Tax Court in Shoreline, Washington

Find the right Tax Court attorney in Shoreline, WA

Tax Court Lawyers in Shoreline

Tax courts execute roughly the same function as any other court: they present a forum to resolve legal disputes in an orderly, fair, and efficient manner. The only difference with tax courts is that they specialize in solving disagreements that have to do with tax law.

At the federal level, there is the United States Tax Court, which has courthouses all over the country, containing one in or near Shoreline, Washington.

U.S. Tax Courts deal with almost every legal issue that has to do with the federal tax commitments of an individual or corporation. The U.S. District Courts are the courts of "general jurisdiction" in the U.S., meaning that they can hear almost any type of civil or criminal case under their jurisdiction. This includes tax cases, but the law only authorizes them to hear such cases if the tax in question has already been paid. Tax courts can hear cases before the tax has been paid.

Tax Court Procedure in Shoreline, Washington

Claims dealing with tax law can come from any dispute that has to do with one's duty to pay taxes in Shoreline, Washington. This normally happens when the state or federal tax authorities allege that someone has failed to pay their taxes, and therefore owes the government money. If the taxpayer disagrees, a tax court has to resolve the issue.

In the U.S., tax court judges are assigned by the President of the United States. Unlike judges on most other federal courts, who normally serve for life (or until they retire), tax court judges serve terms of 15 years. But, there is no limit to the number of terms that they are permitted to serve. If a tax court judge has been doing his or her job competently, the President will normally re-appoint them whenever their term expires, effectively giving them life tenure.

U.S. tax courts are distinct in that individuals who are not licensed to practice law in Washington, or any other U.S. jurisdiction, are authorized to represent clients before tax court. Non-lawyers who want to practice before the Tax Court do have to take an exam demonstrating that they have a good understanding of tax law. Usually, non-lawyers who practice before the tax courts are experienced accountants. However, licensed attorneys can practice before tax courts without taking the special exam.

Most commonly, a resident of Shoreline, Washington will find themselves in tax court because the relevant tax authority (usually the IRS), suspects that they have not paid all of the taxes that they are required to pay. To initiate a legal action against the taxpayer, the IRS will send them a letter laying out its allegations. Once this is received, the taxpayer has a moderate period of time (about 90 days) to go to the nearest U.S. tax court and respond. If you find yourself in this position, and want to dispute the allegations against you, you MUST file a response in a tax court in a timely manner. If you don't, you can easily lose your right to ever dispute those allegations again.

Do I Need a Shoreline, Washington Tax Attorney?

As mentioned earlier, federal law lets some non-attorneys practice before U.S. Tax Courts. But tax law can be extremely complex, and the practice of this area of law is highly specialized - so much so that most lawyers who practice tax law do not practice in any other field.

So, if you plan on going to tax court, it should go without saying that you should hire a Shoreline, Washington tax attorney. While a non-lawyer admitted to practice before tax court may well give you qualified representation, you will have much stronger recourse against a licensed attorney if they negligently botch your case.

Talk to a Tax Law Attorney now!

Life in Shoreline

Shoreline is located in King County, Washington. Specifically it is north of Downtown Seattle. Per the 2010 census, Shoreline is home to 53,007 people.

Popular sites include Hamlin Park, Kruckeberg Botanic Garden, Shoreline Historical Museum, Shoreline Stadium, Shoreview Park, and Granite Curling Club. Other popular landmarks include the William E. Boeing House and the Ronald Grade School, which is now the Shoreline Historical Museum.

Top employers include the school district and health care system. Although the legal industry is not included in this list, many law offices employ excellent attorneys and legal support staff to help Shoreline's economy and tend to the legal needs of residents.

Overall, Shoreline is a wonderful place to visit. It is also a wonderful place to call home because it offers a community-like feel and small-town humbleness!

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Joel C.
Joel C.

Tax Law

Davidson, TN

Edwin L.
Edwin L.

Tax Law

Fayette, TN

Tax Defense N.
Tax Defense N.

Tax Law

Ohio, TN