Tax Law Attorneys in Pasadena

Tax planning is an important part of operating a business, managing investments, and making significant financial decisions. The tax treatment of income, deductions, transactions, and business activities can vary depending on the taxpayer's circumstances, entity structure, residency, and the nature of the transaction. California's Revenue and Taxation Code establishes the state's framework for personal income taxes, corporate taxes, and the administration of tax obligations. California Revenue and Taxation Code — Personal Income Tax California Revenue and Taxation Code — Corporation Tax Law

Our tax attorneys help individuals and businesses understand their tax obligations and evaluate the legal implications of important financial and business decisions. We work to identify potential tax issues before they become disputes and help clients develop practical strategies for addressing their tax needs.

Businesses may be subject to different federal, state, and local tax obligations depending on their entity type, activities, income, and presence in different jurisdictions. California's Corporation Tax Law governs taxation of many corporations and other entities, while Revenue and Taxation Code § 23101 establishes when a taxpayer is considered to be "doing business" in California for purposes of the state's corporation franchise tax. California Revenue and Taxation Code § 23101 — Doing Business in California

Our business tax lawyers advise companies on California tax issues affecting their operations, entity structure, income, and transactions. We help business owners understand applicable tax requirements and evaluate potential issues that may arise as their companies grow, restructure, or expand into new markets.

California imposes income taxes on individuals and businesses subject to the state's tax laws. For example, Revenue and Taxation Code § 17041 establishes California's personal income tax rates for residents and certain other taxpayers, while separate provisions govern the taxation of corporations and other business entities. California Revenue and Taxation Code § 17041 — Personal Income Tax

Our tax attorneys help individuals and business owners evaluate California income tax issues and understand how state tax rules may apply to their particular circumstances. We can assist with tax planning, compliance questions, and disputes involving California income tax obligations.

The choice of business entity can have significant tax consequences. Corporations, LLCs, Partnerships, and other business structures may be subject to different federal and California tax rules. California's Corporation Tax Law contains provisions governing the taxation of corporations and certain entities, including rules concerning California-source income and the apportionment of income from business activities conducted inside and outside the state. Revenue and Taxation Code § 25121 provides that taxpayers with business income taxable both within and outside California must allocate and apportion their net income according to California law. California Revenue and Taxation Code § 25121 — Allocation and Apportionment of Income

Our corporate tax counsel helps business owners evaluate the tax implications of their entity structure and business activities. We can work with clients to identify potential tax considerations when forming, restructuring, expanding, or otherwise changing a business.

Businesses that operate in multiple states may need to determine how income should be allocated or apportioned among different jurisdictions. California's Uniform Division of Income for Tax Purposes Act establishes rules for allocating and apportioning income when a taxpayer conducts business both inside and outside California. Revenue and Taxation Code § 25101 addresses income derived from or attributable to sources both within and outside California, while § 25120 defines important terms used in California's income allocation rules. California Revenue and Taxation Code § 25101 — Allocation and Apportionment California Revenue and Taxation Code § 25120 — Definitions

Our tax lawyers advise businesses with operations, sales, property, or other business activities extending beyond California. We help clients evaluate potential California tax obligations and understand how state allocation and apportionment rules may affect their businesses.

California tax law requires taxpayers to file various returns, declarations, statements, and other documents depending on their circumstances. Revenue and Taxation Code § 18621 establishes requirements concerning returns and other documents required under California's personal income tax and corporation tax laws and provides that required filings generally must contain a declaration made under penalty of perjury. California Revenue and Taxation Code § 18621 — Tax Returns and Other Documents

Our tax counsel helps clients understand their filing obligations and address 

questions or problems involving tax returns and other required filings. When a filing issue has developed into a dispute with a taxing authority, we can also help evaluate the available options for resolving the matter.

A tax audit or examination can require a taxpayer to provide financial records, documentation, explanations, and other information to a taxing authority. California's Revenue and Taxation Code provides the Franchise Tax Board with authority to examine tax returns and determine whether additional tax, penalties, or other amounts are owed.

Our tax attorneys represent individuals and businesses facing California tax audits and examinations. We help clients understand the issues being examined, respond to requests for information, evaluate proposed adjustments, and protect their interests throughout the examination process.

A disagreement with a taxing authority can involve the amount of tax owed, the characterization of income or deductions, penalties, filing requirements, or other issues. California law provides administrative procedures through which taxpayers can challenge certain tax determinations and pursue available appeals or other remedies.

Our tax lawyers represent clients in disputes involving California tax liabilities and assessments. We evaluate the government's position, review the underlying records and applicable law, and work toward a resolution through administrative procedures, negotiation, or litigation when appropriate.

Tax assessments can become significantly more costly when penalties and interest are added to an underlying tax liability. California law provides for various penalties and additions to tax depending on the nature of the taxpayer's circumstances. For example, Revenue and Taxation Code § 19136 addresses additions to tax for underpayment of estimated income tax, while other provisions establish penalties for different types of noncompliance. California Revenue and Taxation Code § 19136 — Underpayment of Estimated Tax

Our tax attorneys help clients evaluate tax assessments, penalties, and interest and determine whether there are grounds to challenge or reduce the amounts being asserted. We review the underlying tax issues and available administrative remedies and help clients determine an appropriate strategy for resolving the matter.

Tax liabilities that remain unpaid can result in collection activity by the taxing authority. California law gives the Franchise Tax Board various collection tools, including the ability to issue notices requiring certain parties to withhold property or financial assets to satisfy delinquent tax liabilities. California Revenue and Taxation Code § 18670 — Collection by Withholding

Our tax counsel helps individuals and businesses address California tax debts and collection matters. We evaluate the underlying liability, review the available options for resolving the debt, and help clients respond to collection actions when appropriate.

Buying or selling a business can create significant tax consequences for both the buyer and seller. The structure of the transaction, the assets or interests being transferred, the allocation of purchase consideration, and the parties' tax circumstances can all affect the resulting tax treatment.

Our business and tax attorneys help clients evaluate tax considerations associated with business acquisitions, sales, mergers, and other significant transactions. We work with clients and their other professional advisors to identify potential tax issues and incorporate appropriate considerations into the transaction structure and documentation.

Changes to a business's ownership or legal structure can create tax consequences that should be evaluated before the restructuring takes place. A conversion, merger, acquisition, dissolution, or other reorganization may affect the company's tax obligations as well as those of its owners.

Our tax attorneys advise business owners on tax issues that may arise when restructuring a company. We help clients evaluate the potential consequences of proposed changes and coordinate tax considerations with the broader legal and business objectives of the restructuring.

Closing a business does not necessarily end its tax obligations. A business that ceases operations may still have final filing requirements and other responsibilities to address with state and federal taxing authorities. California Revenue and Taxation Code § 23332 addresses certain franchise tax consequences associated with the dissolution or withdrawal of corporations and establishes requirements for avoiding the minimum franchise tax in qualifying circumstances. California Revenue and Taxation Code § 23332 — Dissolution and Final Franchise Tax Requirements

Our tax lawyers help business owners address the tax consequences of closing or dissolving a company. We can help identify outstanding tax obligations, address final filing requirements, and coordinate tax considerations with the broader business dissolution process.

Tax considerations can affect decisions involving investments, business transactions, compensation, ownership changes, and other significant financial events. Effective planning involves understanding the applicable tax rules before a transaction or decision takes place rather than addressing unexpected consequences afterward.

Our tax counsel works with individuals and business owners to identify potential tax considerations before important financial or business decisions are made. We provide practical legal guidance designed to help clients understand their options and make informed decisions within the requirements of applicable tax law.

Yes. A tax attorney can represent individuals and businesses throughout the IRS audit process, communicate with the IRS on your behalf, help gather and organize supporting documentation, and protect your legal rights at every stage. Professional representation often leads to a more efficient and favorable resolution than handling an audit alone.

Contact us if you've received an audit notice so we can begin protecting your interests right away.

If you receive an IRS audit notice, review it carefully and don't let the response deadline pass. Begin gathering the requested records, and consider consulting a tax attorney before communicating directly with the IRS — early legal guidance can help you understand your rights and avoid statements or missteps that could complicate your case.

Contact us as soon as you receive a notice so we can help you respond effectively.

Depending on your circumstances, a tax attorney may be able to help you pursue available resolution options, negotiate with taxing authorities, or identify programs that could reduce the amount you owe. Every case is unique, and eligibility depends on factors such as your financial situation and the nature of your tax liability.

Contact us for a review of your situation and the relief options that may be available to you.

If you owe back taxes, the IRS may assess penalties and interest and pursue collection efforts if the balance remains unpaid. Depending on your circumstances, you may have options such as installment agreements, settlement programs, or other forms of tax relief. Our attorneys can help you evaluate the options available and choose the path that best protects your finances.

Contact us before the situation escalates.

In some situations, yes. A tax attorney may be able to work with the IRS or state taxing authorities to seek a temporary halt to collection actions, negotiate a payment arrangement, or pursue another resolution addressing the underlying tax debt. The right strategy depends on the specific facts of your case.

Contact us right away if you're facing garnishment or a levy — timing matters.

Some taxpayers may qualify for programs that allow tax debt to be resolved for less than the full balance owed, with eligibility depending on factors such as income, assets, expenses, and your overall ability to pay. Our attorneys can review your financial circumstances and determine whether you may qualify for available relief options.

Contact us to find out where you stand.

An Offer in Compromise is an IRS program that allows certain taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed, provided specific eligibility requirements are met. Qualification depends on factors such as income, expenses, assets, and ability to pay. Our attorneys can evaluate whether this option may be appropriate for your situation.

Contact us to discuss whether an Offer in Compromise could work for you.

In some cases, taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief or other forms of administrative relief offered by the IRS or state taxing authorities. Whether penalties or interest can be reduced depends on the specific facts of your case and applicable tax law. Our attorneys can assess your eligibility and assist with the appropriate requests.

Contact us to see if you qualify for relief.

Taxpayers have important rights when dealing with the IRS, including the right to professional representation, the right to be informed, the right to challenge the IRS's position, and the right to appeal certain decisions. Understanding and asserting these rights can significantly affect the outcome of your case.

Contact us before responding to the IRS so we can help protect your rights from the start.

The timeline for resolving a tax matter varies depending on the complexity of the issue, the type of tax problem involved, the responsiveness of the taxing authority, and the resolution option being pursued. Some matters resolve within a few months, while more complex cases may take longer.

Contact us for a realistic assessment of the timeline for your specific situation.