Hartford · CT · Vetted Directory

Top Tax & IRS Lawyers in Hartford

An IRS letter or a Connecticut tax bill is stressful, but most Hartford tax problems have a defined path out. Tax lawyers here handle two tracks: federal matters with the IRS, including audits, appeals, liens, levies, and offers in compromise, and state matters with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS). For unresolved federal disputes, the next stop is the U.S. Tax Court, where a lawyer can petition without you first paying the full bill. A tax attorney also brings attorney-client privilege, which a CPA alone cannot, important if the problem could turn criminal. Below are vetted Hartford firms that represent individuals and businesses in tax disputes.

IRS + DRS
Federal & State
U.S. Tax Court
Appeal Without Paying First
OIC
Offer in Compromise
$200-$500/hr
Attorney Rate

Updated May 29, 2026

When you need a Hartford tax lawyer

A simple notice you understand may only need a quick reply. You should talk to a Hartford tax lawyer when:

  • You are being audited by the IRS or the Connecticut DRS, especially if a lot of money is at stake.
  • You owe back taxes and want to negotiate an installment plan or an offer in compromise.
  • The IRS has filed a lien or levy against your wages, bank account, or property.
  • You disagree with a tax assessment and need to appeal or petition the U.S. Tax Court.
  • Your situation could become criminal (unfiled returns, unreported income), where attorney-client privilege matters.

What a Hartford tax lawyer costs

Hartford tax lawyers usually bill hourly, with some flat fees for a defined project like an offer in compromise or a single audit. The right resolution, an installment plan, a penalty abatement, or a reduced offer, often saves far more than the fee.

$200-$500/hr
Typical attorney rate
$2,500-$7,500
Offer in compromise project
$1,500-$5,000
Audit representation
Varies
Penalty abatement outcomes

Because a successful resolution can cut a tax bill or stop a levy, a Hartford tax lawyer is often worth far more than the fee, but ask for an estimate up front. For the national picture, see our tax and IRS guide, or browse all Hartford lawyers.

How a Hartford tax dispute moves

  • Review the notice: the lawyer reads the IRS or DRS letter, confirms deadlines, and pulls your account transcripts.
  • Respond and represent: counsel files a power of attorney so the IRS or DRS deals with the lawyer, not you.
  • Negotiate: pursue an installment agreement, offer in compromise, penalty abatement, or audit resolution.
  • Appeal: if you disagree, go to IRS Appeals or petition the U.S. Tax Court before the deadline runs.
  • Resolve: settle the liability, release liens or levies, and set up a plan to stay compliant going forward.

Hartford firms that handle tax and IRS matters

1

Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.

HartfordMid-sizetax, IRS, business

A Hartford firm with over six decades serving the area, representing clients before the IRS and the Connecticut DRS in audits, appeals, and disputes. A strong choice for a complex federal or state tax matter.

Free ConsultationMid-size
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2

Juliano & Marks, LLC

HartfordBoutiquetax, IRS

A Hartford firm handling civil and criminal tax matters with the IRS and the Connecticut DRS, plus tax planning, led by partner James P. Juliano. A fit for clients whose tax issue could turn serious.

Free ConsultationBoutique
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3

Shipman & Goodwin LLP

HartfordLargetax, litigation

A large multi-practice Hartford firm whose lawyers represent individuals and businesses in tax audits, appeals, and litigation at the state and federal level. A reasonable pick for a high-stakes or business tax dispute.

Free ConsultationLarge
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4

Thorn Law Group

HartfordBoutiqueIRS, tax disputes

A tax-focused firm serving Hartford with experience in IRS and Connecticut tax matters and disputes. A good option for clients who want a practice concentrated on tax controversy.

Free ConsultationBoutique
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See the full ranked write-up in our Top 10 tax & IRS lawyers in Hartford guide. Firm details are gathered from public sources; ratings not shown are not yet aggregated.

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Tax & IRS in Hartford — FAQ

When should I hire a tax lawyer instead of a CPA?
Hire a tax lawyer when the matter is a dispute or could turn criminal, an audit with big exposure, a lien or levy, an appeal, unfiled returns, or unreported income. A lawyer brings attorney-client privilege that a CPA does not, which protects your communications if the IRS gets aggressive.
Can I settle my IRS debt for less than I owe?
Sometimes, through an offer in compromise, if you can show you cannot pay the full amount. The IRS accepts a fraction of these, so the application has to be done carefully. A Hartford tax lawyer can tell you if you qualify and build the offer, or set up an installment plan instead.
What is the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services?
The DRS is Connecticut's state tax agency, the state counterpart to the IRS. It handles state income, sales, and business taxes, including audits and collections. Hartford tax lawyers represent clients before both the DRS and the IRS, since a problem with one often touches the other.
The IRS is garnishing my wages, can a lawyer stop it?
Often, yes. A tax lawyer can request a collection hold, negotiate an installment agreement or offer in compromise, or challenge the levy through a collection due process appeal. Acting fast matters, because deadlines to appeal a levy are short.
What does a tax lawyer cost in Hartford?
Most Hartford tax lawyers bill hourly, commonly $200 to $500 an hour, with flat fees for defined projects like an offer in compromise or a single audit. Because a good resolution can cut the bill or stop collection, the fee is often a fraction of what you save.

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