Business Details
Trusted Tax Defense Attorneys in Newport Beach, CA
Tax Attorney OC was founded to provide unparalleled tax defense services through the expertise of Daniel W. Layton, a seasoned tax attorney with over 15 years of experience in complex tax controversies. Our firm combines unique insights from Daniel's decade-long career as an IRS trial attorney and federal prosecutor to strategically navigate audits, litigation, and compliance matters. We specialize in high-stakes cases involving IRS, FTB, EDD, and sales tax disputes, leveraging deep institutional knowledge of government processes to protect clients' rights.Our track record includes over 30 reported court opinions and resolutions exceeding $250 million in contested cases. Client testimonials consistently highlight our transparent communication, technical mastery, and life-changing outcomes in resolving seemingly intractable tax issues. With offices in Newport Beach and Tustin, we serve Southern California businesses and individuals facing federal and state tax challenges.
Services
IRS Audit Defense
FBAR Submissions
Tax Litigation
Innocent Spouse Relief
Criminal Tax Defense
Audit Reconsideration
Penalty Abatement
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of specialized tax controversy experience from former IRS and DOJ attorneys
- Our team has secured over 30 reported tax court opinions and $250M+ in case resolutions
- We provide strategic defense against complex IRS, FTB, and EDD audits and investigations
- Our office locations in Newport Beach and Tustin serve all Southern California jurisdictions
- We maintain direct communication with clients throughout every stage of tax proceedings
What people say
Exceptional tax attorney
Saved my retirement
Resolved problems
Critical step in protecting rights
Exceeded expectations
Services
IRS Audit Defense
Our IRS audit defense service leverages insider knowledge from former IRS trial attorney experience to strategically navigate federal tax examinations. We represent clients during audit proceedings, protests, and appeals, focusing on minimizing liabilities and preventing criminal referrals. Our approach combines technical expertise with proactive communication to achieve favorable resolutions.
FBAR Submissions
We specialize in delinquent FBAR submissions and offshore account disclosures, helping clients achieve compliance with foreign financial reporting requirements. Our services include voluntary disclosures, penalty mitigation, and administrative review processes. We provide continuing education to other attorneys on FBAR law developments and represent clients in related litigation matters.
Tax Litigation
Our tax litigation practice handles complex disputes in U.S. Tax Court, District Court, and state forums. We focus on high-stakes cases involving innocent spouse relief, business deductions, and criminal tax defense. With over 30 reported court opinions and $250 million+ in resolved cases, we provide aggressive representation in both civil and criminal tax proceedings.
Innocent Spouse Relief
We specialize in obtaining innocent spouse relief for individuals facing unfair tax liabilities from joint returns. Our attorneys navigate IRS administrative processes and court proceedings to secure full relief in appropriate cases, leveraging both procedural knowledge and litigation experience to protect clients' interests.
Criminal Tax Defense
Our criminal tax defense service protects clients facing criminal investigations for tax violations. Drawing on former federal prosecutor experience, we develop defense strategies against charges including tax evasion and FBAR violations. We represent clients during investigations, grand jury proceedings, and trials, focusing on minimizing criminal exposure and protecting financial interests.
People
Daniel W. Layton
Founder - Tax Attorney
Former IRS trial attorney and federal prosecutor with 15+ years of tax controversy experience. University of Chicago law graduate and tax LLM holder, recognized as Orange County Bar Association Tax Section Chair and ASLA Top 100 Lawyer.
Melissa S. Kew
Paralegal
Experienced paralegal supporting complex tax cases with meticulous documentation management and client communication, working closely with attorney Daniel Layton on case preparation and administrative proceedings.
Questions
What tax issues does DWL Tax Law handle?
We specialize in IRS audits, FBAR submissions, tax litigation, innocent spouse relief, criminal tax defense, and state tax controversies involving FTB and EDD.
What makes your firm different from other tax attorneys?
Our team combines former IRS trial attorney experience with federal prosecutorial background to strategically anticipate government actions and protect client rights.
Do you handle cases outside Orange County?
While based in Newport Beach and Tustin, we represent clients throughout Southern California in federal and state tax matters.
How do you communicate case progress to clients?
We maintain direct communication with clients throughout all proceedings, providing regular updates and strategic explanations at every stage.
What types of tax cases have you successfully resolved?
Our track record includes over 30 reported tax court opinions and resolutions exceeding $250 million in contested cases involving audits, litigation, and penalty abatement.
