Best Tax Lawyers in White Plains

About Tax Law in White Plains, United States

Tax law for residents and businesses in White Plains involves three main layers - federal, state, and local. Federal tax rules come from the Internal Revenue Service and govern income, payroll, estate, and certain business taxes. New York State imposes its own income, sales, and business taxes with rules and rates that differ from federal law. At the local level, Westchester County and the City of White Plains affect property assessments, local tax rates, and some municipal levies. Together these rules determine filing obligations, reporting requirements, audits, appeals, and collection actions that can affect individuals, homeowners, employees, and business owners in White Plains.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Tax matters often mix complex law and high financial stakes. People in White Plains commonly seek a tax lawyer in situations such as:

- Receiving an audit notice from the IRS or New York State for income, payroll, or sales tax.

- Facing collection actions such as federal or state tax liens, levies, wage garnishments, or seizure of bank accounts or assets.

- Negotiating an installment agreement, offer in compromise, or penalty abatement when you owe back taxes.

- Contesting property tax assessments or appearing before a local board of assessment review.

- Resolving business tax disputes - sales tax nexus, payroll taxes, corporate franchise matters, or multi-state tax issues.

- Dealing with residency or domicile audits - New York residency rules can be strict and can trigger large back-tax assessments.

- Facing potential criminal investigation or prosecution for alleged tax fraud, evasion, or willful failure to file.

- Planning complex transactions - mergers, business sales, estate planning or gifts - where tax consequences are significant.

Local Laws Overview

Key local and regional tax concepts to understand for White Plains:

- Sales and use tax - New York State sets a base sales tax rate and local counties and municipalities add local rates. The combined rate can change over time, so businesses must confirm the current combined rate and collect and remit accordingly.

- Property tax and assessments - Real property in White Plains is assessed by local assessors and taxed by city, county, and school districts. Assessments can be appealed through local grievance processes and, if needed, higher judicial review. Homeowner programs such as school tax relief may affect taxable amounts for eligible households.

- Income tax - Residents pay New York State income tax in addition to federal tax. Nonresidents who earn income in the state may have state filing obligations. New York uses both domicile and statutory residency rules which can make residency determinations complex.

- Business and payroll taxes - Businesses operating in White Plains may have obligations for sales tax collection, state corporate or franchise taxes, payroll withholding, and regional payroll-based taxes if applicable.

- Collection remedies - Both federal and state authorities can use liens, levies, and other collection tools. Local governments can also enforce unpaid property taxes through liens and foreclosure processes.

- Administrative processes - Tax disputes at state level can involve conferences, protests, and appeals to the state division of tax appeals or tax court. For federal disputes, there are administrative appeals and the U.S. Tax Court option for certain cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I get an audit notice from the IRS or New York State?

Read the notice carefully and note the response deadline. Gather the documents referenced in the notice and do not ignore it. If you are unsure how to respond, contact a tax lawyer or qualified tax professional right away - they can advise you, communicate with the auditor, and help present supporting documentation or negotiate adjustments.

How can I challenge my property tax assessment in White Plains?

Start by reviewing your property assessment notice and comparable property values. File a grievance with the local assessor or board of assessment review within the required deadline and attend the hearing. If you disagree with the outcome, further appeals to county or state review bodies or court may be possible. A lawyer or local appraisal expert can help build your case.

What options do I have if I owe back taxes I cannot pay in full?

Common options include negotiating an installment agreement, applying for an offer in compromise, requesting penalty abatement in limited circumstances, or proving inability to pay to delay collection. Bankruptcy may resolve some tax debts in limited situations, but many taxes are not dischargeable. A tax lawyer can evaluate which option fits your circumstances.

Can I be criminally charged for unpaid taxes?

Yes. Willful tax evasion, filing false returns, or deliberate fraud can lead to criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment. Most enforcement starts as a civil matter, but prosecutors can pursue criminal cases if they find evidence of intentional wrongdoing. If there is any risk of criminal exposure, consult an experienced tax defense attorney immediately.

How do New York residency rules affect my state taxes?

New York looks at both where you are domiciled and whether you meet criteria for statutory residency. Factors include primary home location, time spent in New York, ties such as family and economic interests, and where you maintain significant connections. Residency audits can lead to large assessments, so get legal advice if your facts are borderline or if you receive a residency notice.

What are the deadlines for responding to tax notices in White Plains?

Deadlines vary by type of notice and issuing agency. Federal and state notices often include specific dates - missing them can limit rights to appeal. For property assessment grievances, local deadlines apply annually. Always check the notice and act promptly or seek immediate legal help to preserve appeal rights.

How do sales tax rules apply if I run a business in White Plains?

If your business sells taxable goods or services, you generally must register to collect sales tax, charge the correct combined rate, file regular returns, and remit collected tax. Sales compared across jurisdictions can create nexus issues for out-of-state sellers. Consult a tax lawyer or accountant to ensure compliance and to manage audits or disputes.

Will a tax lawyer work with my accountant or CPA?

Yes. Tax lawyers commonly coordinate with accountants, enrolled agents, and other financial advisers. Lawyers handle legal strategy, representation, and negotiations, while accountants often prepare returns and records. Make sure to provide signed authorizations so the lawyer can communicate directly with the IRS or state tax agency.

How do I choose the right tax lawyer in White Plains?

Look for experience in the specific area you need - audits, collections, property tax appeals, or criminal tax defense. Verify bar admission, ask about past results, ask for references, and clarify fees and billing. Local knowledge of White Plains, Westchester County, and New York State tax processes is a plus.

What documents should I bring to an initial tax-law consultation?

Bring copies of tax notices, correspondence from tax authorities, the tax returns in question, financial statements, bank and payroll records, property assessment notices, and any prior agreements or court papers. The more documentation you bring, the more helpful the initial review will be.

Additional Resources

For help and information in White Plains - consider contacting these agencies and organizations for authoritative guidance or referrals:

- Internal Revenue Service for federal tax matters and audit procedures.

- New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for state tax rules, filings, and appeals information.

- New York State Division of Tax Appeals for contesting state tax determinations.

- Westchester County Department of Finance for county-level tax administration and property tax information.

- City of White Plains Assessor or local tax office for property assessment and local filing procedures.

- U.S. Tax Court for federal tax dispute resolution options.

- Westchester County Bar Association and New York State Bar Association - Tax Section for lawyer referrals and professional standards.

- Low-cost or free services - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs and local legal aid organizations may help eligible taxpayers with simple returns and basic issues.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for a tax matter in White Plains, follow these steps:

- Collect all relevant documents - notices, returns, financial records, and correspondence. Organize them by date and topic.

- Assess deadlines and urgency - do not ignore notices or deadlines for appeals and responses.

- Decide whether you need a lawyer - for audits, collection actions, appeals, residency disputes, criminal exposure, or complex planning, a tax lawyer is often necessary. For routine filing help, a certified public accountant or enrolled agent may suffice.

- Find a qualified lawyer - seek attorneys with specific tax experience, local knowledge, clear fee arrangements, and client references. Use local bar association referral services if needed.

- Meet for an initial consultation - ask about experience with similar cases, likely outcomes, timelines, and detailed fee arrangements. Bring your documents and be ready to describe the full facts.

- Grant representation if you hire a lawyer - you may need to sign a power of attorney so your lawyer can communicate with tax authorities on your behalf.

- Follow professional advice promptly - respond to information requests, attend hearings, and provide necessary documentation to support your case.

Getting timely, informed legal help can protect your rights, limit penalties and interest, and provide options to resolve tax problems in the most favorable way possible.