Free Tax Law Guides
Attorney-Written Tax Guides
For Every Situation You Face.
Comprehensive, plain-English guides covering IRS defense, California state taxes, international issues, and tax strategy. Written by our attorneys and updated regularly.
Complete Guide Library
16 Comprehensive Guides — All Free
Each guide is written by our attorneys based on real client situations. No fluff, no jargon — just the answers you need.
IRS Collections Guide
Liens, levies, wage garnishments, bank seizures, and how to stop them. Understand your rights and options when the IRS comes collecting.
Read the Guide → California TaxFTB Collections Guide
How California's Franchise Tax Board collects unpaid income taxes, penalties, and what options you have to resolve FTB debt.
Read the Guide → IRS DefenseIRS Audits Guide
Types of IRS audits, common triggers, your rights during an examination, and how to protect yourself from start to finish.
Read the Guide → Criminal TaxCriminal Tax Investigations Guide
What happens when the IRS refers your case to Criminal Investigation. Warning signs, timelines, and defense strategies.
Read the Guide → California TaxCalifornia Sales Tax Audits Guide
How the CDTFA conducts sales tax audits, sampling methods, common errors, and how to challenge audit findings.
Read the Guide → California TaxCalifornia Payroll Tax Audits Guide
EDD payroll audits, worker misclassification, and how to defend against California employment tax assessments.
Read the Guide → California TaxCDTFA Collections Guide
When the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration comes to collect — your options, rights, and resolution paths.
Read the Guide → California TaxEDD Collections Guide
California Employment Development Department collections, payroll tax debt, and how to negotiate with the EDD.
Read the Guide → Complex IssuesInternational Taxation Guide
FBAR, FATCA, foreign trusts, offshore accounts, and tax treaties. A complete guide to U.S. international tax obligations.
Read the Guide → Tax StrategyMultistate Taxation Guide
Nexus, apportionment, and tax planning for businesses and individuals operating across multiple states.
Read the Guide → IRS DefenseOffer in Compromise Guide
How to settle IRS tax debt for less than you owe. Eligibility, the application process, and how to build a winning offer.
Read the Guide → Tax StrategyCalifornia Residency Guide
How California determines tax residency, safe harbor rules, and how to change your domicile without triggering an audit.
Read the Guide → Complex IssuesInnocent Spouse & Divorce Guide
Tax relief when your spouse created the liability. Innocent spouse claims, equitable relief, and divorce tax planning.
Read the Guide → Complex IssuesCannabis Tax Guide
Section 280E, state cannabis taxes, CDTFA compliance, and tax planning strategies for licensed cannabis businesses.
Read the Guide → Complex IssuesVirtual Currency & Crypto Tax Guide
IRS reporting for cryptocurrency, DeFi, staking, NFTs, and how to stay compliant as regulations evolve.
Read the Guide → ERCEmployee Retention Credit Guide
ERC eligibility, audit defense, the voluntary disclosure program, and what to do if your claim was denied by the IRS.
Read the Guide →Browse by Topic
Find Guides by Category
Why Trust Our Guides
Written by Attorneys Who Handle These Cases Daily
3,000+
Cases Handled
$500M+
In Tax Debt Resolved
20+
Years of Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Tax Law Guides
Are these guides really free?+
Yes. Every guide on this page is completely free to read with no registration required. We believe that people facing tax problems deserve access to accurate legal information, not sales pitches disguised as advice.
Who writes these guides?+
All guides are written by Sam Brotman, Esq. and the attorneys at Brotman Law. The content is based on real cases we've handled and reflects current law as of the most recent update date shown on each guide.
Can I use these guides instead of hiring an attorney?+
Our guides provide general legal information, not legal advice specific to your situation. For simple matters, the information may be sufficient. For complex issues — especially audits, criminal investigations, or significant tax debt — we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified tax attorney. You can book a free 15-minute call to discuss your situation.
How often are the guides updated?+
We review and update our guides regularly to reflect changes in tax law, IRS procedures, and California state agency policies. Major updates are noted at the top of each guide with the revision date.
Which guide should I start with?+
Start with the guide that matches your most pressing issue. If you're facing an IRS audit, start with the IRS Audits Guide. If you owe back taxes, the IRS Collections Guide or Offer in Compromise Guide are the best starting points.
Get Started Today
Book Your Free 15-Minute Call
Schedule a brief call with our team to discuss your situation. We'll assess where things stand and outline your options — confidentially and without obligation.
- Completely confidential — protected by attorney-client privilege
- Every situation is different — you'll receive a custom assessment tailored to yours
- Same-day and next-day appointments available