Tax Audit Lawyer
Received an IRS audit letter? We represent you before the IRS in correspondence, office and field audits, including helping you support the items on your return.
Your Dedicated Columbus Tax Lawyer
We Resolve IRS Tax Disputes
Porter Law Office is a boutique tax controversy firm in Columbus, Ohio, founded by tax attorney Matthew R. Porter, J.D., LL.M. (Tax). He represents individuals and businesses in disputes with the IRS and the Ohio Department of Taxation.
Recognized for Tax Law Experience
Matthew R. Porter holds an LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Taxation and has been listed among Columbus CEO’s top lawyers for tax. He is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating in its peer review system, and has a 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo. He has also been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star.
Do You Need Help Settling Tax Disputes in Columbus, OH?
If you're worried about tax concerns, you don't have to face it alone. When you hire Porter Law Office as your tax attorney in Columbus, OH, you can say goodbye to your tax concerns. Our tax lawyer is well-versed in tax laws and aims to help you settle any issues with the IRS with less stress. Whether you're facing tax disputes or are in the midst of a tax controversy, you can trust our tax lawyer to help you reach a suitable resolution. Our tax problem services aim to help you clear your tax debts and restore your good standing with the IRS. Contact us to discuss your tax concerns today!
Why Work With Porter Law Office
A tax problem takes up more room than it should. It sits in the background while you're trying to work, sleep, or plan a trip you're not sure you should book. Resolving it gives you that room back. Our job is to get you to the point where you don't think about this anymore.
We handle the full range of tax controversy work: audits and examinations, IRS Appeals, United States Tax Court litigation, collection matters, liens and levies, offers in compromise, installment agreements, penalty abatement, and innocent spouse relief. On the Ohio side, we handle Department of Taxation assessments, sales tax issues, residency disputes, and Board of Tax Appeals cases.
Porter Law Office is a boutique tax controversy firm in the Columbus, Ohio area. Tax disputes are the only thing we do. We represent taxpayers throughout Ohio and nationwide. Most matters can be handled by phone, secure portal, and video, so you don't need to be local to work with us.
The first step is a free case evaluation. We'll tell you what we think is realistic, including when the answer is that you don't need a lawyer.
How Our Columbus Tax Attorney Can Help
Porter Law Office helps individuals and businesses resolve IRS and Ohio tax problems, from audits and collection notices to Tax Court. Here are the issues we handle most often.
Tax Court Litigation
If the IRS sends a notice of deficiency saying you owe more tax, you generally have 90 days to challenge it in the U.S. Tax Court without paying first. We represent taxpayers in Tax Court cases.
Offer in Compromise
An offer in compromise can let you settle IRS tax debt for less than the full amount. We review your finances to see if you're eligible before filing the offer.
IRS Installment Agreement
Can't pay your tax bill all at once? We help you request an IRS installment agreement so you can pay your balance over time.
Federal Tax Lien
A federal tax lien is the IRS's legal claim on your property, and it can make it harder to borrow or sell. We help you resolve the lien and work toward its release.
Federal Tax Levy
A tax levy lets the IRS take money from your paycheck or bank account. We help you respond to levy notices and work toward getting the levy released.
Tax Penalty Abatement
IRS penalties can add a lot to what you owe. We can ask the IRS to remove them if you had reasonable cause or qualify for first-time penalty relief.
Ohio Tax Controversies
We handle Ohio Department of Taxation assessments, sales tax issues, residency disputes and Ohio Board of Tax Appeals cases.
International Taxation
We help foreign nationals and taxpayers with foreign income or accounts handle FBAR and FATCA reporting, ITIN applications and other international tax issues.
Recent Results for Our Clients
A few of the outcomes Porter Law Office has obtained for clients before the IRS, the Ohio Department of Taxation and the U.S. Tax Court.
Resolved — Assessment removed
$413,000 in Ohio sales tax assessments removed for a wholesaler
The Ohio Department of Taxation issued $413,000 in estimated sales tax assessments against a wholesaler that made no retail sales. We retroactively closed the vendor's license and had the assessments removed.
Assessed$413,000
Final liability$0
Removed$413,000
Resolved — $0 tax owed
$306,000 proposed assessment reduced to $0
A title company issued a 1099-S on the sale of the client's personal residence, prompting a $306,000 CP2000. We responded and the IRS made no change to the return.
IRS proposed$306,000
Final tax$0
Saved$306,000
Resolved — U.S. Tax Court
$40,300 deficiency eliminated in U.S. Tax Court
The IRS assessed a $40,300 deficiency arising from identity theft. We petitioned the U.S. Tax Court, and the case resolved with no deficiency for the year at issue.
IRS deficiency$40,300
Final result$0
Saved$40,300
Results reflect the specific facts and circumstances of each matter. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case.
Testimonials
FAQ
Questions About Hiring a Tax Attorney
A tax problem raises a lot of questions. Here are straight answers to the ones we hear most.
Get a Free Case EvaluationWhat does a tax attorney do?
A tax attorney handles your problem with the IRS or the state so you don't have to face it alone. For us, that means audits, IRS appeals, collection notices, liens and levies, payment plans, offers in compromise, penalty relief, innocent spouse claims and U.S. Tax Court cases.
When should I hire a tax attorney instead of a CPA?
If you need a return prepared or a plan for next year, a CPA is usually the right call. When the IRS is auditing you, collecting from you or headed to Tax Court, that's a legal dispute, and that's where we come in. Not sure which you need? Ask us. We'll tell you if you don't need a lawyer.
Can a tax attorney negotiate with the IRS for me?
Yes. Once you sign an IRS power of attorney (Form 2848), we deal with the IRS directly. We take the calls, answer the notices and negotiate the payment plan or settlement, so you're not the one on hold trying to explain your case.
What kinds of tax problems do you handle?
Tax disputes are what we do. We handle IRS audits and notices, back taxes and collections, payroll and sales tax issues for businesses, and Ohio Department of Taxation assessments, residency disputes and Board of Tax Appeals cases. We also help foreign nationals with international tax compliance and ITIN applications.
How much will the IRS settle for?
It comes down to what the IRS thinks it could realistically collect from you. The IRS calls this your reasonable collection potential, and it's based on your income, expenses and the equity in what you own. Before we file an offer in compromise, we look closely at your finances to see whether you qualify.
How long can the IRS collect back taxes?
Generally 10 years from the date the tax was assessed. That clock can pause, though, for example while an offer in compromise or a Collection Due Process hearing is pending, or during a bankruptcy.
How much does a tax attorney cost?
It depends on what's going on and how much work it takes to resolve. The first step is a free case evaluation. We'll look at your situation and tell you what we think is realistic before you commit to anything.
Do I need to live in Columbus to work with you?
No. Our office is in Columbus, but we represent taxpayers throughout Ohio and across the country. Most matters can be handled by phone, secure portal and video, so you don't need to be local to work with us.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
- Phone(614) 428-2887
- HoursM-F: 8 am – 4 pm / Sat: By appointment only
- Office800 Cross Pointe Rd Suite N, Columbus, OH 43230