Long Beach · CA · Vetted Directory

Top Tax & IRS Lawyers in Long Beach

A Long Beach tax problem can come from four directions at once: the IRS plus three California agencies. The Franchise Tax Board handles state income tax, the CDTFA handles sales and use tax, and the EDD handles payroll tax. A tax lawyer steps in when you owe back taxes, face an audit, or get a lien or levy from any of them. If the IRS sends a notice of deficiency, you generally have 90 days to petition the U.S. Tax Court before the bill is final. Below are vetted Long Beach and Los Angeles County firms that handle IRS and California tax matters.

FTB + IRS
Who You May Owe
90 Days
U.S. Tax Court Deadline
$300-$500/hr
Typical CA Tax Hourly
Free
Many Consults

Updated April 28, 2026

When you need a Long Beach tax lawyer

A CPA can handle routine filings. Bring in a tax lawyer when penalties, agencies, or large balances are involved:

  • You owe back taxes to the IRS or the California FTB and need an installment agreement or offer in compromise.
  • You are being audited, or an agency has filed a lien or levy against your wages, accounts, or property.
  • You received a notice of deficiency and the 90-day Tax Court clock is running.
  • The CDTFA says your business owes sales or use tax, or the EDD is pursuing payroll tax.
  • You are facing a trust fund recovery penalty or unfiled returns.
  • You are worried a tax issue could become criminal, such as alleged fraud or evasion.

California's tax agencies have strong collection powers, and the IRS deadlines are unforgiving. A lawyer, unlike a return preparer, can represent you in Tax Court and protect attorney-client privilege if a matter turns serious.

What tax help costs in Long Beach

Tax representation blends flat-fee phases for audits and settlements with hourly billing for disputes:

$300-$500/hr
Typical CA tax attorney
$3,500-$8,500
Offer in compromise or audit defense
$350-$600/hr
Tax controversy and litigation
Free
Many initial consults

Many firms quote a flat fee for a defined project, such as an offer in compromise or handling an audit through appeals, which makes the cost predictable. Contested tax litigation is billed hourly and depends on whether it settles. Ask whether a CPA on staff can keep costs down on the number work, and get the fee in writing.

How long tax matters take

Timelines depend on which agency and what stage you are in:

  • Installment agreement: often set up within a few weeks once returns are filed.
  • Offer in compromise: typically 6 to 12 months for the IRS, similar for the FTB.
  • Audit through appeals: several months to over a year.
  • U.S. Tax Court petition: must be filed within 90 days of a notice of deficiency.

For a national overview, see our tax and IRS guide, or browse all Long Beach lawyers.

Long Beach firms that handle tax matters

1

Brager Tax Law Group

Long BeachSmall firmIRS disputes, tax litigation

Founder Dennis Brager is a former IRS senior trial attorney and a California State Bar Certified Tax Specialist. The team has over 100 years of combined experience in tax fraud, tax debt, sales tax, and payroll tax matters.

Consultation by appt.Hourly + flat fee
Request Free Consult
2

Tax Lawyers Group, APC

Long BeachSmall firmTax and bankruptcy

A California tax firm with a Long Beach office handling IRS and state tax controversies, offering personalized, responsive representation across tax and bankruptcy matters.

Consultation by appt.Hourly + flat fee
Request Free Consult
3

Kassner and Shirazi Law Group

Long BeachSmall firmIRS levies, audits, appeals

Defends clients against wrongful IRS levies and property seizures and handles offers in compromise, audits, and appeals before the IRS and California agencies.

Consultation by appt.Hourly
Request Free Consult
4

Law Offices of Victor J. Yoo

Long BeachSolo practiceTax and bankruptcy litigation

Attorney Victor J. Yoo brings 32 years of experience in civil and criminal tax cases against the IRS, the California FTB, CDTFA, and EDD, focusing on tax and bankruptcy litigation.

Consultation by appt.Hourly
Request Free Consult

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

Talk to a Long Beach tax lawyer - free.

Tell us briefly what is going on. We route a confidential request to a best-fit Long Beach firm in this directory.

Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Tax & IRS in Long Beach - FAQ

Which agencies can come after me for taxes in Long Beach?
Up to four: the IRS for federal taxes, the California Franchise Tax Board for state income tax, the CDTFA for sales and use tax, and the EDD for payroll tax. Each has its own audit and collection powers, and a tax problem with one can lead to attention from another.
How long do I have to challenge the IRS?
If the IRS mails a notice of deficiency, you generally have 90 days to petition the U.S. Tax Court before the tax becomes final and collection can begin. A lawyer can file the petition and often settle with IRS Appeals before any trial.
How much does a tax attorney cost in Long Beach?
Hourly rates commonly run $300 to $500. Many firms charge a flat fee for a defined project, such as an offer in compromise or audit defense, often $3,500 to $8,500. Tax litigation is billed hourly. Ask for the fee structure in writing before work begins.
Can a tax lawyer stop a wage garnishment or bank levy?
Often, yes. A lawyer can request a collection due process hearing, negotiate an installment agreement or offer in compromise, or show financial hardship to release a levy, with both the IRS and California agencies. The sooner you act after a notice, the more options you have.
Do I need a tax lawyer or a CPA?
A CPA prepares returns and handles routine filings. A tax lawyer is the better choice for audits you expect to dispute, large balances, liens or levies, or anything that could turn criminal, because only a lawyer can represent you in Tax Court and protect attorney-client privilege.

Related on LawFirmSquare