Atlanta’s position as a major Southeast business hub creates significant demand for tax attorneys serving both individuals and businesses facing complex federal and Georgia state tax issues. The city’s large concentration of corporate headquarters, high-income professionals, and small business owners generates IRS audit activity, tax dispute litigation, and estate and business tax planning work at volumes that support a substantial tax law practice community. The Northern District of Georgia federal court and the U.S. Tax Court in Atlanta handle tax litigation from across the region, and the IRS maintains a significant field presence in the city. Georgia’s Department of Revenue also conducts aggressive audit and collection activity, making local tax attorneys familiar with both federal and state processes essential for many Atlanta taxpayers.
When choosing a tax attorney in Atlanta, ask whether the attorney has specific experience with the type of tax problem you face — IRS audit defense, tax court litigation, offer in compromise negotiation, criminal tax defense, and international tax compliance each require different expertise. Attorneys who have previously worked for the IRS or the Georgia Department of Revenue bring valuable insider perspective on agency procedures and priorities. Verify that the attorney holds a license from the State Bar of Georgia and, for more complex matters, consider whether they hold an LL.M. in Taxation, which represents advanced academic training beyond the J.D. degree. Red flags include tax relief companies that are not operated by licensed attorneys, those who guarantee specific outcomes in IRS negotiations, and advisors who suggest aggressive positions without clearly explaining the legal basis and associated risks.
Top Tax Attorney Companies in Atlanta
1. The Gartzman Law Firm, P.C.
Founded: 1988
Leadership: Jeff Gartzman
Phone: (770) 695-7337
Website: https://www.gartzmantaxlaw.com
Services:
- IRS audit defense
- IRS collection defense
- Offer in compromise
- Installment agreements
- Penalty abatement
- Georgia Department of Revenue disputes
- Tax court litigation
- Criminal tax defense
About: Founded in 1988 by Jeff Gartzman, who holds both a law degree and a CPA certification along with a master’s degree in tax law, the firm brings over 40 years of combined legal and accounting expertise to IRS and state tax controversy work. Gartzman’s dual credentials as an attorney and CPA provide an unusually deep analytical foundation for evaluating complex tax positions and representing clients before both the IRS and Georgia Department of Revenue. The firm serves individual and business clients in metro Atlanta and nationally in all phases of tax controversy, from initial audit correspondence through Tax Court litigation.
2. Bomar Law Firm
Phone: (404) 841-6561
Website: https://www.atlantataxattorney.com
Services:
- IRS audit defense
- Tax court litigation
- Offer in compromise
- Fresh Start Program enrollment
- Penalty abatement
- Tax lien and levy defense
- Criminal tax defense
About: Cal Bomar is a former IRS attorney who transitioned to private practice representing taxpayers, bringing direct knowledge of IRS internal procedures, audit techniques, and collection practices to his clients’ defense. His experience inside the IRS gives him unusual insight into how the agency builds its cases and where leverage points exist in negotiations. The firm focuses exclusively on federal tax controversy, allowing for deep specialization rather than a broad general practice. Every attorney at the firm has extensive experience in both IRS audit defense and Tax Court litigation, and the firm handles the full spectrum of tax resolution options from installment agreements through formal court proceedings.
3. Wiggam Law
Website: https://www.wiggamlaw.com
Services:
- IRS tax controversy
- State tax disputes
- IRS audit defense
- Offshore tax planning and compliance
- Tax debt resolution
- Criminal tax defense
- Complex tax case resolution
About: Wiggam Law is a downtown Atlanta tax law firm that handles exclusively tax matters, covering IRS disputes, state tax issues, and offshore tax compliance. The firm’s exclusive focus on tax law — rather than operating as a general practice with a tax component — means their attorneys develop deep current knowledge of evolving tax law and IRS practice. Their practice includes offshore tax planning and compliance matters, which is increasingly relevant for Atlanta’s growing population of international business owners and professionals with foreign financial accounts subject to FBAR and FATCA reporting requirements. Wiggam Law has built a reputation for successfully handling complex tax cases that other firms decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do I need a tax attorney rather than a CPA in Atlanta?
A: A CPA is appropriate for tax preparation, financial planning, and initial correspondence with the IRS on straightforward matters. You need a tax attorney when you face a formal IRS audit with significant potential liability, when you are considering an offer in compromise or other formal resolution, when criminal tax charges are possible, when your matter is heading to Tax Court, or when attorney-client privilege is important to protect sensitive communications. Unlike communications with a CPA, communications with a tax attorney are protected by attorney-client privilege, which can be critical in cases with potential criminal exposure or where sensitive legal strategy must be discussed.
Q: What does it cost to hire a tax attorney in Atlanta?
A: Tax attorney fees in Atlanta vary widely depending on the complexity of the matter. For a simple IRS correspondence audit with limited issues, fees may run $1,000 to $3,000. More complex field audits typically run $3,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the years under audit and the issues raised. Offer in compromise representation commonly costs $3,000 to $7,000 for the preparation and negotiation process. Tax Court litigation for complex disputes can run $20,000 to $100,000 or more in attorney fees. Some tax controversy firms offer payment plans and some accept cases on contingency, particularly in collection defense matters. Always get a written engagement agreement specifying fees before proceeding.
Q: Can an Atlanta tax attorney help if I owe back taxes to both the IRS and Georgia?
A: Yes, and addressing both simultaneously is generally advisable since the IRS and Georgia Department of Revenue operate independently and may take separate collection actions. An Atlanta tax attorney with experience in both federal and state tax controversy can coordinate resolution strategies that address both obligations in a way that makes practical sense for your financial situation. Georgia has its own offer in compromise program and installment agreement options, and a settlement with the IRS does not automatically resolve a parallel Georgia liability. In some cases, resolving the federal liability first creates a template that Georgia will follow, but this is not guaranteed and depends on the specific circumstances of your case.
Conclusion
Tax problems in Atlanta require attorneys who understand both federal IRS procedures and Georgia Department of Revenue practices, as well as the local court system where tax litigation is resolved. The Gartzman Law Firm brings over 40 years of combined legal and CPA expertise in Georgia tax controversy. Bomar Law Firm leverages a former IRS attorney’s insider knowledge to defend taxpayers at every stage of the process. Wiggam Law offers exclusive tax focus with particular depth in complex cases and offshore compliance matters. Contact any of these firms immediately if you are facing an IRS audit, tax debt, or potential criminal tax exposure.