The 8 Best Tax Lawyers in Chicago (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 8 firms · Illinois law

The best tax lawyers in Chicago in 2026 include Gordon Law for IRS audits and crypto tax, J. David Tax Law and Defense Tax Partners for IRS debt and levies, Benjamin Legal Services and the Law Offices of Michael Raff among smaller practices, and Levin Schreder & Carey, Chuhak & Tecson and Levenfeld Pearlstein for income and estate tax planning.

The list at a glance

FirmOfficeFocusBest for
1. Gordon LawSkokieIRS audits, tax debt, cryptoCrypto investors and startups
2. J. David Tax LawNorth SideIRS and state tax debtPeople facing levies or garnishment
3. Defense Tax PartnersThe LoopAudit defense and criminal taxAudits with a possible criminal angle
4. Benjamin Legal ServicesWest LoopTax debt, bankruptcy, Tax CourtPeople weighing tax debt against bankruptcy
5. Law Offices of Michael RaffNorthbrook & BannockburnIRS debt and collectionsNorth suburban individuals
6. Levin Schreder & CareyThe LoopEstate and income tax planningPlanning before a problem
7. Levenfeld Pearlstein (LP)West LoopTax planningBusiness owners
8. Chuhak & TecsonWest LoopTax and employee benefitsBusinesses and nonprofits

Don't ignore an IRS notice, because the deadlines to respond can determine your options. A tax lawyer is especially useful if you might have criminal exposure, because what you tell a lawyer is protected in a way that may not apply to a tax preparer. For a straightforward balance due, ask whether a CPA or enrolled agent could help at lower cost.

1. Gordon Law — Skokie

A firm founded by a tax attorney and CPA.

Focus IRS audits, tax debt, cryptoBest for Crypto investors and startups

Gordon Law handles IRS audits, tax debt, crypto tax and offshore disclosure. Its site says most clients are served remotely from its Skokie office.

Good to know: Have your exchange records ready if crypto is involved.

4709 Golf Rd, Suite 1100, Skokie, IL 60076

Firm profile 847-580-1279 Website Google Maps

2. J. David Tax Law — North Side

National tax resolution firm with a Chicago office.

Focus IRS and state tax debtBest for People facing levies or garnishment

J. David Tax Law handles IRS and state tax debt, audits, levies, liens and wage garnishments, and it has a Chicago office on West North Avenue among its many locations.

Good to know: Ask which lawyer will handle your case.

939 W North Ave, Suite 750, Chicago, IL 60642

Firm profile 888-789-5011 Website Google Maps

3. Defense Tax Partners — The Loop

A tax practice including criminal tax defense.

Focus Audit defense and criminal taxBest for Audits with a possible criminal angle

Defense Tax Partners offers IRS audit defense, tax debt negotiation and help with levies and liens, along with criminal tax defense pages, from North LaSalle Street.

Good to know: If agents contact you, speak to a lawyer first.

203 N LaSalle St, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601

Firm profile 312-964-8355 Website Google Maps

4. Benjamin Legal Services — West Loop

Tax work alongside bankruptcy.

Focus Tax debt, bankruptcy, Tax CourtBest for People weighing tax debt against bankruptcy

Benjamin Legal Services handles IRS and state tax debt, offers in compromise and Tax Court cases, as well as bankruptcy and foreclosure. It's a useful combination when you're choosing among those routes.

Good to know: Bring recent IRS notices and tax transcripts.

1021 W Adams St, Floor 2, Chicago, IL 60607

Firm profile 312-945-0021 Website Google Maps

5. Law Offices of Michael Raff — Northbrook & Bannockburn

A north-suburban solo practice.

Focus IRS debt and collectionsBest for North suburban individuals

The Law Offices of Michael Raff handles IRS debt, back taxes, audits and settlements from Lincolnshire, and its site says it works directly with clients.

Good to know: Don't wait for a levy before calling.

1 Overlook Point, Suite 251, Lincolnshire, IL 60069

Firm profile 847-553-4800 Website Google Maps

6. Levin Schreder & Carey — The Loop

Focused on estate and income tax planning.

Focus Estate and income tax planningBest for Planning before a problem

Levin Schreder & Carey says it's devoted exclusively to estate and income tax planning and related disputes. It's for high-value planning rather than collection problems.

Good to know: Bring prior estate documents and recent tax returns.

120 N LaSalle St, 38th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602

Firm profile 312-332-6300 Website Google Maps

7. Levenfeld Pearlstein (LP) — West Loop

Tax planning at a mid-sized firm.

Focus Tax planningBest for Business owners

Levenfeld Pearlstein lists tax planning with corporate, real estate and trust work, so tax questions can be coordinated with a transaction.

Good to know: Ask for a tax partner at the first call.

120 S Riverside Plaza, Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60606

Firm profile 312-346-8380 Website Google Maps

8. Chuhak & Tecson — West Loop

Tax and benefits for businesses and nonprofits.

Focus Tax and employee benefitsBest for Businesses and nonprofits

Chuhak & Tecson has a tax and employee benefits practice, plus nonprofit and tax-exempt organization work.

Good to know: Nonprofits should ask about exempt status questions.

120 S Riverside Plz, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60606

Firm profile 312-444-9300 Website Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

When do I need a tax lawyer rather than a CPA?

Consider a lawyer for possible criminal issues, Tax Court, undisclosed foreign accounts, or a large dispute. A CPA or enrolled agent may be enough for preparing returns and for many simple IRS problems.

What is an Offer in Compromise?

An IRS program to settle tax debt for less than the full amount in some cases, based on what you can pay. Be careful with firms that promise a specific settlement before reviewing your finances.

Can tax debt be erased in bankruptcy?

Some older income tax debts can be discharged in bankruptcy if specific timing rules are met, but many can't. Benjamin Legal Services, on this list, handles both bankruptcy and tax.