David M. Garvin, P.A.
Practice focus: Criminal tax defense, IRS audits, tax controversy
Florida Bar-certified tax specialist. 35+ years concentrating on criminal tax defense.
- Fee structure
- Hourly + retainer
- Free consultation
- Paid
When the IRS calls, hire a tax lawyer. Not a tax preparer.
Top 10 Tax and IRS Lawyers in Miami
Miami tax practice is uniquely international — FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) compliance, offshore voluntary disclosures, FATCA reporting, FIRPTA on foreign-owned real estate, and IRS criminal tax investigations involving offshore assets are heavy categories. Florida has no state income tax, but the federal tax practice runs hot.
These 10 Miami tax firms cover the full spectrum: IRS controversy, international tax, criminal tax defense, and high-net-worth tax planning.
How we picked these 10: We reviewed published verdicts and settlements, peer rankings (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Chambers and Partners, Avvo), client review patterns, and bar association recognition. Firms that appeared consistently across independent sources made the list. We do not accept payment for placement, and we do not write sponsored reviews. More on our methodology →
Steven N. Klitzner — Florida Tax Solvers
Practice focus: IRS audits, debt resolution, innocent spouse
40+ years negotiating with the IRS. Strong individual + small-business intake.
- Fee structure
- Flat + hourly
- Free consultation
- Free
Ronald Cutler, P.A.
Practice focus: IRS controversy, criminal tax, white-collar
Licensed attorney + CPA + former FBI Special Agent. 40+ years of state and federal tax matters.
- Fee structure
- Hourly + retainer
- Free consultation
- Paid
David W. Klasing — Tax Law Offices
Practice focus: Civil and criminal federal tax controversy, FBAR, audits
Multi-state tax controversy practice with 98% settlement rate.
- Fee structure
- Hourly + retainer
- Free consultation
- Paid
J. David Tax Law — Miami
Practice focus: IRS tax debt, audits, OIC, state tax
$800M+ saved for taxpayers through audits, settlements, and litigation.
- Fee structure
- Flat fee
- Free consultation
- Free
Berger Singerman LLP — Tax Practice
Practice focus: Tax planning, controversy, international tax
Premier South Florida business firm with strong tax bench. Multiple Best Lawyers attorneys.
- Fee structure
- Hourly + retainer
- Free consultation
- Paid
Akerman LLP — Tax (Miami)
Practice focus: Federal and state tax, M&A tax, international tax
Miami-headquartered. Premier corporate tax practice especially for Latin-America-focused clients.
- Fee structure
- Hourly + retainer
- Free consultation
- Paid
Greenberg Traurig — Tax (Miami)
Practice focus: International tax, FBAR, M&A tax, family wealth
Miami-rooted global firm. Premier international tax practice.
- Fee structure
- Hourly + retainer
- Free consultation
- Paid
Holland & Knight — Tax (Miami)
Practice focus: International tax, FBAR, voluntary disclosures, family wealth
Miami-headquartered global firm. Strong international tax controversy practice.
- Fee structure
- Hourly + retainer
- Free consultation
- Paid
Bilzin Sumberg — Tax
Practice focus: International tax, family office, real estate tax
Miami boutique with strong international tax + estate planning practice. Multiple Chambers ranked attorneys.
- Fee structure
- Hourly + retainer
- Free consultation
- Paid
Not sure which firm is right for you?
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Request Free Consultation →What to expect from a Miami tax engagement
An IRS audit notice typically gives 30 days to respond. Your tax lawyer files a power of attorney (Form 2848), responds to the IDR, and represents you. Cases that don't settle at audit can be appealed to IRS Appeals or petitioned to U.S. Tax Court. International (FBAR/FATCA) cases require special expertise.
What does a tax lawyer in Miami cost?
Miami tax controversy work typically runs $400-$900/hour for partners. Audit defense often involves a flat fee per stage ($5,000-$25,000) or hourly + retainer. Criminal tax defense and international compliance run hourly with substantial retainers.
Red flags to watch for when picking a tax and IRS lawyer in Miami
The legal directory you find on Google has thousands of Miami tax and IRS firms. Most are competent. A few are problematic. The patterns to avoid:
Guaranteed outcomes. No ethical attorney can guarantee a result. If a firm promises a specific recovery, dismissal, or visa approval, walk away.
The disappearing partner. You meet a senior partner at intake, then never speak to them again. The case is handled by an unsupervised junior or a paralegal. Ask in writing who will be your day-to-day attorney.
Pressure to sign immediately. Reputable firms give you the retainer in writing, time to read it, and the option to take it home. High-pressure intake is almost always a sign of a volume mill, not a craftsperson's practice.
No verifiable track record. The firm should be able to point to verdicts, settlements, peer rankings, or bar association recognition. "We've helped thousands of clients" is marketing copy. Specific numbers, named cases, and third-party rankings are evidence.
Vague fee terms. "Don't worry about cost" is a red flag. Every legitimate Miami lawyer will give you a written engagement letter with the fee structure, what's covered, what triggers extra charges, and what happens if you fire them.
10 questions to ask in your free consultation
Most Miami firms on this list offer a free initial consultation. Use it. Bring a list of questions and write down the answers. Compare across at least two firms before you sign.
- Who, specifically, will handle my case day-to-day? Get a name. Get an email.
- How many cases like mine have you handled in the last three years? You want a number, not a brochure line.
- What is your fee, and what does it cover? Get the answer in writing before you sign.
- What case expenses am I responsible for, and when? Out-of-pocket costs surprise people. Ask now.
- What is the realistic range of outcomes for a case like mine? A good lawyer will give you a range. A bad one will promise the high end.
- How long will it take? Honest estimate, with the assumptions stated.
- Who else might be involved? Experts? Co-counsel? Larger cases routinely involve outside experts. Know who's on the team.
- How and how often will I hear from you? Email-only? Calls? Monthly updates? Set the expectation now.
- What happens if I want to change lawyers later? Rules allow it; the fee is sorted between firms. Make sure you understand the mechanics.
- What's the worst-case outcome for my case? A lawyer who refuses to discuss downside risk is selling you something.
What's specific about a tax and IRS case in Miami
Miami is its own market. The procedure, the courts, and the strategy are city- and state-specific in ways that matter to your outcome.
Local courthouses matter. Miami-Dade County Circuit Court and the Southern District of Florida have judges, calendars, and procedures that shape how cases move. A firm that knows the local courthouse has an advantage.
Filing deadlines are strict. Notice of Claim windows for cases against the City or County, Statute of Limitations periods, and pre-suit certification requirements vary by case type and are unforgiving. A missed deadline often means a lost case — full stop.
Local procedure rules matter. Each court has its own forms, motion practice, and judge preferences. The right Miami firm will know not just the law, but the unwritten rules of the courthouse you'll be in.
Local plaintiffs/defendants do well in front of local juries. Verdict patterns vary by venue, and a trial-capable firm uses venue strategically.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a tax lawyer or a CPA for my IRS audit?
Both can help — but only a tax lawyer has attorney-client privilege. CPA-client communications are not privileged in criminal cases.
What is an Offer in Compromise?
An OIC lets you settle your tax debt for less than you owe if you can show you can't pay in full. The IRS accepts about 30-40% of submissions.
Can the IRS take my house in Florida?
Florida's homestead exemption is generous, but federal tax liens (IRS) override state homestead. The IRS can technically seize but rarely does. A tax lawyer can stop most levies.
What's FBAR and do I need to file it?
Foreign Bank Account Report — required if you have $10,000+ in aggregate foreign accounts at any point during the year. Major Miami issue. Penalties for non-filing are severe.
How long does the IRS have to audit me?
Generally 3 years from filing. 6 years if you understated income by 25%+. Unlimited if you didn't file or fraudulent. International cases have longer windows.
Related reading
One last thing. Choosing a lawyer is personal. Read the reviews. Call two or three firms before you sign. Ask each one: How many cases like mine have you taken to verdict in the last three years? The answer tells you everything. — The LawFirmSquare team