If you need a tax lawyer in West Jordan, Utah, you have found the right place. Attorney Jeremy Eveland serves business owners and high net worth individuals throughout the Salt Lake Valley, providing strategic legal counsel on tax planning, IRS disputes, business tax compliance, and asset protection. Whether you are dealing with an IRS audit, an unpaid tax debt, a payroll tax problem, or you simply want to structure your business for maximum tax efficiency, a qualified tax lawyer West Jordan Utah residents trust can make a significant difference in the outcome. Call (801) 613-1472 today for a consultation.

Tax Law in West Jordan, Utah
West Jordan is one of the most economically active cities in the Salt Lake Valley, home to thousands of small and medium-sized businesses, real estate investors, and high-income households. With that economic activity comes significant tax exposure — and significant opportunities for legal tax savings when you work with an experienced attorney.
Utah taxes are administered by the Utah State Tax Commission, which oversees state income tax, sales and use tax, corporate franchise tax, and other levies. Utah operates under a flat individual income tax rate, meaning all taxpayers — whether they earn $30,000 or $3 million — are taxed at the same percentage of their income. For businesses, Utah’s corporate franchise tax applies to corporations doing business in the state, while LLCs, partnerships, and S corporations generally pass tax obligations through to the owners’ individual returns.
On the federal side, the IRS administers income tax, payroll tax, estate tax, gift tax, and a range of excise taxes. For West Jordan business owners, understanding the intersection of Utah state tax obligations and federal tax requirements is essential to running a compliant and profitable operation.
Working with a tax lawyer West Jordan Utah business owners rely on means having someone in your corner who understands both layers — state and federal — and can structure your affairs to minimize legitimate exposure at every level.
Understanding Utah Tax Law: What Individuals and Businesses Need to Know
Utah’s tax code — found primarily in Utah Code Title 59 — governs how individuals and businesses are taxed at the state level. Here are the core areas that most frequently affect West Jordan taxpayers:
Utah Individual Income Tax
Utah uses a flat income tax structure. Every dollar of taxable income is subject to the same rate, which applies to wages, self-employment income, rental income, capital gains, and most other forms of earnings. This simplicity is deceptive — the interplay between deductions, credits, and Utah’s conformity with federal law creates real complexity for high earners and business owners. A tax lawyer can identify credits you may have missed and structure transactions to reduce your annual tax burden.
Sales and Use Tax
West Jordan sits within Salt Lake County, and businesses that sell tangible goods — and many services — must collect and remit sales tax to the Utah State Tax Commission. Failure to properly collect sales tax, or misclassifying taxable versus exempt transactions, can lead to audits, back taxes, penalties, and interest. Sales tax audits are among the most common disputes Salt Lake Valley businesses face with the state.
Payroll Taxes
Employers in West Jordan must withhold federal income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax from employee wages, and remit those funds to the IRS on time. Utah also requires withholding of state income tax. Payroll tax non-compliance — including failure to deposit, misclassifying workers as independent contractors, or unreported compensation — is one of the most aggressively pursued areas of IRS enforcement. The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty can make business owners personally liable for unpaid payroll taxes even if the business itself is the taxpayer of record.
Business Entity Taxes
Utah corporations pay a franchise tax based on net income, with a minimum tax regardless of profitability. LLCs taxed as disregarded entities, partnerships, or S corporations pass income to their owners, but the business may still owe Utah minimum fees. Choosing the right business entity — and the right tax classification — is one of the most impactful decisions a West Jordan business owner can make.
The Role of a Tax Lawyer in West Jordan, Utah
A tax lawyer West Jordan Utah professionals turn to handles far more than tax return preparation. While CPAs and enrolled agents focus primarily on compliance and filing, a tax attorney’s role is to provide strategic legal counsel, protect your rights in disputes with taxing authorities, and structure transactions to achieve the best possible tax outcome.
Specifically, a tax lawyer can:
- Advise on the tax implications of buying, selling, or restructuring a business
- Represent clients in IRS audits, appeals, and Tax Court proceedings
- Negotiate Offers in Compromise or installment agreements to resolve unpaid tax debts
- Defend clients against IRS collection actions including liens, levies, and wage garnishments
- Structure real estate transactions, including 1031 exchanges, for tax efficiency
- Advise on estate and gift tax planning to preserve wealth across generations — see our page on estate tax exemptions
- Assist with penalty abatement requests when taxes are owed due to reasonable cause
- Provide legal privilege that protects attorney-client communications in sensitive tax matters
The attorney-client privilege is an important distinction between tax lawyers and other tax professionals. Communications with your tax attorney are generally protected from disclosure to the IRS, while communications with an accountant may not be. This privilege is particularly valuable when you are facing a criminal tax investigation or a high-stakes civil audit.
How a Tax Lawyer Can Help Your West Jordan Business
Running a business in West Jordan means managing multiple tax obligations simultaneously: federal income tax, Utah state tax, payroll taxes, sales tax, and potentially property tax. A skilled tax lawyer serves as a proactive partner — not just a problem solver after something goes wrong.
Tax Planning and Minimizing Liabilities
Proactive tax planning is where businesses save the most money. By structuring business transactions, compensation arrangements, retirement contributions, and entity elections thoughtfully, a tax lawyer can legally reduce your annual tax burden. This includes identifying available deductions, timing income and expenses strategically, and advising on qualified business income deductions for pass-through entities.
Business Transactions and Acquisitions
Whether you are buying a business, selling your company, or bringing in partners, the structure of the deal has enormous tax consequences. An asset purchase may allow a buyer to step up the basis of acquired assets, reducing future tax. A stock purchase may expose the buyer to the seller’s historical tax liabilities. A business lawyer in Utah with tax experience can structure deals to minimize tax for both parties while ensuring the transaction holds up legally.
IRS Audit Representation
If your business receives an IRS audit notice, having legal representation from day one can dramatically affect the outcome. An attorney can manage all communications with the IRS, identify what information must be disclosed and what is protected, challenge improper adjustments, and negotiate a favorable resolution. Attempting to represent yourself in a significant IRS audit is risky — auditors are trained negotiators.
Resolving Payroll Tax Problems
Payroll tax debt is among the most serious tax problems a business can face. The IRS can hold individual owners and officers personally liable through the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty, even if the business is still operating. A tax lawyer can work to limit personal liability, establish installment agreements, or challenge penalty assessments.

Choosing the Right Tax Lawyer in West Jordan
Not every attorney who handles tax matters has the same depth of experience. When selecting a tax lawyer West Jordan Utah businesses and individuals trust, look for the following:
Experience in Tax Law and Business Consultation
Choose an attorney who regularly handles tax disputes with the IRS and the Utah State Tax Commission, not just someone who occasionally reviews tax documents. Experience in business law is a major plus — many tax issues arise from business transactions, entity structure, and compensation arrangements that require a lawyer who understands both areas.
Strong Communication Skills
Tax law is complex, but your attorney should be able to explain your situation and options in plain language. If a lawyer cannot explain what they are doing and why in terms you understand, that is a red flag. You should feel fully informed and confident in every decision you make together.
Local Knowledge
An attorney familiar with the Utah State Tax Commission, local Salt Lake County tax rules, and the West Jordan business community will be better positioned to advise you than someone with no Utah experience. Jeremy Eveland has been advising West Jordan businesses for years and has deep knowledge of both Utah tax law and the local business environment. For related services, see our page for a Salt Lake commercial lawyer.
Transparent Fees
Before hiring any tax lawyer, get clarity on their fee structure. Understand whether they bill hourly, on a flat-fee basis, or some combination. Ask for a written engagement letter that outlines the scope of representation and the expected cost. Reputable attorneys provide transparent pricing.
Key Considerations When Hiring a Tax Lawyer
Before your first consultation with a tax lawyer West Jordan Utah residents choose, take time to gather and organize your relevant documents. These may include:
- Recent tax returns (federal and state) — typically the last three to five years
- Any IRS or Utah State Tax Commission notices or correspondence
- Business financial statements and bookkeeping records
- Information on any pending transactions (sales, purchases, mergers)
- Prior audit reports or tax court filings, if applicable
Coming to the consultation prepared allows the attorney to give you a much more accurate assessment of your situation and realistic options. It also helps you evaluate whether the attorney’s proposed approach makes sense given your specific facts.
Also consider the urgency of your situation. If you have received an IRS collection notice, a deadline for responding to an audit, or a tax lien on your property, time-sensitive matters require immediate attention. Do not delay in seeking representation when deadlines are involved — missing an IRS deadline can result in losing valuable rights.
Benefits of Hiring a Tax Lawyer in West Jordan
The financial benefits of working with a tax lawyer often far exceed the cost of legal fees. Here are the key advantages:
Expert Knowledge of Tax Law
Tax attorneys complete law school and typically pursue additional training or certification in tax law. This deep expertise means they know the nuances of the tax code that a general practitioner might miss — nuances that can translate to significant savings or reduced liability for you.
Attorney-Client Privilege
As mentioned above, communications with your tax attorney are protected by privilege, unlike those with an accountant. This is critical in any situation where potential criminal liability could be an issue, or where you are disclosing sensitive business information.
Effective IRS Negotiation
Tax attorneys understand IRS procedures, internal policies, and the practical reality of what settlements the IRS will and will not accept. This institutional knowledge makes them far more effective negotiators than individuals representing themselves. An attorney can often secure an Offer in Compromise, penalty abatement, or installment agreement that significantly reduces the total amount owed.
Peace of Mind
Tax problems cause significant stress and distraction. Delegating the legal resolution of a tax problem to an experienced attorney allows you to focus on running your business and living your life, confident that a professional is handling the matter effectively.
Long-Term Financial Planning
Beyond resolving immediate problems, a tax lawyer can become a valuable long-term advisor who helps you make smarter decisions going forward. Whether it is planning for the sale of your business, managing capital gains tax planning on appreciated assets, or structuring compensation for your key employees, ongoing legal counsel pays dividends year after year.
Navigating Tax Disputes in West Jordan
Tax disputes range from routine correspondence audits to full-scale criminal tax investigations. Understanding the process can reduce anxiety and help you make smart decisions about representation.
IRS Audits
IRS audits come in three forms: correspondence audits (conducted by mail), office audits (conducted at an IRS office), and field audits (conducted at your business or home by a revenue agent). Field audits are the most comprehensive and are typically reserved for businesses with complex transactions or significant tax discrepancies. In any audit, you have the right to be represented by a tax attorney, and exercising that right is strongly advisable.
IRS Appeals
If you disagree with the outcome of an IRS audit, you have the right to appeal to the IRS Office of Appeals — an independent office within the IRS that resolves disputes without litigation. The appeals process resolves a significant percentage of tax disputes, often at a fraction of the cost of Tax Court. An experienced attorney knows how to frame arguments most persuasively for the appeals process.
Tax Court and Federal Court
If appeals are unsuccessful, taxpayers have the option of litigating in the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. District Court, or the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Tax Court is the most common venue because you can file a petition before paying the disputed tax. Legal representation is essential in Tax Court proceedings.
Utah State Tax Disputes
Disputes with the Utah State Tax Commission follow a different procedural path than IRS disputes. Utah taxpayers have the right to a formal hearing before the Commission, and unresolved disputes can be appealed to the Utah State District Court. A tax lawyer West Jordan Utah clients trust will be familiar with both the IRS and Utah State Tax Commission dispute processes.

Common Tax Issues West Jordan Businesses Face
Here are the most common tax problems that bring West Jordan business owners to a tax lawyer:
Unpaid Payroll Taxes
Payroll tax debt accumulates quickly, and the IRS treats it as a priority. If your business has fallen behind on payroll tax deposits, you need legal help immediately. The longer payroll tax goes unpaid, the more aggressive the IRS collection action — and the greater the risk of personal liability through the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty.
Sales and Use Tax Audits
The Utah State Tax Commission conducts regular sales tax audits of businesses. If auditors find unreported taxable sales, uncollected tax, or improperly claimed exemptions, the resulting assessment can include back taxes, interest, and substantial penalties. A tax lawyer can challenge audit findings, negotiate settlements, and help you implement systems to prevent future problems.
Worker Classification Issues
Classifying workers as independent contractors when they should be employees is one of the most common — and costly — tax mistakes West Jordan businesses make. The IRS and Utah tax authorities both scrutinize worker classification closely. Reclassification can result in unpaid payroll taxes, penalties, and interest going back several years. Related legal issues — including workers’ compensation and benefits compliance — make this a problem that requires both a tax lawyer and a general Utah business lawyer.
Tax Liens and Levies
When the IRS or Utah State Tax Commission files a tax lien against your property, it clouds your title and can prevent you from selling or refinancing assets. A levy allows the government to seize your bank accounts, accounts receivable, or other property. A tax attorney can work to get liens released, levies released, or negotiate an arrangement that prevents collection action while a resolution is being worked out.
International Tax Compliance
West Jordan businesses with international operations, foreign bank accounts, or overseas investments face additional reporting requirements — including FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) and FATCA compliance. The penalties for non-compliance with international reporting requirements are severe, and an experienced tax attorney can help you get compliant and minimize penalties.
Utah Tax Laws Every Business Owner in West Jordan Should Know
Staying current with Utah tax law is an ongoing responsibility for every West Jordan business owner. Here are several key areas to be aware of:
Utah Economic Nexus for Sales Tax
If your business sells goods or services to Utah customers — even without a physical presence in Utah — you may have a Utah sales tax collection obligation if you exceed the economic nexus threshold. Out-of-state sellers who meet Utah’s economic nexus standard must register with the Utah State Tax Commission and collect Utah sales tax.
Utah Qualified Business Deductions
Pass-through business owners in Utah may qualify for deductions tied to the federal qualified business income (QBI) deduction under Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code. The interaction between federal and Utah state tax law in this area is complex, and a tax lawyer can help ensure you are capturing the full benefit available to you.
Utah Business Entity Selection
The choice between operating as a sole proprietorship, LLC, S corporation, or C corporation has significant Utah and federal tax implications. The right choice depends on your income level, growth plans, exit strategy, and other factors. Getting this right from the start — or restructuring an existing business properly — can save thousands of dollars annually in combined federal and state taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Lawyer West Jordan Utah
What does a tax lawyer in West Jordan, Utah actually do?
A tax lawyer provides legal advice on tax planning, represents clients in IRS and Utah State Tax Commission disputes, negotiates settlements on unpaid tax debts, and advises on the tax implications of business transactions and estate planning. Unlike a CPA who focuses on compliance and filing, a tax attorney focuses on legal strategy and dispute resolution.
How can a tax lawyer help reduce my tax burden?
Through proactive tax planning — selecting the right business entity, timing income and deductions, identifying available credits and deductions, and structuring transactions efficiently — a tax attorney can legally reduce your annual tax obligation. The savings often significantly exceed the cost of the attorney’s fees.
What happens if I ignore an IRS notice?
Ignoring an IRS notice is one of the worst things you can do. The IRS will escalate: correspondence audits become collections actions, and unresolved tax debt leads to liens, levies, and wage garnishments. If you receive any notice from the IRS or Utah State Tax Commission, consult a tax lawyer immediately — even if you think the notice is a mistake.
What is an Offer in Compromise?
An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is a settlement between a taxpayer and the IRS that allows you to resolve your tax debt for less than the full amount owed, if you meet the IRS’s eligibility criteria. Not everyone qualifies, and submitting an OIC that is too low or improperly documented will be rejected. An experienced tax attorney can evaluate whether you qualify and submit the strongest possible offer.
What are the penalties for tax non-compliance in Utah?
Penalties vary by the type and severity of the violation. The IRS charges failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties, plus interest. The Utah State Tax Commission similarly charges penalties on late filings, underpayments, and unpaid taxes. Willful tax fraud can result in criminal prosecution at both the federal and state level, with significant fines and potential imprisonment.
How long does resolving a tax dispute take?
It depends on the complexity of the dispute and the resolution method. A straightforward IRS correspondence audit might be resolved in a few months. A field audit, appeal, and potential Tax Court proceeding can take one to three years. Most disputes are resolved before reaching Tax Court, but even then the process is measured in months, not weeks. Starting early and working with an experienced attorney speeds resolution significantly.
Navigating tax law in West Jordan, Utah requires expert guidance — whether you are a business owner facing an IRS audit, an individual seeking to minimize your tax burden, or an entrepreneur structuring a new venture. A skilled tax lawyer West Jordan Utah clients trust can make the difference between a costly tax problem and a favorable resolution. Attorney Jeremy Eveland has the experience, local knowledge, and dedication to deliver results. Contact our office today for a consultation.
Jeremy Eveland
8833 S Redwood Road
West Jordan UT 84088
(801) 613-1472














































