Categories > Legal

5 Law Firms with the Best Tax Lawyers in Phoenix

5 Law Firms with the Best Tax Lawyers in Phoenix

How We Picked 

Areas of Practice 

Vetting a tax lawyer depends on your needs, so we chose those who have a variety of specializations such as tax planning and tax controversies.

Qualifications

The lawyer should hold at least hold a Juris Doctor degree and a membership with their corresponding association. We also highly prefer those with considerable experience.

Manner of Communication

We factored in the compatibility and level of comfort they have established with past clients. We also put emphasis on responsiveness as this ensures a good attorney-client relationship.

Fee Structure

Hiring a lawyer is an investment that will likely cost a hefty amount, so we looked into how they bill their services. We prefer those who are transparent with charges and render their services faithfully and honestly.

1. Silver Law PLC

Silver Law PLC Homepage

Website: https://www.taxcontroversy.com/

Address: 7033 E. Greenway Pkwy. Suite 200 Scottsdale, Arizona 85254

Contact Details: (480) 429-3360

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Google reviews score5/5
Facebook reviews score5/5
Yelp reviews score5/5
Total reviews3.5/5
Score consistency5/5
Areas of Practice5/5
Qualifications 5/5
⮕Credentials5/5
⮕Experience5/5
Manner of Communication5/5
⮕Comfort Level5/5
⮕Responsiveness5/5
Fee Structure4/5

Pros

  • Combined experience of 100 years in Tax Law
  • Extensive and proven track record in both settlement and trial cases
  • Represents large corporations to private individuals
  • Routinely recognized as Best Law Firm by US News
  • All active members of the Arizona State Bar: Tax Section

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer Foreign Tax Reporting
  • Closed on weekends

Silver Law PLC is a boutique law firm founded by Jason Silver in 2001. Comprising of accomplished tax lawyers and paralegals, they focus on tax litigation, tax audit representation and collections, and innocent spouse relief.

We were impressed to learn that all of their tax professionals are also former IRS trial attorneys, plus some have experience in accounting. This gives them a cross-disciplinary perspective on their cases, which is promising.

They also have a broad spectrum of case representations since 1996 detailed on their website. This provides a useful guide for prospective clients in  looking for references similar to their cases.

Simply put, they check all the boxes for us when it comes to experience and track record. We love that all four tax attorneys have something unique to bring to the table.

Unfortunately, they discontinued offering legal services in Foreign Tax Compliance in 2018, which is one less item in their repertoire. 

In other news, their strong inclination toward an early settlement to avoid litigation sets them apart for us. This limits the burden of time spent in court, considering tax audit defense is already time-consuming and costly by itself.

Conversely, if a legal proceeding is likely, they’re apparently on top of things through preliminary strategizing. This gives the assurance that they’re prepared for either scenario.

One of their notable tax audit cases represented Circle K in Chapter 11 bankruptcy. They succeeded in negotiating a settlement from the IRS’s claim of $70 million down to less than $12 million.

Ultimately, their experience is unmatched and expertise is expansive, regardless if you’re a big company or a private individual. For us, they’re undoubtedly one of Arizona’s strongest contenders in tax-related matters.

2. Evan A. Nielsen – Nielsen Law Group 

Evan A. Nielsen – Nielsen Law Group Homepage

Services: Tax & Estate Planning, Legal Services, Tax/IRS Issues, Chapters 7 & 13 Bankruptcy, Corporate Formation, Debt Settlement, and Short Sales/Foreclosure Prevention

Website: https://nielsenlawgroup.net/

Address: 1490 S. Price Road, Suite 301 Chandler, AZ 85286

Contact Details: (480) 888-7111

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Google reviews score4.9/5
Facebook reviews score4.3/5
Yelp reviews score4.5/5
Total reviews5/5
Score consistency4/5
Areas of Practice5/5
Qualifications 5/5
⮕Credentials5/5
⮕Experience5/5
Manner of Communication4.5/5
⮕Comfort Level5/5
⮕Responsiveness4/5
Fee Structure4/5

Pros

  • Specializes in legal advice for small business owners
  • Holds memberships with multiple relevant organizations
  • One-stop-shop for tax-related matters, including Tax and Estate Planning
  • High referral rate from long-term clients

Cons

  • Doesn’t hold Master of Law in Taxation (LL.M.) 
  • No ready info on court representation experience

Nielsen Law Group is known for incorporating their knowledge in business into tax and litigation. The firm was also established by Evan A. Nielsen, who holds five degrees under his belt including a Juris Doctor in Law and a doctorate in Business.

Before becoming a full-fledged tax lawyer, he also founded and managed businesses of different kinds. This unique experience and skillset brought about his niche in offering legal services to small business owners, among others. 

From what we’ve seen, he’s exceptionally strategic in tax planning and resolution, owing to his proficiency in statistics, accounting, and business. If all that wasn’t impressive enough, he’s also currently registered as an IRS Revenue Agent.

We think this is great news for entrepreneurs because they encounter financial roadblocks that are on a plane of their own and would require specialized support. A lot of their clients have been with them for years and some through referrals.

One of their long-time clients enlisted them for 3 separate business entities and even for personal use for 10 years and counting. We’ve heard every billable hour with them was worth the money because of their efficiency and practicality.

However, we wish they had available information on their past experiences with case representation in tax audit defense and litigation. This could beef up their case for prospective clients who are on the lookout. 

If you own a small business or practice, they’re our top pick for you. We think their dedication to protecting your assets through tax planning and auditing will prove instrumental to your business in the long run.

3. Brandon Keim

Services: Tax Litigation, Tax Audit Defense, Tax Collection, Criminal Tax Defense, Tax Compliance (Including Foreign Tax)

Website: https://www.keimtaxlaw.com/

Address: 1850 N. Central Ave., Suite 1800 Phoenix, AZ 85004

Contact Details: (602) 200-7399

Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Google reviews score5/5
Total reviews4.5/5
Score consistency5/5
Areas of Practice4/5
Qualifications 5/5
⮕Credentials5/5
⮕Experience5/5
Manner of Communication5/5
⮕Comfort Level5/5
⮕Responsiveness5/5
Fee Structure5/5

Pros

  • Member of the American Bar Association: Section of Taxation
  • Finished Master of Laws in Taxation (LL.M.) with Distinction
  • Experienced in Tax Audit Defense, Litigation, and Foreign Tax Compliance
  • Repeatedly Secured Full IRS Concession 
  • Daily operating hours

Cons

  • Relatively new addition to the associated firm
  • Does not offer tax planning

At a glance, Brandon Keim’s track record is nothing short of impressive, as he holds multiple designations surrounding tax law. He is currently a Certified Tax Law Specialist and senior partner at Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold LLP, based in Arizona.

His association with the widely-recognized firm propels his caliber to the stratosphere in defending clients against the IRS and other state authorities. Not to mention, the favorable results from handling dozens of cases.

Among these is the litigation of the first Section 831(b) captive case in Tax Court resulting in a full IRS concession. 

Like his other successful cases, this stems from his years of experience as a former senior trial attorney at the IRS. If the tax dispute can’t be resolved administratively, you can expect that he has the knowledge and qualifications for court litigation.

To add another feather to his cap, he’s also a Certified Public Accountant for the same firm. His knowledge of financial records, accounting, and other tax-related concepts has proven valuable in representing clients before tax authorities.

His professionalism is also apparent in the rapport he’s established with his clients, who appreciate the clear communication and practical goals he sets. 

One of his recent cases was a cryptocurrency scam involving the loss of a huge sum in foreign exchange. He was reportedly clear-cut and strategic in his approach, which saved the client his time and hard-earned money.

We’ve heard he’s also honest and transparent with fees, which takes the icing on the cake. 

For us, his extensive background and training, case results, and satisfied clientele all bear witness to his success as an exceptional tax attorney.

4. Whitney L. Sorrell – Sorrell Law Firm

Whitney L. Sorrell – Sorrell Law Firm Homepage

Services: IRS Collections and Audit Defense, Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration, Business Transactions

Website: https://www.sorrell-lawgroup.com/

Address: 7575 E Redfield Rd #217 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Contact Details: (480) 776-6055

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Google reviews score5/5
Facebook reviews score5/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency5/5
Areas of Practice5/5
Qualifications 4.5/5
⮕Credentials5/5
⮕Experience4/5
Manner of Communication5/5
⮕Comfort Level5/5
⮕Responsiveness5/5
Fee Structure4/5

Pros

  • Scholarship Award Recipient and Member of WealthCounsel, LLC
  • 25+ Years Experience as a CPA
  • Covers IRS Audits, Appeals, and Litigation
  • Active Member of the State Bar of Arizona: Tax Section

Cons

  • Not a lot of court representation on tax matters
  • Unavailable on weekends

Whitney L. Sorrell, the founder of Sorrell Law Firm, has been in the business of helping families and small businesses safeguard their assets, estates, and wealth. 

His practice covers estate planning, probate, and business law, with a special focus on tax law. He began as a Certified Public Accountant in 1993 and had a 5-year stint as an IRS Revenue Agent in the Phoenix District Office.

Eventually, 25 years of experience culminated in his career as a tax lawyer. He was recently awarded his LLM Tax from the Boston University School of Law in 2021.

His commitment to representing taxpayers in gaining financial freedom came from firsthand experience, which gives him an edge. Threatening IRS audits and sweeping bank accounts are things he’s witnessed as someone who used to work with them.

One of his cases involved an individual who resolved to settle only $6,000, instead of an outstanding tax debt of $300,000 from real estate purchases. He also triumphantly released another debtor from all tax liabilities due to unreported Ponzi earnings.

With at least 10 associates, his team has proven to be efficient and organized with client correspondence both online and offline. We heard shining recommendations that attest to their professionalism, on top of their humble and personal approach.

However, working across different areas of practice such as estate and trusts could spread themselves thinly. In saying so, there are better options out there for specialized attention to more complex and unique cases regarding taxes.

Still, with an all-around experience as a tax lawyer, CPA, and former IRS employee, we think you can expect comprehensive problem-solving for your tax issues and legal needs. 

5. G. Michael Denny and Stephen D. Boulton – Denny & Boulton, PC

G. Michael Denny and Stephen D. Boulton – Denny & Boulton, PC Homepage

Services: Tax Controversy, Tax Litigation, Bankruptcy, Business Law, Real Estate Law

Website: https://www.aztaxlawyers.com/

Address: 4020 N. 20th St Suite 217 Phoenix, AZ 85016

Contact Details: (480) 382-4257

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Google reviews score5/5
Facebook reviews score4.5/5
Total reviews3.5/5
Score consistency4/5
Areas of Practice5/5
Qualifications 4.5/5
⮕Credentials4/5
⮕Experience5/5
Manner of Communication5/5
⮕Comfort Level5/5
⮕Responsiveness5/5
Fee Structure5/5

Pros

  • Special focus on tax controversy, litigation, and planning
  • Offers free consultations
  • Highly favored by clients for the level of comfort given
  • American Bar Association members

Cons

  • Doesn’t hold LL.M. degrees
  • Relatively young firm

G. Michael Denny and Stephen D. Boulton are partners of the Denny & Boulton, PC, a law firm that offers legal services on taxation, bankruptcy, and business law.

Both completed their Juris Doctors, with an emphasis on bankruptcy for Denny and taxation for Boulton. Since then, they have had over 20 years of combined experience in their respective practice.

Together, they synergize on tax-related matters, which they understand is a complicated field in itself and requires special focus. Hence in late 2014, the boutique law firm was born.

They’re a relatively young business, which is something to consider for those who prefer more experience in tax cases. They also didn’t pursue their Master of Law, but it’s not a requirement to perform legal services.

On the other hand, we love their genuine and comforting countenance. Based on client experiences, their best intentions are apparent through thoughtful responses and keen attention to detail.

They offer free consultations that last around 30 minutes, where they go as in-depth as possible and even inform people straight away if they can handle their case. This has significantly helped prospectives-turned-clients who struggled with paying upfront.

For instance, a client of theirs came forward with a seizure on their properties for back-tax issues, which they have successfully resolved. It seems to be more than a business for them as they sense the impact the levy has on the client and their family.

In a similar case, they helped a client with unfiled tax returns that go back as far as 25 years. You can expect a can-do attitude when it comes to it.

With their clients’ affirmation, a genuine attorney-client relationship that bears fruit to favorable outcomes is what you get with these guys – and we couldn’t agree more.

FAQs on Tax Lawyers

Related topics