If you find yourself in need of a tax attorney, you’re past the point of messing around. Taxes are serious business, and you can’t afford to hire someone that is incompetent, doesn’t know the law, or isn’t going to be able to help you make the best of the situation. Accordingly, there are some specific things you should look for from a tax attorney, as well as some very specific questions you’ll need to ask during the search process.

Necessary qualifications

The first thing you want to look for in an tax attorney is the appropriate education. A tax attorney must have earned the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, and they also have to be admitted to your state bar. These are the bottom line requirements for practicing law in most states. Beyond that minimum requirement, many tax attorneys may have a LL.M (Master of Laws) degree, with a specialization in taxation. That’s the kind of tax attorney you want to hire, if there is one in your area. You might also consider choosing a lawyer who has a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) credential, if your tax situation is particularly complex.

Experience matters

Ideally, you’ll find a tax attorney who’s been around the block a time or two. You want someone who’s had real-world experience dealing with cases like yours. If the attorney is new to your type of case, they might have a harder time navigating the rough waters of the courts and the legal system.

Get all of the details

On top of the lawyer’s resume you want to as some very specific questions when you’re considering a particular tax attorney. These include:

• Have you been admitted to the state bar?
• What type of law do you specialize in?
• How much is your fee?
• What are all of the possible costs involved in my case?
• Can or will you take my case?
• If you can’t or won’t take my case, can you refer me to an attorney who will?

While you can’t guarantee that your tax attorney will help you win your case, you can maximize your chances by being diligent about the selection process.

A tax attorney is a relatively specialized thing, and not everyone is going to need to talk to one in their lifetimes. That being said, if you’re in a situation when you do need a tax attorney, you want to make sure you have access to one that’s reliable and knowledgeable. Knowing whether or not you need a tax attorney is the first step in finding the right one.

Here are some scenarios in which you might benefit from the advice or services of a tax attorney:

• You’re starting a small business. Getting a business up and running can be relatively simple, from a tax perspective. For example, if you’re starting a computer consulting business, you don’t have a lot of capital investments to make or inventory to purchase. On the other hand, if you’re starting a carpet cleaning service, things might be a little more complex. In any case, an initial consultation with a tax attorney might be valuable.
• You are facing complex tax scenarios. Maybe you’ve taken money from a 401(k), bought a new house, worked some side jobs for cash and even moved from one state to another all within a single tax year. Chances are pretty good you’re going to have a complex tax scenario. A tax attorney can help verify that you’re complying with all of the tax laws, both at the federal level and in the states you’ve resided in.
• You’re being audited. When the IRS sets its sights on you, you need to be ready for whatever comes. A tax attorney can help you to prepare the kinds of evidence you’re going to need in order to face any trouble with the auditing process, as well as appeal any decision that might be made by the IRS in regard to your tax situation.

There are other scenarios in which a tax attorney can be helpful, as well. These are just some of the most common ones that people have come across over the years.

Being in small business means having your tax situation in something of a state of flux. The fact of the matter is that the tax laws are constantly changing. A new administration takes over and tries to implement whatever small business tax agenda it believes in, and suddenly the way you’ve been doing things for the past several years has to be totally reworked. Add in factors like maintaining your unemployment taxes for your employees, and the tax situation for a small business can become quite a mess. It’s no wonder many small businesses consult not only with a bookkeeper or an accountant, but a tax attorney, as well.

Here are a few reasons why you want to make sure your small business has access to a qualified and reputable tax attorney:

• It saves you time. Yes, you might be able to do your homework and learn everything there is to learn about your tax obligations. Or, you could be out there doing the work that your small business needs to be done. By hiring a tax attorney, you free up your time to focus on your business.
• A tax attorney clarifies your reporting responsibilities. What you don’t want to do is get stuck with a huge tax bill and no way to pay it. The government just doesn’t like it when you do that. A tax attorney will help clarify what you need to report, what counts as income, and when.
• State taxes can be more complex. A tax attorney can help identify the obligations of doing business both inside and outside your state.
• Employee taxes are a bear. Even if you’re the only employee, there are complex tax roles at stake here. A tax attorney helps you work your way through this mess.
• A tax attorney protects you from ignorance. The fact of the matter is that the IRS won’t cut you a break just because you say you didn’t know about a particular tax obligation. That’s just not how it works. A tax attorney helps cover your butt so that you know what has to be done and when.

Tax time is very confusing for many people, that is why it is important to have someone that knows what they are doing prepare your taxes for you. If you do your own taxes you may be missing some things that you could be deducting every year. Below are some resource posts all about taxes and some things that you can claim on your taxes that you may have never considered.

1. Tax and Tax Information – A site with all kinds of great tax information, anything you need to know can be found here, including deductions you may not think about.
2. Back-to-School Tax Breaks – Another great site with lots of tax info, here you can find info on back to school tax breaks and the rest of the site has more great info.
3. Tips to Ensure you Didn’t Miss Any Tax Breaks – Follow these steps to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
4. Take Your Tax Deductions! – The more deductions you can claim, the more cash you get back. And who doesn’t like getting a fat tax refund?
5. 3 Things You Might Not Know About Taxes – If you are like most Americans, who are seeking ways to save or earn money any way they can, you might want to look to your tax forms.
6. Taxes: 10 Ways to Get More Money Back – Every year about 46 million people itemize deductions (we think that’s a good idea), garnering some $1 trillion in deductions, the remaining 85 million or so citizens use the standard deductions and (most likely) overpay their taxes.
7. Did You Know This about Your Taxes? – We need every penny we can get: Take full advantage of every write-off you can!
8. A Nice Collection of Posts with Tax Information – This site has some excellent information that can be very helpful when it comes to taxes.
9. Tax Time Considerations for the Independent – Whether you go it alone, or whether you’d prefer to leave your tax matters to an expert, here are some tax time considerations.
10. Donate and Deduct Credit Card Rebates – Got credit card rebate cash piling up in your account but nothing really catches your buying fancy? Then donate the plastic-produced money to your favorite charity.
11. How To Value Your Clothing Donations and Get A Tax Deduction – Not that we all shouldn’t be donating to charities out of the kindness of our hearts, but Uncle Sam has provided us an attractive incentive in the form of tax breaks for charitable contributions.
12. The Most-Overlooked Tax Deductions – The opportunity to make mistakes while doing your taxes is almost unlimited, and missed deductions can be the most costly.
13. Surprising Things That Count as Taxable Income – This post is a little different than the others but I thought it was still worth being included because it has some great info.
14. Reduce your Taxes by Claiming your Capital Loss – For people that invest a lot in stocks there is some great info here about claiming your capital loss.
15. Money Saving Tips and Home Business Tax Deductions – Some great tips for home business owners and things they need to know about taxes.
16. Little Known Tax Deductions That Can Save You Big – When you say “end of the year”, most small business owners think of two things immediately. The *second* is the holidays. The *first* is taxes!
17. Little-Known Business Tax Deductions – Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they may be able to deduct business expenses, even if they are not a business owner.
18. 10 Most Overlooked Real Estate Tax Breaks (PDF) – Every year there are many real estate owners that overlook certain things when it comes to their property and tax deductions, here are 10 of the most overlooked Real Estate tax breaks.
19. 3 Little Known Federal Tax Deductions – 3 more tax deductions that are very often overlooked.
20. Save On Tax With These Commonly Forgotten Deductions – You can save a lot of money when tax time comes by taking the time to carefully look over your financial history for the year, and itemizing all the legitimate deductions you can make.
21. Tax Write-offs : How to Write Off Driving Expenses – Maximize Your Tax Deductions Using The IRS’s Two Business Location Rule.
22. Blogging Tax Deductions: What Can You Write Off? – If you blog for a living or do another internet related job here are some nice tips regarding taxes.
23. 9 Little Known Strategies That Could Legally Save You Thousands In Taxes – Income taxes are the single largest expense you’ll encounter in life, bigger then your home or the cost of getting your kids to college.
24. Research Write-Offs To Reduce Tax Bills – With the economic crisis in full swing, business owners and workers are looking for the most tax deductions and write-offs they can find.
25. 13 Weird Taxes (And Tax Breaks) From Around The World – BillShrink found some of the top financial websites online and found thirteen of the weirdest taxes and tax breaks from around the world.
26. 11 Deductions to Save Big on Your Tax Bill – This post is a couple years old but most is still relevant, always double check on older advice in case things changed, but this is a nice post still.
27. Six Little-Known Tax Tips for Home Buyers – HousingWatch talked to four experts about some of the tax laws and rules related to home purchases that you don’t hear that much about.
28. A Little-Known Tax Benefit: The Gift of Inventory – Tax incentives are available for contributions of inventory for the care of the ill, needy, or infants, but many taxpayers may be unaware of them.
29. How To Make a Federal Income Tax Deduction – Learn more about standard and itemized deductions.
30. Tax Breaks Offer Quick Financial Help in Disasters – If you were a victim of a natural disaster then this is a must read regarding tax breaks and deductions.
31. Tax Benefits for Education – Her are some great links to even more resources on taxes and your education. The whole site has some useful info so it is worth looking around a bit.
32. Are You Eligible for These 5 Tax Breaks? – Here are 5 more tax breaks that you may be eligible for.
33. Deducting Mileage of your Commuting Mileage Expense – How to deduct commuting expenses properly.
34. Tax Information Designers Should Know – A Little-known Deduction for Energy-efficient Commercial Buildings Could Eliminate Your Taxable Income
35. Even More Overlooked Tax Deductions – Some more little known and commonly overlooked tax deductions.
36. Tax Deductions on Mileage for Trips and Charity Work – How do you know if the work you are doing qualifies for a mileage deduction on your taxes?
37. 4 Little Known Small Business Tax Secrets – The small business owner does not have an entire accounting division at his or her disposal to offer tax advice and research the new tax laws each year. Alas, many business owners miss opportunities to save on the taxes they pay.
38. Little Known Secrets To Maximize Your Tax Deduction for Car Donation – Have you decided that it is time to get rid of that old clunker just taking up space in your driveway or garage? Donating an old car as a charitable contribution is a great tax write off that can make a difference between getting a refund or having to pay the IRS come Tax Day.
39. Little-Known Tax Treaties Can Save You Thousands – If you want to find the highest yields available, you have to venture outside the U.S. markets. But there is one pitfall: Many countries withhold some of the dividends paid to foreign investors.
40. Year-End Tax Tips for Independent Contractors and Self-Employed – One of the top priorities for IRS tax collection is targeting independent contractors like you. The government estimates that 85% of the $345 billion tax gap is due to self-employed individuals – freelance professionals and independent contractors who don’t get a 1099 the way large business employees do.
41. Tax Credits for Replacing Windows, Doors, and Skylights – If money seems to be escaping through drafty windows, doors, and skylights, this federal tax credit might make energy-efficient replacements more affordable.

Image Credits: Emery Co Photo

Taxes can be a complex issue and with federal taxes and state taxes to think about; it is important that people keep abreast of the laws that affect them. With taxes on property, sales inheritance and more varying from state to state it can be useful for individuals and businesses to seek advice on tax laws in order to avoid tax penalties, levies and liens.

While tax planning can help avoid unnecessary payments and ensure people and companies are always on top of their taxes wherever they are, getting help from a qualified tax attorney or accountant can ensure there are no mix-ups with tax payments.

1. Property Tax in Alabama A look at the property tax laws in the state of Alabama, help for homeowners looking to sell or those hoping to buy. Overview of property tax laws in the state.
2. Gay Couples Sue Over Alaska Tax Inequality Same sex couples demand fair tax treatment in Alaska. A look at this landmark case.
3. Alaska Cuts Costly Cruise Tax Report on law change reducing per capita tax on cruise line tourists.
4. Navajo Nation Taxes in Arizona An overview of tribal taxes administered by the Navajo nation in Arizona. Includes hotel occupancy, tobacco products and fuel excise rates.
5. Arizona Tax Information Help with individual and corporate tax law in the state of Arizona. Include useful links to tax forms for filing.
6. Asset Protection in Arkansas Advice on tax strategy and asset protection from Arkansas tax lawyers. Includes contact details for the experts.
7. Discharging Tax Debt Through Bankruptcy in California A look at the legal process for Tax Bankruptcy in California. A look at some of the permitted actions from legal experts.
8. Colorado Fights Internet Taxing A look at the reaction to the so called Amazon tax and the effects of Colorado’s internet tax law on the popular associates program.
9. What can a Connecticut Tax Lawyer Help With? A look at the services offered by legal experts for those facing tax issues in Connecticut. Includes returns, planning, audits and more.
10. Is Delaware a Tax Haven? A look at the advantages of incorporating in Delaware. Investigating the option of asset protection in Delaware.
11. Help With Florida Tax Law A look at taxation in Florida and areas where professional assistance could be helpful. Also available in Spanish.
12. Getting Tax Relief in Georgia Advice on this important issue from a former IRS tax attorney in Atlanta. Looking at the option of an “Offer in Compromise”.
13. No inheritance Tax in Hawaii? A look at why Hawaii is exempt from death taxes in 2010. A tax law quirk that means no taxes will be de in Hawaii following bereavements in 2010.
14. Idaho IRS solutions A look at the tax relief options for Idaho residents and businesses. Help from qualified tax attorney.
15. Fixing Illinois Tax Audits Help from professionals. Looking at what steps can be taken in the event of an unfavorable tax audit.
16. How to Minimize Tax Debt in Indiana A look at the legal options with qualified tax attorneys. Includes OIC, abatement of interest penalties and a look at who qualifies for uncollectable status.
17. Iowa Payroll Tax The importance of getting payroll tax right. Examine how an Iowa tax attorney can help with payroll tax issues.
18. How Can a Kansas Tax Lawyer Help? A look at the services offered by a qualified Kansas tax attorney. Dealing with issues from audits to Grand Jury investigations.
19. Help With Kentucky Tax Law A look at the areas where professional help might be useful. From tax planning to IRS disputes.
20. Tax Planning in Louisiana Help for Louisiana-based businesses with all areas of tax planning. Covers everything from new businesses to mergers and acquisitions.
21. Maine Tax Amnesties in 2010 A look at the limited tax amnesties offered in Maine in 2010. Information on who qualifies and how to apply.
22. The Importance of Maryland Lottery Taxes A look the importance of gambling taxes to the state budget in Maryland. One Baltimore tax lawyer’s viewpoint.
23. Tax Appeals in Massachusetts Who can appeal an IRS decision and how do they go about it? Advice from a Boston tax attorney.
24. Tax Levies and Liens in Michigan Avoiding loss as a result of these IRS actions. Help and advice from a Brighton-based tax attorney.
25. Minnesota Tax Questions Answered Responses to some common questions from Minnesota tax attorneys. Looks at fraud, tax evasion and more.
26. Mississippi Tax Sale Statuses An overview of property tax sales and tax liens in the state of Mississippi from Gulfport tax lawyers Fortenberry PLLC.
27. Missouri Tax Assistance Qualified tax attorney offering help with issues from delinquency to deficiency and more. Help with Missouri tax planning.
28. Pro-active Tax Planning in Montana A look at how individuals and businesses can ensure they stay on top of Montana tax requirements. Advice from Montana tax attorneys.
29. Tax and Self Employment in Nebraska A look at tax law affecting self employed people in Nebraska. Explains tax levels and legal requirements.
30. Nevada Probate Attorney Advice How to Reduce the Taxable Estate. Leaving less behind means less can be claimed in taxes, explains one Nevada expert.
31. New Hampshire has Lowest Tax Levels An economist looks at New Hampshire’s low’s tax burden on residents. Examines the lack of sales tax and other issues.
32. New Jersey Tax Liens and Seizure An explanation of tax liens and seizures in New Jersey. With advice on how to avoid these issues from an NJ tax attorney.
33. Filmmakers Offered 25% Tax Rebate in New Mexico A look at incentive offered to studios to shoot in New Mexico including a generous 25% tax rebate.
34. Individual Tax Issues in New York Some common problems and possible solutions explained by New York Tax Lawyers. Includes OICs, due diligence and filing.
35. North Carolina Tax Problems? Some suggested solutions from NC tax lawyers Hartsoe and Associates. Includes back taxes, failure to file and levies and liens.
36. Wind Power Tax Exemptions in North Dakota A look at the tax incentives to opt for renewable energy in North Dakota. Including income tax credit and property tax reduction or exemption.
37. Corporate Tax Planning in Ohio Advice for businesses to reduce tax burden while increasing cash flow. From Cincinnati tax planning law firm Robison.
38. Tax Law Help in Oklahoma Professional advice from Tulsa based tax lawyers. Help with issues from delinquency to innocent spouse status.
39. Changes to Oregon Tax Law Outlining some important changes to taxation in Oregon and how it will affect businesses and individuals.
40. Inheritance Tax Law in Pennsylvania Explanation of marital exemption under Pennsylvania inheritance tax law. Looking at the impact of changes to Pennsylvania tax law.
41. Rhode Island Instrumental in Amazon Tax Introduction A look at the role of RI in the implementation of controversial internet taxation.
42. The Impact of Taxation on the Cost of Living in SC A breakdown of South Carolina taxes and their impact on the average household. Looking at everything from income tax to motor fuel tax.
43. Help with South Dakota Tax Law Profile of a Sioux Falls tax law firm offering help with a range of tax issues.
44. Tennessee Tax Counseling Business and Personal Tax consulting in Tennessee. Help solving existing problems or with pro-active tax planning.
45. Texas Debt Cancellation Consequences A look at the impact on tax of debt cancellation for Texas residents. Interesting blog entry from Texas law experts Lippincott.
46. Calculating Depletion for Tax Purposes in Utah Looking at percentage depletion and cost depletion which method is right for what businesses. Advice from Utah tax attorney Paul Jones.
47. Vermont Real Estate Taxes Comprehensive look at property tax laws in Vermont. Covering everything from land gains to homesteads.
48. Problems With Virginia Tax Law A consumers complaints against tax regulations in the state of Virginia. What is wrong with the tax system in Virginia?
49. New Tax Laws in Washington State A look at 30 new rules and regulations affecting those living and trading in Washington state.
50. West Virginia Tax Bills Passed in 2010 A look at changes to West Virginia Tax law in 2010. Overview from WV tax lawyers Spilman, Thomas and Battle.
51. Find Help With Wisconsin Tax Audits How can an attorney help businesses or individual facing a tax audit in the state of Wisconsin? Answers from Milwaukee tax law experts.
52. Tax Benefits of Incorporating in Wyoming Information for businesses. Wyoming offers a positive tax situation for investors.

Image Credits: perpetualplum

Tax season is a very stressful time for individuals, families, and businesses alike.  Not everyone can afford to have their own personal accountant, nor the services of commercial tax professionals. If everyone could afford it I am sure many more people would have someone to personally handle all of their finances so they don’t have to deal with the stress. The following is a list of blogs that offer great advice about taxes to aid those who are do-it-yourselfers or have unique circumstances that can dramatically impact their tax situations.

1. The Hive – This blog lists helpful resources that offer advice for taxes with special preference to estimated quarterly taxes for small businesses
2. ArticleDirectoryProject – This is a helpful checklist with tips and advice about taxes, what to look for and how to prepare them.
3. Tax Resolution University – This is an interview with the blog creator with advice about taxes including information on back taxes, delinquent taxes and filing, and offers in compromise.
4. The Storque – This community blog offers the top ten tips giving advice for taxes to those who own their own businesses.
5. Small Business Consultant Blog – Small businesses can find ideas and tips about tax planning and advice about taxes in general here.
6. Million Dollar Blog – This blog features advice about tax professionals and what kinds of people may benefit from hiring one to prepare and file their taxes.
7. Tips Catalog – This blog provides advice about taxes that are unfiled and handling back taxes.
8. IXGW – This blog post gives advice about reducing the amount of taxes that you pay through a few simple steps.
9. PRLog – The advice about taxes and information in this blog aids readers in using government tax breaks to avoid bankruptcy and foreclosure.
10. Killer IRS – This blog is written by tax professionals and gives advice about taxes filed jointly and chapter 11 bankruptcy.
11. Tax Policy Center – This blog hosts a variety of topics about taxes including advice on marriage penalties and filing single or jointly.
12. The Tax Rascal – A blog that has advice about tax withholdings, what to do if you do not receive a W-2, and who should file.
13. Uncle Fed’s Tax Board – A blog that offers tax advice  on getting audited and proper documentation.
14. Frederick W. Daily III – In this blog, the writer is a tax professional giving advice about taxes that the IRS may deem fraudulent or worthy of an investigation.
15. Clever Dude – This blog offers advice about filing taxes on time and what to do if you can’t make the tax deadline.
16. Financial Elite – This blog gives some great advice about tax refunds and how to make them work for you long-term.
17. Tax.com Info Center -  This blog gives advice about taxes in several topic areas including how to understand and pay payroll taxes.
18. Our Taxing Times – A blog that offers tax advice for small businesses from a small business owner’s point of view.
19. Tax Mama – This blog offers a wealth of advice about taxes and tax benefits for job seekers.
20. Don’t Mess With Taxes – This blog gives advice to readers about tax filing tips that can save them time and money by filing early.
21. Taxgirl – This informational blog answers readers’ questions and give advice about taxes and tax deductible charitable contributions.
22. Consumerism Commentary – This blog offers last minute advice about filing taxes in a timely fashion.
23. Kiplinger – This popular blog offers tax saving tips and advice about different types of tax credits.
24. Mint – First time homebuyers will find this blog’s advice about tax tips and withholdings very interesting.
25. Generation X Finance – This blog is a resource for advice about correctly filing taxes and avoiding problems with the IRS.
26. Bargaineering – In this blog, the writer offers advice about red flags the IRS will look for when auditing taxes.
27. WalletPop – A blog that gives step by step advice about tax reduction to help readers pay less out of pocket.
28. PFHub – This blog lists what they call the top rated advice about taxes for new business owners.
29. Internet-9 – This blog offers advice about filing taxes online and what the process entails.
30. Disabled Blog – Get Real is a blog that gives great advice about taxes and specifically for disabled persons.
31. Smart Money – This long standing blog gives advice about taxes on personal injury and other types of financial awards.
32. Brokelyn – This blog features last minute tax advice for those who procrastinate on the tax deadline.
33. The Tax Lady – This blog is written by a tax attorney and gives advice about taxing casualty and theft losses.
34. How To Invest Today – This tax advice blog teaches readers about increasing deductions and decreasing payments.
35. Tax Law Community – This blog gives state specific tax advice for energy efficiency tax credits.
36. Helpnets – This blog gives advice on finding and working with a tax professional to relieve your tax debt.
37. WebTax Center – A top ten tax tips blog that gives advice about taxes, maximizing deductions, and tuition taxes.
38. Bankrate – This blog gives advice about tax record keeping and what you should know about what to keep and what to throw away.
39. MarketWatch – This blog advises readers about the types of tax breaks you can get without itemizing your deductions.
40. Trader Status – This blog gives advice about taxes and deductions for those who trade in the stock market.
41. Suite101 – This blog gives advice about taxes for Americans that are working overseas.
42. Writer’s Digest – This blog gives advice for tax filing for people who are self-employed, writers, and freelance.
43. Tax Practice – This blog gives monthly tax advices about planning, deductions, tax rates, and estate tax.
44. Music Biz Academy – This blog offers advice on filing taxes for those employed as musicians and how to prove their deductions.
45. Financial Web – This financial blog offers advice about tax software, record keeping, and keeping the IRS from auditing your small business.
46. Smead Organomics – This blog offers advice about making tax time less stressful for yourself through quick and easy suggestions.
47. AllBusiness – This is a blog that offers advice about taxes for corporate businesses and partnerships.
48. Tax Secrets of the Wealthy – This blog gives advice about estate planning, taxes, and how to keep your earnings your own.
49. Tax Planner CPA – This is a professional service blog that gives free advice about tax deductions for expatriate American citizens.
50. Entrepreneur – This is a popular blog that gives advice about tax write-offs that could raise IRS red flags.

Image Credits: davidreber

Unpaid taxes can wreak havoc on your financial life. Levies, garnishments and even jail time are all ways you could be affected by taxes. Paying your taxes on time is the best option. Sometimes you are unable to pay and there are options out there for you. Looking into those different options can save you much needed money and wasted time. Here are a few sites and blogs to help you learn the different terms and options out there for tax debt help. You will find some terms here also to help you understand what the tax forms are talking about. You are not alone and there are people out there to help deal with this situation.

1. Relief Read here about a few people who have dealt with their tax debt and see how they were able to get it down.
2. Help Look here to find help in getting relief from your tax debt.
3. Questions You can go here to read about different aspects of federal tax debt and also about others going through similar circumstances as you may be.
4. Tax Liens Learn here how to release those tax liens and pay off the debt.
5. Tax Changes Read here to learn about some of the tax changes being made.
6. Terms Here one tax professional helps you to understand some of the terms used when referring to your tax debt.
7. Tax Lien Learn what a tax lien is here and also what you can do about it.
8. Bankruptcy Learn whether bankruptcy gets rid of your tax debt.
9. Pay down the Debt One bloggers talks about paying down your debt.
10. Big Businesses Learn how they are using over seas havens to keep from paying higher taxes.
11. Inflation One blogger writes about inflation being a hidden tax increase.
12. Finding help Look here to finding help on getting relief from your tax debt.
13. Success Stories Look at one company’s success at helping those who have huge debt amounts get those paid off.
14. Tax problems Learn here what some of the tax problems are and how to get some help if you are facing one of these.
15. Hype? Find out if getting your debt cut in half or lowered is really possible of if it is just hype by tax debt lawyers.
16. Guide Look here to find a guide to many questions asked about federal tax debt.
17. 7 Solutions Here one lawyer talks about seven ways to repay your tax debt.
18. Compromise Solution Learn here about the IRS compromise solution and what that means for you.
19. Selecting a professional Here are some tips when looking at choosing someone to help you get rid of your federal tax debt.
20. Making payments Self employed people can read here to learn how to make those tax payments to avoid huge amounts owed to the IRS.
21. Serious Problem Learn how federal tax liens are a very serious problem.
22. Tax help Learn some tips on how to deal with your tax debt here.
23. Blog Read here to find out all sorts of help and tips on dealing with your tax debt.
24. Home Foreclosure Learn what happens to your taxes if your home is foreclosed on.
25. Installation agreement Learn whether this will help to remove your IRS lien.
26. Debt Crisis One blogger’s look at the federal debt crisis we are in.
27. Debt negotiation Tax bills are one you can’t resolve through negotiation.
28. Trouble If you are having trouble paying your installation agreement, there are some helpful tips here.
29. Offer In Compromise Find out what this option is and why it is a popular choice.
30. FAQ On Relief Here are some FAQ when people are looking at dealing with their tax debt.
31. Deed In Lieu Income tax may be imposed on deed in lieu or short sales of your home.
32. Nicolas Cage He has some huge tax debt issues right now.
33. Federal Lien Find out here what a notice of federal lien is.
34. Federal Tax On State Income Learn here why you have to pay federal tax on your state income tax refund.
35. Four Steps One person shares four steps to relieving your tax debt.
36. FAQ On Tax Relief Here one person helps to answer the FAQ on tax relief and how to find it.
37. Top Tax Scams Read here to find out the latest tax scams and how to avoid them.
38. Unfiled Taxes Learn important facts on unfiled taxes.
39. Questions Learn the answers to questions like if you will be able to qualify for a relief program or will you be able to make tax debt payments.
40. New IRS Program Learn about the new program put out by the IRS to help with tax debt.
41. Information Here you will find some great information on staying away from scams and also retaining your property if you are going through tax problems.
42. Mortgage Relief Learn information on the mortgage relief act and what that means for your taxes.
43. Audited Read here to see what one company says about being audited.
44. Getting Started Learn where to start with unpaid and back taxes.
45. Tax Lien Help Look here to learn about help for dealing with tax liens and more.
46. Bank Levy Learn what a bank levy is and how to handle it.
47. Negotiating Read this blog on how to negotiate your tax settlement.
48. Tax Levy Learn about levies and ways to handle them.
49. Stories Here from people who have been able to get their tax debts paid.
50. Different Options Learn a few ways to handle and get rid of your tax debt.

If you adopt a child, you may be eligible for the Adoption Tax Credit.

What is the Adoption Tax Credit?

The Adoption Tax Credit is available to parents who have incurred qualifying expenses in the adoption of a child.

Do all adoptions qualify for the Adoption Tax Credit?

In order to claim the Adoption Tax Credit, expenses must have been incurred for the adoption an eligible child. An eligible child must meet the following requirements:

• Has not reached the age of majority (18) or cannot care for himself, either physically or mentally.
• Must be a United States citizen or resident, unless the adoption has become final.

If a child has special needs, you may be able to claim more qualified expenses toward the credit.

Additionally, note that the credit is phased out as adjusted gross income level rises.

What expenses qualify under the Adoption Tax Credit?

The types of expenses that usually qualify for the Adoption Tax Credit include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Adoption fees
• Attorney fees
• Court costs
• Travel, food, lodging expenses
• Other expenses directly related to the adoption

Any expenses that have been reimbursed do not qualify for the credit; that said, if your employer reimbursed you for any adoption-related costs, you may be able to exclude that amount from your gross income.

When can I take the Adoption Tax Credit?

Usually the credit is claimed in the year following the one in which expenses were paid; however, if expenses were paid and the adoption becomes final in the current year, it is possible that the credit may be allowed in the current year. Whether you may take the credit in the current tax year or the year following the one in which expenses were paid depends on your precise situation, so it is advisable to consult with a tax attorney or other tax professional on this.

Are there monetary limits on the Adoption Tax Credit?

Yes, and they change with some frequency. You can stay up to date on this issue by reading IRS Tax Topic 607: Adoption Credit.

How do I take the Adoption Tax Credit?

You will need Form 8839 (PDF), Qualified Adoption Expenses, to attach to your Form 1040 or 1040A.

As always, it is best to consult with an experienced tax attorney or other tax professional regarding your personal, unique circumstances.