Best Tax Lawyer in Alaska

Christy Lee

Tax Audit Lawyer

Christy’s convictions concerning all things tax stem from her childhood years when her life was completely disrupted. At nine years of age, while playing an intense game of Monopoly with her four siblings and parents, Christy answered her front door, and two IRS agents invited themselves into her living room. There, without much introduction or explanation, they proceeded to threaten to levy and to auction all of her family’s possessions for unpaid taxes.

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Lacking sound legal advice about the devastating mess they found themselves in, Christy’s parents then agreed to pay not just 100% of all the debt the IRS assessed against the company, but all interest and penalties as well. Throughout the next 4 long years, the family strictly adhered to an installment agreement. But in the end, Christy’s parents were forced to sell their home, so that all proceeds could be applied to the IRS debt, whose steadily accruing penalties and interest meant that the principal never disappeared. The family moved out of state to start over, leaving behind the company Christy’s parents had worked so hard to build and life as Christy had always known it.

Even then, the repercussions of not thoroughly understanding the tax code haunted the family. All totaled, the final amount Christy’s parents paid to the IRS was approximately double the original amount owed. Christy remains convinced that the outcome for her entire family would have been very different if her parents had had a passionate, skilled tax attorney on their side.

This certainty about the value of knowing one’s rights as a taxpayer would eventually launch Christy on her path toward sitting for the Texas and Alaska Bars. However, Christy did not form this goal consciously and concretely for many years following the family’s move, perhaps because, as her parents had been, Christy was fairly unaware that tax lawyers even existed, much less that they could offer extreme relief to stressed families. Christy went on to get her high school diploma at St. Thomas Aquinas and to major in Sociology at the University of Texas at Austin. Later, at the University of Edinburgh, College of Medicine, she earned a Master of Science in Public Health. For years, she then worked in Texas as a Guardianship Specialist/Investigator with Adult Protective Services.

But despite these endeavors, Christy remained privately haunted by the fear and intimidation she had experienced as a child at the hands of the IRS agents. And, now older and much more conscious of her rights as a taxpayer, she returned to school once again, this time earning a Juris Doctor at Texas Tech University School of Law and a Master of Laws in Taxation at the University of Florida – Levin College of Law.

After working for a couple of years at a local law firm in Anchorage, Christy realized that her clients would benefit from a highly individualized approach. Christy then opened her own practice, first in Anchorage, then in Texas, bringing to her clients’ complicated issues a professional, but fresh and personable attitude toward conflict tax resolution.

Christy’s practice quickly evolved into a full-service tax boutique that assists clients from all over the United States with their tax-related issues.

When Christy is not busy researching and solving legal matters and training the assistant office manager, Toby, you might track her down while she is obsessively following tennis matches, dreaming about mushing dogs in the Iditarod, and noshing on eggs, no matter how they are cooked. As a last resort, bribes of Diet Mountain Dew and white cake are also famous for securing appointments with Christy.

Steven T. O'Hara

Tax Audit Lawyer

Honors

Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, 1997- Present

2023 Lawyer of the Year, Corporate Law-Anchorage, Alaska, Best Lawyers in America

2016 Lawyer of the Year, Trusts & Estates Law-Anchorage, Alaska, Best Lawyers in America

2013 Lawyer of the Year, Tax Law-Anchorage, Alaska, Best Lawyers in America

Selected 30 consecutive years to Best Lawyers in America, including for Tax Law, Trusts and Estates Law, Corporate Law, and Litigation – Trusts and Estates, 1993 – Present

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Practice Areas

Steve has a career-long passion for serving private clients. He also sets aside time to serve as an expert witness. And he’s available as a mediator in select cases as well as a lawyering coach.

Steve’s work includes:

Publications

Column, Estate Planning Corner, The Alaska Bar Rag (1989-Present)
Thinking Outside The Code, 116 (No. 8) Tax Notes 679 (August 20, 2007)
Working In A World With The GST Tax, 137 Trusts & Estates 47 (1998)
Using Ascertainable Standards for Distributions from Trusts, 10 The Audio Estate Planner (Summer 1994)
In Search of the Meaning of Income: Glenshaw Glass Revisited, 127 Trusts & Estates 50 (1988)
The Creation, Operation and Dissolution of a Limited Partnership in Alaska, 2 Alaska L. Rev. 271 (1985)
Worker Adjustment Assistance: The Failure & The Future, 5 Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business 394 (1983)
Boxing website: The Jim O’Hara Story: Boxing, Dignity & Street Smarts

Weathering the Alaskan Tax Storm: Why You Need the Best Tax Lawyer by Your Side

The pristine Alaskan landscape might be breathtaking, but facing an Alaska Department of Revenue (ADR) tax audit can feel like a financial blizzard. The intricate legalities of tax law, coupled with the potential for hefty penalties, can leave individuals and businesses feeling lost at sea. However, securing the services of a top-notch tax lawyer in Alaska can transform this stressful situation into an opportunity to navigate the audit with confidence and potentially minimize financial repercussions.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the immense benefits of retaining the best Alaska tax lawyer. We’ll explore the specific areas where a skilled attorney can significantly improve your outcome, incorporating relevant resources from trusted Alaska government agencies. By understanding the advantages, you’ll be empowered to make an informed decision and approach an audit with a sense of control.

Unparalleled Expertise in Alaska Tax Law:

State-Specific Knowledge: Alaska has its own unique tax code with specific nuances that can significantly impact your situation. A seasoned Alaskan tax lawyer possesses an in-depth understanding of these nuances, recent legislative changes, and relevant court decisions. This ensures your case is handled within the specific framework of Alaska tax law, maximizing your chances of a successful resolution.
Mastery of Audit Procedures: The complex nature of audits involves specific steps and strategies employed by the ADR auditors. Your lawyer demystifies these procedures, explaining each stage in detail and ensuring you fully understand your rights and responsibilities throughout the entire process. This empowers you to make informed decisions and respond effectively to any auditor inquiries.

Streamlined Communication and Representation:

Effective Communication with ADR: A skilled tax attorney acts as your primary liaison with the ADR, ensuring clear and concise communication throughout the audit. They can negotiate deadlines, request extensions, and present your case to the ADR with clarity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of Alaska tax law. This ensures your voice is heard and your position is effectively represented.
Safeguarding Your Rights: Audits can feel intimidating, especially when facing the authority of the ADR. Your lawyer protects your rights at every step, ensuring you comply with all regulations while preventing the ADR from exceeding its legal scope. They are your trusted advocate, ensuring a fair and just audit process.

Expert Negotiation and Reduction of Tax Liability:

Securing Favorable Settlements: A skilled tax attorney has the experience and negotiation expertise to negotiate a reduced tax burden. They can meticulously analyze your situation, identify errors in the ADR’s assessment, and advocate for a more favorable settlement that minimizes your financial impact.
Maximizing Deductions and Credits: Alaska offers a variety of tax deductions and credits that can significantly reduce your tax liability. Your lawyer meticulously reviews your tax returns to identify any missed opportunities for claiming these deductions and credits, ensuring you receive the full benefit you’re entitled to under Alaska tax law. This proactive approach can lead to significant financial savings.

Minimizing Penalties and Interest:

Penalty and Interest Abatement: The ADR may assess penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. However, a skilled tax attorney can negotiate with the ADR to reduce or even eliminate these charges. With their knowledge of Alaska tax law and penalty abatement procedures, they can potentially save you a significant amount of money.
Future Audit Prevention: Experience with one audit equips your lawyer to anticipate potential concerns in future tax returns. They can identify areas for improvement and implement proactive strategies to minimize the chance of future audits and related penalties. This proactive approach ensures long-term financial security.

Peace of Mind and Reduced Stress:

Shifting the Burden of Proof: The onus of proof falls on the ADR to demonstrate any tax deficiencies. Your lawyer shoulders the burden of representing you, allowing you to focus on your daily activities with peace of mind.
Stress Mitigation: Facing an audit can be incredibly stressful. A knowledgeable and experienced tax attorney guides you through the process step-by-step, explaining each development in clear terms. This reduces your stress levels and empowers you to make informed decisions throughout the audit.