Expertise.com

2024

Last updated:

Best Tax Attorneys in Columbia

Our Recommended Top 12

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Columbia Tax Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

12Reviewed

12Curated

12Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
2026 Assembly Street Suite 203A, Columbia, SC 29201
  • Tax Defense
  • Criminal Tax Audit
  • State Tax Audit
  • Federal Tax Audit

Why choose this provider?

The Prescott Law Firm, LLC, helps the residents of Columbia deal with tax complications. It offers tax planning solutions to individuals and businesses and defends tax controversies. The law office also assists in resolving disputes over the assets of a deceased person and provides legal advisory services to businesses. Its principal, Charles Prescott, has been practicing law since 2014. He is licensed to argue before the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (26)

Website
508 Hampton Street Suite 201, Columbia, SC 29201
  • Cash Intensive Businesses
  • Tax Defense

Why choose this provider?

The Brooker Law Firm, P.A., has been serving the citizens of Columbia since opening its doors in 2005. The firm's client base includes family-owned businesses and high-net-worth individuals confronted with tax controversies involving income taxes and withholding and reporting obligations. Its attorneys focus on cases where the defendant's tax has been improperly assessed by the IRS and other tax authorities. Lead attorney Jeff Z. Brooker III is certified by the South Carolina Supreme Court as a taxation law specialist.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (9)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1501 Main St, Suite 601, Columbia, SC 29201
  • Cash Intensive Businesses
  • Tax Defense

Why choose this provider?

Newsome Law caters to Columbia-based clients seeking legal guidance on business taxation matters. It helps parties select and form business entities by explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each type and its tax impact. The firm also works with tax-exempt organizations requiring assistance with incorporation and application for recognition of tax-exempt status. Principal Billy Newsome is certified by the South Carolina Supreme Court as a specialist in estate planning and probate law and is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.8
Facebook
3.4 / 5 (6)
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)

Website
609 Sims Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205
  • Tax Defense
  • State Tax Audit
  • Federal Tax Audit

Why choose this provider?

Todd & Johnson L.L.P. provides tax help to clients in Columbia and the surrounding areas. The firm advises taxpayers on a wide range of matters, from tax preparation and tax-exempt status application to estate and gift taxation. Its legal practitioners also defend people before the IRS and assist in obtaining innocent spouse relief. W. Steven Johnson, cofounder of the firm, is a member of the American Bar Association's Fiduciary Income Tax Committee. He has been practicing law since 1973.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.7 / 5 (15)
Yelp
1.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
190 Knoxx Abbott Drive, Suite 3B, Cayce, SC 29033

Why choose this provider?

Merline & Meacham, PA, Attorneys at Law, represents startups and large-scale corporations in Columbia. Since 1970, the firm has handled a variety of tax disputes, including civil tax fraud, penalty reduction and abatement, valuation discount challenges, and estate and gift tax examinations. Its attorneys represent clients facing audits with the IRS and the South Carolina Department of Revenue in appeals, federal, and state courts. They hold a master of law degree in taxation and are certified taxation specialists.

Website
2512 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205

Why choose this provider?

Murphy & Kilpatrick LLP was founded in the early 1970s and has locations in Columbia and Charleston. The firm advises clients on tax-related issues surrounding estate ownership, gifting, and business formation. Its team also prepares tax returns on behalf of individuals, partnerships, corporations, fiduciaries, and trusts. In addition, the law office handles the taxation aspects involved in probate proceedings. One of its partners, Kerry L. Murphy, is a member of the Columbia Estate Planning Council. He has been practicing law since 1999.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.6 / 5 (10)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
121 Executive Center Drive, Suite 218, Columbia, SC 29210
  • Cash Intensive Businesses
  • Tax Defense

Why choose this provider?

Dial Grimm Rupert offers legal services in Columbia and nearby locations. It helps corporations, businesses, and individuals navigate tax laws and regulations. The agency helps C and S corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and sole proprietorships keep up with their tax obligations. Its team also provides asset management services and assists entities in managing new and current assets, identifying and mitigating risks, and handling investments. The firm has served more than 6,000 clients since 2020.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (62)

Website
1529 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201
  • Tax Defense

Why choose this provider?

Harris & Gasser, LLC, offers legal services to residents in Columbia. It protects the rights of individuals facing criminal charges for tax evasion. The firm represents defendants during government investigations and takes on matters related to tax errors, payroll fraud, money laundering, sales tax evasion, and unfiled taxes. Its team develops defense strategies to help clients avoid mandatory penalties. Johnny Gasser, one of the partners, has been practicing law since 1987. He received the South Carolina Office of Victim’s Assistance Silver Scales of Justice Award in 1993.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
Palmetto Armory Office Building 1812 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201
  • Criminal Tax Audit

Why choose this provider?

Callison Tighe offers tax solutions built around its core estate planning practice. It helps Columbia-based individuals and families minimize tax liabilities through transfer tax planning. The firm also evaluates personal income taxes to identify and leverage possible savings. In addition, its team handles white-collar crime cases, military defense, and commercial real estate development and financing. Founding member Michael W. Tighe is certified by the South Carolina Supreme Court as a mediator and arbitrator. He has been in private practice since 1971.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)
Google
5.0 / 5 (5)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1221 Main Street Suite 1100, Columbia, SC 29201
  • Cash Intensive Businesses
  • Tax Defense
  • Criminal Tax Audit
  • State Tax Audit
  • Federal Tax Audit

Why choose this provider?

Parker Poe Attorneys & Counselors at Law serves startups, small and medium-sized companies, and large-scale corporations in Columbia. The firm offers legal counsel on various tax matters, such as audits, taxation on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, and administrative appeals. Its team of attorneys brings over 100 years of collective experience to negotiate tax credits and incentives and protect clients' rights against the Internal Revenue Service in and outside the court. They have worked with businesses across multiple trades, like healthcare, real estate, and manufacturing.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1201 Main Street, Suite 1980, Columbia, SC 29201
  • Cash Intensive Businesses

Why choose this provider?

Buchmaier Law Firm LLC represents individuals and business owners in Columbia. It provides legal counsel on various tax matters, such as sales tax, mechanics liens, property tax, and international employee transfers, like taxation and visa. Since 1997, founder Wolfgang Buchmaier has been advocating for clients' rights in settlement negotiation and litigation if needed. He helps business entities, like limited liability companies, in acquisitions and mergers. Buchmaier is licensed to practice in Germany and is a member of the International Committee of the South Carolina Bar.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.5 / 5 (17)

Website
1301 Gervais St. Suite 1920, Columbia, SC 29201

Why choose this provider?

Sojourner Caughman & Thomas addresses the legal needs of high-net-worth families, individuals, and business owners in and around Columbia. The office handles several tax-related matters, such as developing conservation easements to yield tax benefits and crafting strategies to minimize gift and estate taxes. Founding partner David C. Sojourner Jr. has helped family-run and closely held businesses with entity reorganization, tax controversies, and estate and trust fiduciaries. He is a certified specialist in taxation law and has served as chairman of the South Carolina Bar Tax Section.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.7 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • Where does the Tax Court hold trial sessions closest to Columbia, South Carolina?

    The Tax Court that holds trial sessions in Columbia is located at Room 250, Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835 Assembly Street (29201).

  • Where is the low-income taxpayer clinic that is closest to Columbia, South Carolina?

    The nearest low-income taxpayer clinic in Columbia is the South Carolina Legal Services LITC located at 2109 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. You can also contact the office by dialing (803) 799-9668 or via email at susanfirimonte@sclegal.org.

  • What are the typical responsibilities of tax attorneys in Columbia?

    Tax attorneys in Columbia have handled a variety of issues, including advising clients on tax laws and regulations, as well as providing information on return filing requirements. Additionally, they assist businesses in successfully navigating the challenges of maintaining retirement and insurance plans for their employees. These attorneys also represent clients in judicial settings such as the United States Tax and Bankruptcy Courts.

  • Who are the typical clients that tax attorneys in Columbia represent?

    Columbia tax attorneys concentrate their practice on defending individuals and small businesses facing various tax issues. They assist clients who have not filed tax returns, have received IRS levies, are being audited, or are being investigated by the law. They also have experience assisting people facing asset seizure and innocent spouses affected by their partner's IRS problems.

  • Which types of Offer in Compromise are permitted by the IRS in Columbia?

    The IRS allows different types of Offer in Compromise in Columbia. Doubt as to liability applies when the debtor can demonstrate uncertainty about the amount of tax claimed by the IRS. When a debtor demonstrates an inability to fully pay the tax owed, doubt about collectability is used. Another option is an efficient tax administration compromise, which is frequently used when a taxpayer must deal with a disability or the impact of losing their property on their ability to pay for essential living expenses.

  • What specific tax planning services do attorneys in Columbia offer for individuals and businesses?

    The attorneys in Columbia specialize in tax planning for individuals and businesses. They can help you choose an entity, structure buy-sell agreements, and deal with S Corporation tax issues. They also assist C corporations in becoming S corporations and work with estate planning attorneys to reduce transfer taxes for business owners.

  • What penalties can be imposed for tax evasion in Columbia?

    Criminal tax evasion in Columbia carries a potential three-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine. Businesses could face fines of up to $500,000. This offense carries a maximum prison sentence of five years. In addition, some tax evasion charges may be classified as misdemeanors, punishable by jail time, fines, or both.