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Attorney Allison Soares
Attorney Allison Soares
Allison Soares is a seasoned California tax attorney and Partner at Vanst Law LLP, where she helps individuals and businesses navigate complex tax issues with the IRS, FTB, EDD, and CDTFA. With over 15 years of experience, she is dedicated to resolving audits, collections, and appeals efficiently, saving her clients both time and money.
Allison’s approach is client-focused, ensuring practical, real-world solutions for even the most overwhelming tax challenges. In addition to her legal practice, she teaches as an adjunct professor at San Diego State University and regularly contributes tax-related insights to publications like Bloomberg Tax and the ABA. Based in San Diego, she also serves as Chair of the city’s Balboa Park Committee, furthering her commitment to community service.
Services We Offer
Internal Revenue Services (IRS)
- IRS Audits
- IRS Appeals
- IRS Collection
- IRS Levies & Liens
- IRS International Compliance Issues
CA State Income Tax: FTB
- FTB Audits
- FTB Appeals
- FTB Collections
- FTB State Voluntary Disclosure Programs
CA State Payroll Tax: EDD
- EDD payroll tax Audits
- EDD Appeals
- EDD Collections
- EDD Settlements and OICs
- EDD Employer classification issue
CA Sales Tax: CDTFA (SBOE)
- CDTFA State sales tax Audits
- CDTFA Appeals
- CDTFA Collections
- CDTFA Settlements and OICs
Corporate Law
- Individual and Entity Tax Planning
- Corporation and S-Corp Formation
- LLC Formation
- Non-profit formation
- Multiple state sales tax issues
Steps to Take
Steps to Take
Speak with us to discuss your legal issue and tax problem. We'll help you to understand our expertise and decide if we are the right fit for you.
Agreement & Deposit
Review and sign an Engagement Letter. This contract outlines the services, fees, and other essential terms. A Deposit can be made electronically to get your matter started.
Documents
Gather and provide all relevant documents related to your case. This step helps your attorney build your case efficiently.
Communication
Set expectations for how and when you will communicate with your attorney. Clear communication ensures that you stay informed throughout the process.
Why Choose Allison Soares
Extensive Experience in Tax Law
With over 15 years of experience, Allison has successfully resolved tax issues with major agencies like the IRS, FTB, EDD, and CDTFA.
Client-Focused Solutions
Allison takes a personalized approach to each case, ensuring her clients receive practical, real-world solutions that save time and money.
Trusted Advisor and Educator
As an adjunct professor at San Diego State University and a contributor to top publications, Allison stays at the forefront of tax law, providing valuable insights and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different California tax agencies?
Unlike most states, California has three separate taxing agencies:
- Franchise Tax Board (FTB) for state income taxes,
- Employment Development Department (EDD) for state payroll taxes, and
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) formerly the State Board of Equalization (SBOE) for state sales taxes.
Please remember that in addition to the IRS, each agency has its own rules, regulation and filing requirements.
I was working with a government agent; why was my bank account levied?
Tax agents are overworked and have a large number of cases. If you are working with a Collections Agent in the IRS, FTB, EDD or CDTFA your account should not be levied and involuntary collections will not occur if you are current on your filing and payments, are making good-faith payments, are responsive to the agent and you meet the agreed-upon timelines. Recently, state agencies have been assessing taxpayers when they do not respond to an assessment or audit notice. Sometimes taxpayers overlook the notices and unfortunately, the state agency automatically assesses the client. The assessment is then sent to the Collections department. Depending on the state agency, a notice may be sent and if the taxpayer does not respond in a specified period of time, the taxpayers’ bank accounts may be levied.
Why should I hire a tax attorney?
Unfortunately, most taxpayers do not seek out a lawyer until they have an issue with a government agency. Unlike larger national firms, Ms. Soares will be handling your matter and responding directly to your questions and concerns. We understand each taxing agency’s rules and requirements. We understand the law and are able to take your controversy as far as necessary to obtain a successful result. Some national firms only write letters or delay collections. We will review your case and give you honest advice. Since we are lawyers, we have the ability to take your tax controversy case to Tax Court if necessary.
If I hire a lawyer to help with my tax issue will the government agency think that I am guilty?
This is a very common question that clients ask. The short answer is no. You have the right to representation. The government agent understands that you are busy with your own business and that it is more efficient for you to focus your time and energy running your business. In our experience, the government agent actually likes that an experienced person is working with them because in most cases we do their work for them. We know the format, the questions and the documentation that the agent will request. We review your information and provide it to the government agent in an organized fashion which saves the government agent’s time and energy.
Why should I hire a tax attorney instead of using my accountant or tax preparer?
There are many reasons to hire an attorney:
- As lawyers, we have an ethical duty to always act in your best interest,
- When you hire an attorney, you have an attorney-client privilege. There is no client confidentiality between you and your accountant or tax preparer. When you hire a lawyer, you are allowed to freely communicate with your lawyer. If you face any criminal charges, your tax preparer or accountant will not provide this same protection. In most cases, he or she will be compelled to testify against you.
- In some cases, taxpayers may consider using their accountant or tax preparer to represent them in front of a government agency. Depending on the facts of the case, there may be a conflict of interest between the tax preparer and the client.
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