses, such as freelance workers, and others. Unlike hourly or salaried employees, who have their taxes taken out by their employer, businesses and independent contractors will need to plan to pay their taxes out of their revenue. A tax attorney can help them understand what tax laws apply to them and how that may impact what they owe.

Another area that can require tax planning is when investments are involved. There are several complex laws that impact the taxes that you pay on the gains that you have from investments, but that needs to be balanced against any potential losses that you may have from investments as well. It’s important to work with someone like a tax attorney who understands the full scope of applicable law when trying to understand the taxation involved with investments.

An additional area where tax planning is often critical is estate planning. Most people want to make sure that their wealth, whether going to heirs, other benefactors, or being given away charitably, is directed where they desire it to go when they are gone. Something that puts that possibility at risk is the prospect of taxation.

However, a good estate plan will take this into consideration and have a plan to minimize the impact that taxation has on your estate, ensuring that more of your wealth is distributed where you would like it to go.

Who Investigates Tax Problems in Louisiana?

Taxes are investigated at two different levels. At the state level, taxes are investigated by the Louisiana Department of Revenue,while federal tax concerns are investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. It is possible that the departments could share information or work together on some issues. One of their primary means of investigation is a tax audit.

When dealing with these institutions, you are able to be represented by a lawyer. This is often a wise decision for several reasons. One of these is that the agents involved will have a strong understanding of the tax law that is relevant to your case. It’s important you have someone on your side who has the same depth of knowledge.

Having a lawyer representing you can also offer a layer of protection. You wouldn’t want to accidentally say something that could be used to incriminate you, and allowing the lawyer to speak on your behalf can be helpful in minimizing that risk.

Additionally, many situations involving tax issues are resolved through a negotiated agreement. An experienced tax lawyer is going to understand how to effectively negotiate on your behalf and make a strong case for you. Generally, you can expect to get a more favorable agreement when a lawyer negotiates on your behalf than if you do so on your own.

Common Tax Violations That You Could Be Accused Of

Tax law can be particularly complex. This creates a number of different avenues for potential violations. In some cases, there may be intentional violations. However, many are honest mistakes caused by the complicated nature of the tax code. Some of the more common violations that you could face and require the help of a tax lawyer to navigate include:

• Tax Evasion. The accusation of tax evasion involves a deliberate attempt to avoid paying what someone owes on their taxes. This is usually related to some kind of fraudulent activity related to income, transactions, assets, or other relevant information to taxation.
• Failure to Pay What’s Owed. Usually,as a result of miscalculating what was really owed, it’s possible that some may pay less than they should have and will need to pay the correct amount. Often, this also involves incurring penalties and interest charges.
• Late Filing. Missing a deadline without obtaining the proper extensions is a violation that is taken very seriously.
• Failure to File. Not filing taxes at all is also a serious violation that could result in significant penalties.
• Underreporting Income. It’s important to include all the required sources of income.
• Overstating Deductions. Deductions can be one of the most complicated aspects of the tax code. It’s easy to end up overstating the deductions that some have, but this will lower their tax liability artificially.

FAQs:

Q: What Is a Tax Lawyer?

A: A tax lawyer is someone who understands the law related to taxes and is able to represent their clients in tax-related issues. They keep up with the latest tax laws and are able to help individuals or businesses plan for the taxes they may face. They can also help individuals who are accused of tax-violations defend against the accusations or negotiate a resolution.

Q: What Does a Tax Lawyer Do in Louisiana?

A: A tax lawyer in Louisiana performs a number of critical functions related to taxation. They can provide advice related to taxes and tax planning. If there are disputes and investigations regarding someone’s taxes, they can provide vital help in getting through something like an audit. They can also negotiate with governing bodies, when necessary, as well.

Q: Can You Negotiate With the IRS Using a Tax Attorney?

A: Yes, you can negotiate with the IRS using a tax attorney. It is often wise to allow an attorney to negotiate on your behalf. They will protect you from potentially saying something incriminating. They also generally have an understanding of what the IRS expects could be a fair settlement.

Q: How Much Will the IRS Usually Settle For?

A: How much the IRS will settle for is something that varies from case to case. The particulars of the case, how much is owed, and how strong a negotiating position both sides have will all influence the final settlement. Generally, having a tax lawyer negotiate for you could lead to more favorable settlement terms.

Learn More About Working With Carl

You can’t go wrong enlisting an attorney with the experience and credentials of Carl S. Goode at Goode Tax and Estate Planning Law Group, LLC. To get started, reach out through the website or give him a call at 225-663-8076.