When facing a tax problem, usually the key concern is: “Will hiring someone save me money?” Dollars and cents are certainly important, but sometimes the value of certainty, closure, and peace of mind should not be disregarded. We get it, ideally you pay a tax attorney for help and he or she obtains a great outcome, which includes reducing what you owe. But what if they cannot do that? Should you not hire a tax attorney? Let me share a family story – apocryphal perhaps, but still insightful – which shows the value of seeking out assistance.
My grandfather fought in World War II and allegedly he found himself in France sometime after D-Day in a rowboat on a pond with a Catholic priest. Apparently, the pair were taking a break from the fighting and knocking back a few beers. Back then an empty beer was known as a “dead soldier.” My grandfather finished his beer and tossed it into the pond and remarked, “This soldier was buried at sea.” Not to be outdone, the priest finished his bottle and tossed it into the pond as well, remarking, “At least this soldier saw the priest before he went.”
I have no idea if this story is true or not, but knowing my grandfather as I do, I can see him sneaking away to do something like this. Regardless, if this story is fact or fiction there is sort of truth in it for anyone who needs professional help. Sometimes even if nothing can be done about your situation, there is still value in being seen and heard.
We cannot guarantee any outcome with the IRS or state tax authorities, and sometimes there is no way to reduce your taxes, interest, or penalties. Maybe the time to correct a tax filing has passed, or you do not have good grounds for a settlement. Does that mean hiring a tax attorney is waste of time or money? Not at all.
Think of a visit to your doctor. You routinely pay for check-ups – even when the doctor says you have no health problems (or more likely says you are doing okay but need to eat less fats and fewer sweets – guilty as charged). Still, a doctor’s true value is not a bill of clean health but in reviewing your vitals, making recommendations, and offering reassurance or suggesting a plan of action. Knowing where you stand, regardless of how it turns out, has its own, often overlooked, worth.
So, when you hire a tax attorney, you are paying to obtain expert guidance and clarity about your IRS or state tax problem. The money you spend pays for a thorough evaluation of your case, honest advice on what to do, and the comfort of knowing you have done all you can. Even in cases where there is nothing more you can do, you move forward knowing you did everything you could to get the best outcome possible. No worries of hearing from the IRS about it out of the blue later on.
In the end, just as the priest honored the “dead soldier” with a dignified farewell, consulting a tax attorney gives you the chance to address every detail, ensuring you’ve done all you can to move forward with clarity and peace of mind. Case closed.
