No one plans to rack up tens of thousands of dollars of debt with the IRS when they open a business. Most of these problems start small but little things, like maybe forgetting taxes for one or two payroll periods.
For serious tax problems, including large IRS debts, payroll and other employment tax problems, you need a corporate tax lawyer. Here are some tips for finding a corporate tax lawyer who can successfully go to bat for you against the IRS.
Tax law is one of the most complicated fields of law and taking one or two tax law classes in law school doesn't give an attorney the training or experience necessary to represent you effectively against the IRS.
A good corporate tax lawyer knows the IRS's rules, and they can use those against them. They have specialized databases/libraries they subscribe to and know how to utilize to have access to the very complicated, and constantly changing, laws and rules governing tax laws and procedures.
Diplomas don't lie so look for specific tax experience and training in a corporate tax lawyer. Look for a corporate tax lawyer that specializes in tax law, and preferably one who graduated from a highly-rated law school, such as NYU School of Law. Make sure they are staying current in their field as well because laws constantly change, and you want to make sure your business doesn't suffer with a tax attorney who's behind the times.
Any time you have a controversy or a fight, you will want a litigator. If you have a dangerous or complicated controversy with the IRS, your corporate tax lawyer should also have extensive litigation experience, though very few do. You need someone who has real training and experience in dealing with conflicts and proceedings with someone who is after you.