CPA & Tax Return Preparer Defense

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Just like taxpayers, CPAs and tax return preparers can face a variety of tax preparer penalties under, for example, IRC §§ 6694 and 6695.  Promoters of certain tax plans can face even more penalties.  McLaughlin Legal's San Diego tax attorneys and lawyers have worked with tax return preparers and accountants throughout the U.S. to fight or abate numerous preparer-related penalties.  

Injunctions against CPAs and tax return preparers are sought against those preparers who consistently take part in conduct that the IRS deems as being improper.  If granted, an injunction could permanently bar a tax return preparer from owning or operating a tax return preparation business and preparing tax returns for others.  If you find yourself in such a matter, let the attorneys at McLaughlin Legal help. 

Although most think of “tax fraud” as the only tax crime, there are in actuality a variety of different tax crimes. Each crime has its unique elements, consequences, and other characteristics.  Some are also targeted directly at tax professionals and carry with them significant consequences. If you are a CPA or other tax return preparer and become the target of a criminal investigation, seek qualified legal help immediately.  

The IRS Office of Professional Responsibility ("OPR") is tasked with interpreting and applying the standards of practice for tax professionals under Circular 230.  Those OPR professional investigations can begin on their own or be triggered following a taxpayer's audit. In either event, the consequences can be significant, including monetary penalties, censures, or disbarment from practice before the IRS. McLaughlin Legal has defended tax practitioners in OPR investigations and is here to help. 

CPAs are regulated by respective state agencies like Boards of Accountancy.  Those Boards of Accountancy regulate the practice of public accountancy in their states and may revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew any permit or certificate for violation of applicable statutes or regulations.  Investigations and hearings can result in CPA discipline, but McLaughlin Legal is here to help.  Our attorneys have represented clients before regulatory agencies regarding license disputes and are here to help you.

"Ethics" is more than a buzzword.  It is the study and application of moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of activity like the practice of law or public accounting.  Even outside an actual adversarial case or controversy, attorneys, CPAs, and other tax professionals may face ethical dilemmas.  McLaughlin Legal counsels those clients through the various codes of conduct and other applicable authority to help reach the correct and just answer.  Let us help you too.

McLaughlin Legal's core is a strong tax litigation and controversy practice, with particular experience in defending CPAs and tax professionals.  This unmatched expertise in tax procedural issues and ethical concerns from skilled San Diego tax lawyers has allowed McLaughlin Legal to provide expert witness support for CPA and tax return preparer-related disputes.