Facing the IRS in Scottsdale?
An IRS audit, a large tax debt, or a collection notice is stressful and time-sensitive, and the rules are unforgiving. A Scottsdale tax attorney can handle audits, negotiate settlements, and litigate in U.S. Tax Court. The lawyer you choose — often a former IRS attorney or LL.M. in taxation — shapes both your outcome and your cost.
Choosing a tax lawyer depends on whether you face an audit, a collection action, a tax debt you cannot pay, or a planning question, and on whether the matter is civil or potentially criminal. Below are firms serving Scottsdale and the Phoenix metro that appear consistently across Justia, Avvo, Super Lawyers, Expertise.com, and Martindale-Hubbell, with verifiable tax-controversy focus. Many are led by former IRS trial attorneys or hold an LL.M. in taxation.
How we picked these 10: We reviewed peer rankings (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell), bar recognition and board certifications, and verifiable practice focus across independent directories such as Justia, Avvo, FindLaw, and Expertise.com. Firms that appeared consistently made the list. We do not accept payment for placement, and we do not write sponsored reviews. More on our methodology →
Practice focus: IRS tax controversy, civil and criminal tax litigation, audits, FBAR
A tax-controversy boutique whose attorneys are former IRS lawyers with extensive combined experience. Principal Jason M. Silver is a former IRS trial attorney and an Arizona certified tax-law specialist.
Practice focus: Tax litigation, IRS collections, offers in compromise, innocent-spouse relief, AZ tax
Principal Stephen J. McFarlane is a former IRS trial lawyer with more than 30 years of experience and a J.D. from Boston University School of Law, focusing on tax disputes and resolution.
Practice focus: IRS tax controversy — audits, collections, trust-fund penalties, litigation
Co-founder Derek W. Kaczmarek is a former IRS senior trial attorney with an LL.M. in taxation from NYU, and co-founder David R. Jojola began his career as an IRS trial attorney. The firm holds a 5.0 Avvo rating.
Practice focus: IRS audit defense, settlements, U.S. Tax Court litigation, criminal and international tax
President Tim A. Tarter is a former IRS senior attorney and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney with about 30 years in tax controversy, including leading the trial team in a noted U.S. Tax Court case.
Practice focus: Federal taxation, IRS disputes, tax planning, business formation
Sole practitioner Whitney L. Sorrell, Jr. is a CPA-attorney, an Arizona CPA since 1993 with a J.D. from Arizona State University, holding a 5.0 Avvo rating and nearly three decades of experience.
Practice focus: Tax planning and controversy, with estate planning and business
Attorney Ilene L. McCauley has been a member of the State Bar of Arizona since 1982 and an Arizona Board of Legal Specialization certified tax specialist since 1983, holding an LL.M. in taxation and a top Avvo rating.
Practice focus: Tax, with business, estate planning, and probate
Managing attorney Kevin A. Ganser holds an LL.M. in taxation, is rated Martindale AV Preeminent, and was selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars. He is licensed in Arizona and California.
Practice focus: Tax planning, tax controversy resolution, estate planning
Managing partner Shad M. Brown holds a J.D. and an LL.M. and is a former IRS Office of Chief Counsel attorney who handled civil and criminal tax matters, now serving Scottsdale clients.
Practice focus: IRS collection defense, unfiled returns, penalties, offers in compromise, liens
Founder Michael Anderson has practiced law for roughly 25 years, concentrating on IRS tax-debt resolution and collection defense for individuals and businesses across the Phoenix metro.
Practice focus: IRS and Arizona tax controversy — spouse relief, audit and collection defense, liens
A tax-focused firm founded in 2014 handling federal and Arizona tax disputes, with attorney Stephen Boulton holding a 5.0 Avvo rating, serving Scottsdale and the wider metro.
Tell us about your situation and we'll match you with vetted tax attorneys in Scottsdale. Free, confidential, no obligation.
Request Free Consultation →Match the firm to the problem. A first-time audit or an offer in compromise is efficient work for a focused tax-controversy attorney. A large liability, a trust-fund or payroll-tax assessment, or anything with criminal exposure needs a lawyer with deep IRS experience and, ideally, U.S. Tax Court trial work. Planning and structuring is a different skill that tax-and-estate attorneys handle well.
Ask whether the attorney has worked inside the IRS, holds an LL.M. in taxation, and has litigated in Tax Court. The strongest Scottsdale tax practices tell you early whether your matter is civil or carries criminal risk and chart a realistic path to resolution.
The firms above are a starting point, not a verdict. The right lawyer for you depends on your facts, your budget, and how you want to be treated. Use these five signals to compare them.
Relevant, recent experience. “We handle everything” is a weakness, not a strength. You want a lawyer who works tax matters in Scottsdale week in and week out, not one who takes them occasionally between unrelated matters. Recent, repeated experience with matters like yours is the single best predictor of a good outcome.
Straight talk about your matter. A good lawyer tells you what is strong and what is weak in your situation at the first meeting, not just what you want to hear. If everything sounds easy and the outcome sounds guaranteed, be skeptical — real matters carry real risk, and an honest lawyer names it.
Communication you can live with. Most complaints about lawyers are not about losing — they are about silence. Ask who returns your calls, how fast, and whether you will reach the actual attorney or only a screener. Set that expectation before you sign, because it rarely improves later.
Fees in writing, in plain English. You should leave the first meeting knowing exactly what you will pay, what it covers, and what could cost extra. A clear written fee agreement is a sign of a well-run practice; a vague “don't worry about it” is a sign to keep looking.
Local knowledge. The lawyer who works in Scottsdale regularly knows the local courts, agencies, and how matters tend to resolve, and which outcomes are realistic. That practical knowledge is hard to fake and easy to verify — just ask.
An IRS matter usually starts with a notice — an audit letter, a balance due, or a lien or levy warning. An attorney responds on your behalf, gathers records, and deals with the revenue agent or officer. Many disputes resolve administratively through audit reconsideration, an installment agreement, an offer in compromise, or penalty abatement.
If the matter cannot be settled with the agency, it may proceed to the IRS Office of Appeals or to litigation in the U.S. Tax Court, federal district court, or the Court of Federal Claims. Timelines range from a few months for a collection resolution to a year or more for a contested audit or litigation.
Tax-controversy work is billed hourly or, for defined projects like an offer in compromise or penalty abatement, at a flat fee. Rates reflect the attorney's experience — former IRS lawyers and LL.M.-credentialed specialists command more, but often resolve matters faster.
The cost depends on the complexity and the amount at stake. A straightforward installment agreement is modest; a contested audit or Tax Court case is a larger investment. Ask each firm whether your matter is better handled flat-fee or hourly, and get the engagement terms in writing before you start.
Guaranteed outcomes. No ethical attorney can promise a specific result. If a firm guarantees how your tax matter will end before reviewing your file, walk away.
The disappearing senior lawyer. You meet a name partner at intake, then never speak to them again while a junior runs the file unsupervised. Ask in writing who your day-to-day lawyer will be.
No verifiable track record. “We have handled thousands of matters” is marketing. Real evidence is named results, peer recognition such as Super Lawyers or Best Lawyers, board certification where it exists, and a clean record with the state bar.
Pressure to sign immediately. A reputable firm gives you the engagement letter in writing and time to read it. High-pressure intake is a sign of a volume mill, not a careful practice.
Vague fee terms. “Don't worry about the cost” is a red flag. Every legitimate firm puts the fee, what it covers, and what triggers extra charges in writing.
Most firms on this list offer a consultation. Use it, take notes, and compare at least two firms before you sign.
Former IRS experience helps. Several Scottsdale tax lawyers are former IRS trial attorneys who know how the agency builds and settles cases from the inside.
Civil versus criminal. Most tax matters are civil, but some carry criminal exposure. An early, candid assessment of which you face is the most important thing a tax lawyer does.
Arizona and federal tax. Beyond the IRS, Arizona's transaction privilege (sales) tax and state income tax can be in play, so local knowledge of the Arizona Department of Revenue matters.
If you are dealing with a tax matter in Scottsdale right now, a few moves protect you while you take the time to choose the right lawyer.
Write down the timeline. Put the dates, names, and what was said on paper while it is fresh. Memories fade, and a clear timeline makes your first consultation far more productive.
Save everything. Keep the documents, emails, text messages, and records connected to your situation in one place. The strength of a matter often comes down to what you can show, not just what you can say.
Do not sign or agree to anything under pressure. Whether it is the other side or a fast-talking intake person, you are allowed to say you want to speak with your own lawyer first. A reputable Scottsdale firm respects that; anyone who does not is telling you something.
Book two consultations. Most firms above offer a free or low-cost first meeting. Talk to at least two before you commit, and choose the lawyer who explains your options clearly and answers your questions without rushing you.
Tell us what is going on. We'll match you with vetted Scottsdale firms from the list above. Most respond within one business day.
When you face an audit dispute, a large debt, collection action, or potential criminal exposure. Attorneys provide legal privilege and can litigate; many tax lawyers are also CPAs.
An IRS program that lets qualifying taxpayers settle a tax debt for less than the full amount. A tax attorney can assess whether you qualify and prepare the offer.
Often, yes. An attorney can request collection alternatives, challenge the action, or negotiate a release, depending on your circumstances and how quickly you act.
Work is billed hourly or flat-fee for defined projects like an offer in compromise. Former IRS lawyers and LL.M. specialists charge more but often resolve matters faster.
The IRS reviews your return and supporting records. An attorney can respond to the agent, present documentation, and dispute proposed adjustments through audit reconsideration or appeals.
A federal court where taxpayers can dispute IRS determinations, often without paying the tax first. Several Scottsdale firms have Tax Court trial experience.
Most are civil, but issues like willful evasion or fraud can carry criminal exposure. An early, candid assessment from a tax attorney is essential.
Yes. Installment agreements let you pay over time, and an attorney can negotiate terms or pursue currently-not-collectible status if you cannot pay.
Yes. Arizona's transaction privilege (sales) tax and state income tax can be involved, so local knowledge of the Arizona Department of Revenue helps.
Many do. Use the meeting to learn whether your matter is civil or carries criminal risk and what resolution paths are realistic.
One last thing. Choosing a lawyer is personal. Compare credentials, then call two or three firms before you sign. Ask each one how many matters like yours they have handled in Scottsdale in the last three years. The answer tells you most of what you need to know. — The LawFirmSquare team