Best Tax Lawyer in Arizona
BRANDON KEIM
Tax Audit Lawyer
A Certified Tax Law Specialist, CPA, partner at Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold LLP, and former Senior IRS Trial Attorney, Brandon Keim holds an LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center.
Brandon joined Frazer Ryan after serving six successful years as a senior trial attorney with the Internal Revenue Service. At the IRS, he received the Chief Counsel National Award for Superior Achievement in Outstanding Litigation, and he was frequently recognized for his service as a trial attorney
In 2015, Brandon successfully litigated the first Section 831(b) captive insurance case before the U.S. Tax Court; he litigated a second captive insurance case in 2016. For over four years, he oversaw and advised IRS attorneys and revenue agents auditing captive insurance transactions nationwide. Brandon also acted as an advisor to IRS attorneys on partnership and estate and gift tax matters and was an instructor at a national course designed to train new IRS trial attorneys on all aspects of practice.
Brandon’s clients benefit from his knowledge and experience in a broad scope of tax controversies. His services include:
- defending clients in civil audits by the IRS and state taxing authorities
- resolving unpaid taxes through collection alternatives, including offers in compromise
- representing clients in litigation involving Section 831(b) captive insurance; Section 280E cannabis issues; complex corporate, partnership, collection, and estate and gift tax matters; employment tax; property tax; international tax matters, including FBAR penalties; abusive transactions; fraud; and worker classification
- addressing offshore assets and foreign reporting requirements, including the IRS’s voluntary disclosure programs
- representing clients under criminal investigation, including allegations of tax evasion, failure to disclose foreign assets, and failure to pay employment and income taxes.
EDUCATION
LL.M., Taxation, With Distinction, Georgetown University Law Center: Dean’s List
J.D., magna cum laude, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University: Order of the Coif; Arizona State Law Journal
B.B.A., cum laude, Accountancy, Boise State University
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
American Bar Association: Section of Taxation, 2016-2017
State Bar of Arizona: Tax Law Section, Executive Council Member at Large, 2016; U.S. Tax Court Liaison, 2012-2016
Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants: Advisory Board Member, Phoenix Tax Workshop
G. Michael Denny
Tax Audit Lawyer
Mr. Denny is a bankruptcy, real estate, and tax attorney with a practical focus on the representation of individual and business taxpayers and consumers. Mr. Denny has significant litigation experience representing clients in tax court, bankruptcy court, and debtors’ rights issues, including insolvency issues, foreclosure and levy prevention, collection alternatives, and pre-litigation workout of tax debts. A significant focus of his practice is advising debtors regarding asset liquidation, management and reorganization of personal and business liabilities. His varied real estate experience includes loan and closing disputes, recorded liens and releases, and he regularly counsels agents, brokers and other self-employed individuals.
Mr. Denny’s legal advice is informed by his practical real estate experience, having worked in the real estate industry as a self-employed licensed agent prior to attending law school. This practical perspective is key to Mr. Denny’s ability to counsel and interact credibly with clients and opposing counsel on complicated tax and real estate matters.
Mr. Denny’s expertise includes individual and business bankruptcies and tax resolutions regarding federal and state issues, including income tax, sales tax, property tax liens, penalty abatements, levies and seizures, and negotiating withdrawals and releases, installment agreements, and offers in compromise.
Education
Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
J.D., Emphasis in Bankruptcy, 2009
Colorado State University
B.A., Philosophy, 2004
B.A., Political Science (2nd Major), 2004
Memberships & Affiliations
State Bar of Arizona, 2010
United States Tax Court, 2013
United States District Court, 2010
Arizona Department of Real Estate, 2007
Arizona Consumer Bankruptcy Counsel, 2011
Nathan E. Carr
Tax Audit Lawyer
Nathan E. Carr is the founder of Carr Law Firm and is highly skilled in representing individuals and businesses in both tax resolution and bankruptcy matters. He has extensive experience in representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service and local taxing authorities during audits, appeals, collection due process hearings, offer in compromise filings, innocent spouse defense matters, and in discharging tax liabilities in bankruptcy. He has also represented debtors in U.S. Bankruptcy Court and bankruptcy-related hearings.
Mr. Carr holds a B.A. in Spanish with a minor in Business Management from Weber State University and a J.D. from the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law. He also has a post J.D. degree, a Master’s in Law in Taxation (LL.M.), from the University of Denver College of Law/University of Denver Daniels College of Business. He is a member of the American Bar Association’s Taxation Section and is licensed to practice law in Arizona and Utah, as well as in the federal district courts and U.S. Tax Court for those two jurisdictions. Mr. Carr has represented taxpayers from various states including Arizona, Utah, California, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Colorado, Massachusetts, Missouri, and Michigan.
If you are facing difficult decisions or circumstances and need experienced legal representation, Carr Law Firm is here to help. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing top-quality legal counsel and effective solutions for our clients. Don’t hesitate to contact us for the support you need.
Evan A. Nielsen
Tax Audit Lawyer
Evan A. Nielsen has a diverse background in law and business, allowing him to take a holistic approach to protect and improve the Firm’s client’s interests and advocate on their behalf. His emphasis in tax matters, IRS issue resolution and tax planning strategies are enhanced by his business experience and grasp of the issues facing individuals and small businesses. He understands the issues and challenges facing entrepreneurs in this dynamic economic climate, having founded, owned, acquired, and operated businesses in a wide range of industries himself prior to entering the legal profession full time.
As an attorney, Evan has assisted taxpayers in recovering literally hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax refunds and has become very adept at crafting tax strategies that result in substantial tax savings for individuals and small business owners. This is the result of his understanding of the tax code, tax laws, business structures and finance/accounting methods. Clients routinely enjoy the benefit of additional tax refunds they had not anticipated! Mr. Nielsen maintains an excellent working relationship with local and national IRS offices and remains actively involved in the preparation of tax returns because he believes this ensures real tax planning benefits for the Firm’s clients.
Evan is a life-long learner and holds five degrees including a bachelor’s and master’s in Statistics, master’s and doctorate in Business and a Juris Doctor in Law. He is currently a member of the California Bar and the American Bar Association and is a member of the US Tax Court. He is also federally licensed as an Enrolled Agent with the IRS.
Evan and his wife enjoy their eight children and a growing number of grandchildren. They fill their personal time with family, service in their church and community, and a variety of outdoor sports and hobbies. His past and/or current associations include the American Bar Association Taxation Section, the National Association of Enrolled Agents, the National Tax Association, the National Association of Tax Preparers and is an Alternate Member of the Taxpayer Advocacy sponsored by the US Department of the Treasury.
CHRIS J. SHELDON
Tax Audit Lawyer
Chris J. Sheldon – Civil and criminal tax trials and appeals; administrative tax disputes; IRS collections; Innocent and Injured Spouse Claims for Relief. Active tax controversy legal practice dealing with local, state and federal audits, criminal investigations, IRS collections, and civil and criminal tax litigation in Arizona courts, the United States Tax Court and Federal District Court and appeals. Special expertise in defending against IRS audits of captive insurance issues. Admitted to the State Bar of Arizona 2004. Education: Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law (J.D. Cum Laude, 2004); Arizona State University (B.S. Finance, Summa Cum Laude 1997). Former IRS Senior Attorney 2004-2012 (Phoenix, AZ); Former IRS Associate Area Counsel 2012-2014 (Dallas, TX).
Areas of Practice
- Active tax controversy practice dealing with local, state and federal audits, criminal investigations, IRS collections, and civil and criminal tax litigation in Arizona courts, the United States Tax Court and Federal District Court and app
Other Legal Experience
- Maricopa County Superior Court, Judge Pro-Tem – Phoenix, AZ,
Bar Admissions
- U.S. District Court District of Arizona, 2005
- Arizona Supreme Court, 2004
- U.S. Tax Court, 2004
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 2014
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 2014
Ruben Salcido
Tax Audit Lawyer
Ruben is a Tax Attorney at Guardian. He also plays a role in supporting our attorneys and enrolled agents with case management, financial analysis for tax resolution options, and client communications in both English and Spanish. He’s been a licensed attorney in Mexico since 2007 and expects to have his credentials as an attorney in the U.S. in early 2022. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Trade and Business Law, as well as a Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona.
Originally from Sonora, Mexico, Ruben worked for the city government of his home town for 3 years, as well as the first Diplomado program in Mexican Law and Policy offered at the University of Arizona College of Law in partnership with Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico. He also worked with the College of Law’s Foreign Diplomat Training Program, which teaches U.S. law to foreign diplomats working in the United States. When he’s not at Guardian, Ruben can be found spending time with his daughter and enjoying his cattle ranch in Mexico.
Whitney Sorrell
Tax Audit Lawyer
Whitney’s in-depth understanding of tax law, IRS procedure and the tax aspect of estate planning and business transactions makes him the pre-eminent attorney for individuals, families, and businesses seeking tax counsel.
His unique background includes five years of experience working for the Internal Revenue Service as a Revenue Agent conducting field audits for the Phoenix District Office.
Education
LLM Tax, Boston University School of Law, 2021
Juris Doctor: Arizona State University College of Law, 1998 Editor, Law Journal 1996-1998
MBA: University of Phoenix, 1995 (Summa Cum Laude)
BS Finance: Arizona State University, 1987
Post Doctorate Education
Estate Planning In Depth, American Legal Institute-American Bar Association, 2003
Advanced Studies for Wealth Transfer and Wealth Design, The Esperti-Peterson Institute, 2002
The Esperti-Peterson Advanced Studies and ALI-ABA Estate Planning In-Depth programs are in-depth explorations of the specific estate planning needs and wealth transfer problems facing clients with a net worth of $3 million to $50 million, and the techniques used to solve those problems.
Conquering Arizona Tax Audits: Why You Need the Top Tax Attorney by Your Side
An Arizona tax audit can send shivers down anyone’s spine. The complex legalities and potential financial repercussions can leave individuals and businesses feeling overwhelmed. However, securing the services of a top-tier tax audit lawyer in Arizona can transform this stressful situation into an opportunity to minimize tax liability and navigate the audit with confidence.
This comprehensive guide dives deep into the immense benefits of retaining the best Arizona tax audit lawyer. We’ll explore the specific areas where a skilled attorney can significantly improve your outcome, incorporating relevant resources from trusted Arizona government agencies. By understanding the advantages, you’ll be empowered to make an informed decision and approach an audit with a sense of control.
Unwavering Expertise in Arizona Tax Law:
- State-Specific Knowledge: Arizona has its own distinct tax code with unique nuances. A seasoned Arizona tax attorney 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 Arizona tax law, maximizing your chances of a successful resolution.
- Mastery of Audit Procedures: The intricate nature of audits involves specific steps and strategies employed by the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) auditors. Your lawyer demystifies these procedures, explaining each stage in detail and ensuring you fully understand your rights and responsibilities throughout the entire process.
Streamlined Communication and Representation:
- Effective Communication with ADOR: A skilled tax attorney acts as your primary liaison with the ADOR, ensuring clear and concise communication throughout the audit. They can negotiate deadlines, request extensions, and present your case to the ADOR with clarity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of Arizona tax law.
- Safeguarding Your Rights: Audits can feel intimidating, especially when facing the authority of the ADOR. Your lawyer protects your rights at every step, ensuring you comply with all regulations while preventing the ADOR 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 ADOR’s assessment, and advocate for a more favorable settlement that minimizes your financial impact.
- Maximizing Deductions and Credits: Arizona 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 Arizona tax law.
Minimizing Penalties and Interest:
- Penalty and Interest Abatement: The ADOR may assess penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. However, a skilled tax attorney can negotiate with the ADOR to reduce or even eliminate these charges. With their knowledge of Arizona 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.
Peace of Mind and Reduced Stress:
- Shifting the Burden of Proof: The onus of proof falls on the ADOR 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.
Beyond the Immediate Audit:
- Long-Term Tax Planning: Your lawyer doesn’t just handle the immediate audit. They leverage their expertise to develop a personalized long-term tax planning strategy, minimizing future tax burdens and potential audits. This proactive approach ensures your financial well-being and minimizes the risk of future audits.
- Proactive Tax Compliance: With your lawyer’s guidance, you’ll develop a proactive approach to tax compliance. This might involve implementing record-keeping systems, reviewing tax strategies regularly, and ensuring your tax returns are filed accurately and on time, minimizing the chance of future audits.