What is a tax lawyer?

What does a tax lawyer do?

Tax lawyers have a number of missions and objectives. On the individual side, he can help taxpayers who want to know more about tax law. For example, if a tax return is particularly complex, he can help individuals to complete it. He can also provide assistance with inheritance or gift tax, in order to calculate the transfer duties and associated costs.

Another mission will be to deal with the taxation of expatriation, or even the repatriation of funds held abroad, and thus opt for the most appropriate tax optimization, while obviously respecting the laws in force. The tax lawyer will also support his client in the event of a tax audit, in order to avoid tax reassessment as far as possible, or, if the procedure is already underway, to ensure that the tax authorities do not overstep their bounds and respect procedural guarantees. Another of his specialties is taxation for wealth management projects, and he can help his clients make the right decisions to optimize their assets, take advantage of legal tax niches, and optimize their tax returns.

Finally, when a tax lawyer works for a company, he or she will be defending the company's economic and legal interests, and may therefore have to manage a tax adjustment directly related to its business. They can also provide assistance in tax matters.

When should a tax lawyer be called in?

If you're wondering when to call in a tax lawyer, because you're looking for professional tax advice, it all depends on your case. Depending on the situation, you may need to consult a tax lawyer or an accountant, but tax lawyers can resolve some special situations. Let's take a closer look.

Financial advice

A tax lawyer and an accountant can both give you tax advice and work on financial strategies for individuals and, of course, businesses.

Legal representation

Accountants and tax lawyers can represent their clients before the tax courts, but only tax lawyers are exempt from testifying against their clients, thanks to lawyer/client privilege. Generally speaking, a lawyer must respect numerous confidentiality constraints and never shares private information.

Specialties

In general, accountants have knowledge of financial planning, tax regulations and codes, and are therefore better equipped in financial strategy. However, a tax lawyer goes beyond assisting with tax returns, and is notably well trained in case law, legal research and drafting. In this way, tax lawyers will have an advantage when it comes to specialized litigation. A tax dispute is a good time to call in a lawyer, but don't hesitate to consult a specialist in the profession beforehand, to avoid an audit or investigation. In fact, if you're looking to save money on your taxes, plan your succession or even work on your company's tax strategy, don't hesitate to consult Maître Sion.

The complexity of the case

Another criterion for choosing between a tax lawyer and an accountant is the complexity of the case. If you just need help with your tax return or business tax, an accountant will be able to help you. On the other hand, for cases involving several parties, liability issues, litigation or any generally complex problem, consult a tax lawyer.

But then, when to call in a tax lawyer?

Finally, you're wondering when to call in a tax lawyer. If you're being investigated, audited or faced with a claim, it's a good time to call in a tax lawyer. What's more, in the event of a tax reassessment, it's a good idea to opt for the services of a tax lawyer as early as possible, to prevent any problems that may arise as a result.

What's more, if the tax authorities have launched an audit and you need to defend yourself before a tax tribunal, a tax lawyer will also be in the best position to help you. Also, if you're starting up a business, or an holding, you can seek advice from a tax lawyer on choosing the right structure, since this will determine your tax strategy and the taxes you pay. Finally, if you're thinking about doing a LBO, or if you're an expatriate, if your company operates worldwide, a tax lawyer will be able to advise you on all the tax and legal issues involved.

So, as you can see, there are many reasons to call on a tax lawyer, and whatever the stage of your projects or legal and tax procedures, contact Cabinet Sion Avocat, a tax lawyer in Marseille and online!

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