Memphis · TN · Vetted Directory

Top Tax & IRS Lawyers in Memphis

An IRS letter is stressful, but most Memphis tax problems have a defined path out. Tennessee has no state income tax, so for individuals the fight is almost always with the IRS, including audits, appeals, liens, levies, and offers in compromise. Businesses also deal with Tennessee's franchise and excise taxes through the state Department of Revenue. For unresolved federal disputes, the next stop is the U.S. Tax Court, where a lawyer can petition before you pay the full bill. A tax attorney brings attorney-client privilege that a CPA alone cannot, which matters if a problem could turn criminal. Below are vetted Memphis firms that handle tax and IRS matters.

No State Income Tax
Tennessee
U.S. Tax Court
Appeal First
OIC
Offer in Compromise
$200-$500/hr
Attorney Rate

Updated June 7, 2026

When you need a Memphis tax and IRS lawyer

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

  • You are being audited by the IRS, especially if a lot of money is at stake.
  • You owe back taxes and want an installment plan or an offer in compromise.
  • The IRS has filed a lien or levy against your wages, bank account, or property.
  • You run a business and have a Tennessee franchise or excise tax problem.
  • Your situation could become criminal (unfiled returns, unreported income), where privilege matters.

What a Memphis tax and IRS lawyer costs

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

How a Memphis tax and IRS matter moves

  • Review the notice: the lawyer reads the IRS or state letter, confirms deadlines, and pulls your account transcripts.
  • Respond and represent: counsel files a power of attorney so the IRS 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.

Memphis firms that handle tax and IRS matters

1

The Burdette Law Firm

MemphisBoutiquetax, IRS disputes

A Memphis firm focused on tax controversy, representing individuals and businesses before the IRS in audits, appeals, and collections. A fit for clients who want a tax-only practice.

Free ConsultationBoutique
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2

Damiens Law Firm

MemphisSmalltax, IRS resolution

A Memphis-area firm handling IRS resolution work, including offers in compromise, installment agreements, and lien and levy relief. A good option for back-tax and collection problems.

Free ConsultationSmall
Request Free Consult
3

Glankler Brown, PLLC

MemphisMid-sizetax, business

A long-established Memphis firm whose tax lawyers handle disputes, planning, and business tax alongside other practice areas. A reasonable pick for a complex or business tax matter.

Free ConsultationMid-size
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4

Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C.

MemphisLargetax, litigation

A large Memphis-founded firm with a tax group covering controversy, planning, and state and federal disputes. A fit when your tax issue is high-stakes or tied to a business.

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

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Tax & IRS in Memphis — FAQ

I got an IRS notice. Do I really need a lawyer?
Not always. A simple notice you understand may just need a timely reply. Bring in a Memphis tax lawyer when the matter is an audit with real exposure, a lien or levy, an appeal, unfiled returns, or anything that could turn criminal, where attorney-client privilege protects you in ways a CPA cannot.
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 only a fraction of these, so the application must be built carefully. A Memphis tax lawyer can tell you if you qualify, or set up an installment plan instead.
Does Tennessee have a state income tax?
No. Tennessee has no tax on wage income, so for most individuals the only fight is with the IRS. Businesses still face Tennessee's franchise and excise taxes through the state Department of Revenue, which a Memphis tax lawyer can also handle.
Can the IRS take my house or garnish my wages?
The IRS can file liens and levies, including wage garnishment, after notice. A Memphis tax lawyer can often request a collection hold, negotiate an installment agreement or offer in compromise, or challenge a levy through a collection due process appeal. Acting fast matters, because the deadlines are short.
What does a tax lawyer cost in Memphis?
Most Memphis tax lawyers bill $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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