Tax issues range from IRS audits and criminal tax defense to estate tax planning, corporate structuring, and back taxes—finding an experienced and well‑qualified attorney in Boston is essential. Look for:
- Specialty: civil tax disputes, criminal tax defense, estate or corporate tax planning, individual vs business focus.
- Reputation: recognitions like Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers listings, peer reviews.
- Experience: appearances before U.S. Tax Court, IRS credentialing, CPA background.
- Fees & billing: flat‑fee, hourly, contingency, or free consultation offers.
- Accessibility: multilingual staff, virtual appointments, office location, client portal access.
Below are five standout Boston tax law practices.
⭐ Top 5 Tax Attorneys in Boston
| Firm & Attorney | Website | Fees / Consultation | Focus & Strengths | 🚗 Driving Directions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Goldburd (Goldburd McCone LLP) | 🔗 goldburdmccone.com | Free evaluation; experienced IRS defense billing rates (not listed) | Civil & criminal IRS tax disputes, audits, collections; highly rated Super Lawyers (🔗 LawInfo.com, 🔗 FindLaw, 🔗 rubinrudman.com, 🔗 SuperLawyers.com) | 🚗 🔗 Map |
| Jonathan Sooriash (J. David Tax Law) | 🔗 jdavidtaxlaw.com | Free consultation; rates billed case‑by‑case (🔗 SuperLawyers.com, 🔗 FindLaw) | Tax debt resolution, IRS & state disputes, payment plans, liens; U.S. Tax Court bar member (🔗 FindLaw) | 🚗 🔗 Map |
| Leo J. Cushing (Cushing & Dolan, P.C.) | 🔗 cushingdolan.com | Free consultation; likely hourly rates (not publicly listed) (🔗 FindLaw, 🔗 cushingdolan.com) | IRS & MA Department tax disputes; estate planning & estate tax minimization; founder Leo Cushing is CPA and LL.M. in Tax (🔗 cushingdolan.com, 🔗 FindLaw) | 🚗 🔗 Map |
| Laura Anastasia Brown, Esq. | 🔗 laurabrownlawoffice.com | Free initial consultation; rates not disclosed (🔗 laurabrownlawoffice.com) | IRS & MA tax audits/appeals, resolution for individuals, non‑profits, businesses; LLP and accounting background (🔗 laurabrownlawoffice.com) | 🚗 🔗 Map |
| Blais Halpert Tax Partners LLP | 🔗 blaistaxlaw.com | Consultation terms not specified—transactional billing based on deal complexity (🔗 blaistaxlaw.com) | Corporate transactional tax boutique; M&A structuring, PE/vc deals, executive compensation, fund formation (🔗 blaistaxlaw.com) | 🚗 🔗 Map |
Firm Profiles & Strengths
1. Steven Goldburd – Goldburd McCone LLP
Steven Goldburd is exclusively focused on IRS and state tax controversies, serving as a Super Lawyers–rated attorney in Boston. His practice includes defending clients facing audits, criminal investigations, liens, wage garnishments, and appeals. He offers a free initial evaluation, with more detailed fee information provided upon contact. His depth of experience makes him a top choice for serious tax conflicts. (🔗 SuperLawyers.com)
2. Jonathan Sooriash – J. David Tax Law
🔗 Jonathan Sooriash brings specialized service in resolving tax debts, including IRS and Massachusetts Department issues. He is licensed to practice before the U.S. Tax Court and offers a free consultation. Clients benefit from tailored representation including offers in compromise, installment agreements, release of liens, and audit defense. (🔗 justia.com)
3. Leo J. Cushing – Cushing & Dolan, P.C.
Leo Cushing is a seasoned former tax prosecutor and forensic accountant who founded Cushing & Dolan in 1984. He holds both CPA credentials and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Tax Law, making him exceptionally qualified for complex tax controversies—especially estate tax disputes and IRS audits involving complex assets. The firm offers a free consultation and represents high‑net-worth individuals and business owners. (🔗 cushingdolan.com)
4. Laura Anastasia Brown
With over 30 years of experience and a dual background in accounting and tax law, Laura Brown specializes in audit defense and resolution with both the IRS and Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Her approach is client-centered and she handles tax issues tied to life events—divorce, bankruptcy, business setbacks. She offers a no‑judgment free initial consultation, ideal for clients seeking personalized support. (🔗 laurabrownlawoffice.com)
5. Blais Halpert Tax Partners LLP
This boutique firm focuses on transactional tax planning rather than dispute resolution. They serve as co‑counsel for mergers & acquisitions, venture capital transactions, real estate structuring, fund formations, and executive compensation design. While consultation and fee details are not publicly listed, their niche expertise supports business clients needing high-level tax structuring. (🔗 blaistaxlaw.com)
Fee Models & Approach
- Free Consultations: All five firms offer at least an initial free or no-obligation call. (🔗 FindLaw, 🔗 laurabrownlawoffice.com, 🔗 cushingdolan.com, 🔗 blaistaxlaw.com)
- Hourly vs. Transactional Billing: 🔗 Goldburd, 🔗 Sooriash, Cushing, and Brown primarily handle disputes or audit matters and likely bill hourly or via flat-fee for discrete services. Blais Halpert bills per transaction complexity.
- Transparent Billing: Clients should inquire about retainer amounts, cutoff thresholds, and whether the firm negotiates contingency elements or offers fixed-price packages.
Who Should Choose Whom?
Facing IRS Audits, Liens, or Criminal Tax Charges?
Choose 🔗 Goldburd McCone or 🔗 Jonathan Sooriash. Both are top-rated Super Lawyers with an emphasis on aggressive defense and negotiation. These firms handle audits, appeals, and criminal tax litigation.
Estate or Complex Wealth Transfer Tax Disputes
🔗 Cushing & Dolan is optimal, especially with Leo J. Cushing’s background as a tax prosecutor and forensic accountant. The firm works closely with high-net-worth clients managing estate and gift tax controversies.
Need Personal Tax Audit Support or Small Business IRS Resolution?
🔗 Laura Anastasia Brown specializes in representing individuals and small-to-mid businesses in audit defense and negotiation. Her deep understanding of IRS and MADOR procedures helps clients resolve tax issues with less stress.
Handling Business Transactions or Strategic Tax Structuring?
Turn to 🔗 Blais Halpert Tax Partners LLP if your needs include M&A, venture capital investments, private equity structuring, or executive compensation design. They work closely with corporate counsel to implement tax-efficient deals.
Practical Next Steps
- Reach out to 2–3 firms that best match your tax issue type—audit defense vs transactional structuring.
- Check whether initial consultations are free, and prepare your key tax documents in advance for discussion.
- Ask about billing structure: hourly rates vs flat fees, retainer expectations, scope of services included.
- Evaluate accessibility: Can you meet virtually or in person? Do they provide client portals or multilingual support?
- Read client reviews or peer recognition: Look at Super Lawyers listings, Best Lawyers directories, and referrals.
Final Thoughts
Tax law in Boston is served by top-tier attorneys capable of handling everything from aggressive IRS litigation to advanced business structuring. Whether you require solid defense in a tax audit or proactive planning for corporate and transactional needs, these five firms provide a trusted starting point:
- 🔗 Goldburd McCone LLP and 🔗 J. David Tax Law (Sooriash) for audit and controversy representation.
- 🔗 Cushing & Dolan, P.C. (Leo Cushing) for estate and high-stakes tax disputes.
- 🔗 Laura Anastasia Brown for personalized audit support and creative problem‑solving.
- 🔗 Blais Halpert Tax Partners LLP for tax planning in complex corporate transactions.
If you’d like help exploring other firms like WilmerHale or Goodwin for large corporate tax planning, or Segal, Cohen & Landis for intricate tax controversy resolution beyond Boston, I’d be glad to assist!