Do You Need a Tax Attorney or a CPA? Know Who to Call and When

Episode Summary In this episode of Resilience and Resolve, Lance Drury breaks down one of the most common tax questions small business owners and individuals face — when to hire a CPA and when to seek a tax attorney. He explains the key differences between CPAs, tax preparers, and attorneys, and why the wrong choice could cost you more than money. Lance also shares why experience, representation rights, and attorney–client privilege matter when dealing with the IRS. What You Will Learn in This Episode The difference between a CPA, tax preparer, and tax attorney When to hire a tax attorney instead of a CPA or enrolled agent The risks of letting unqualified professionals handle serious IRS matters Why attorney–client privilege offers stronger protection than accountant confidentiality How strong communication and early legal intervention can prevent tax issues from escalating Common red flags that mean it’s time to bring in a tax attorney Key Timestamps 00:00 – 02:00 — Introduction to the episode and topic overview 02:01 – 05:00 — The real difference between CPAs, tax preparers, and attorneys 05:01 – 08:00 — Why some professionals give harmful IRS advice 08:01 – 10:00 — How legal training and negotiation skills protect clients 10:01 – 12:00 — The power of attorney–client privilege in IRS cases 12:01 – 14:00 — Why poor communication between clients and representatives leads to problems 14:01 – 16:00 — When to hire a tax attorney before issues escalate 16:01 – 18:00 — Final advice from Lance Drury for individuals and businesses facing tax troubles About the Show: Resilience and Resolve with Lance Drury provides practical legal insights into IRS matters, tax law, and financial defense strategies. Each episode explores timely and complex tax issues with real-world examples and expert analysis from Lance Drury and his experienced legal team. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit lancedrurylaw.com.