Business Details
Your Trusted Tax Defense Partner in Newport Beach
Tax Attorney OC was founded by Daniel W. Layton to provide high-level tax defense services. With over 15 years of experience as a tax and FBAR lawyer, including roles as a former IRS trial attorney and federal prosecutor, the firm specializes in complex tax controversies. Our expertise spans IRS, FTB, EDD, and sales tax audits, protests, and appeals, along with criminal tax defense and delinquent FBAR submissions. We leverage insider knowledge of government strategies to protect clients' rights in administrative and courtroom settings. Our track record includes over 30 reported court opinions and resolutions exceeding $250 million in contested cases. Clients consistently praise our communication, strategic insight, and life-changing results. We serve individuals and businesses throughout Southern California from offices in Newport Beach and Tustin. Our approach combines academic excellence, having trained IRS agents and presented continuing education on FBAR law, with practical litigation experience in U.S. Tax Court and District Court. We maintain transparency about outcomes while advocating aggressively for favorable resolutions.
Services
IRS Audit Defense
FBAR Submission Procedures
Criminal Tax Defense
Innocent Spouse Relief
Tax Trial Representation
Served areas
- Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel
Highlights and features
- Tax Attorney Newport Beach
What people say
Exceptional tax attorney
Saved my retirement
Resolved problems that CPAs couldn't
Exceeded expectations
Life-saving work
Services
IRS Audit Defense
Our firm provides comprehensive defense against IRS audits using insider knowledge from our founder's experience as a former IRS trial attorney. We develop strategic responses to audit findings, negotiate settlements, and represent clients in appeals. Our approach combines technical expertise with practical understanding of IRS procedures to protect clients' financial interests.
FBAR Submission Procedures
We specialize in delinquent FBAR submissions and offshore account disclosures. Our services include preparing streamlined voluntary disclosures, negotiating penalty abatement, and representing clients in related tax controversies. With experience handling complex international tax matters, we help clients achieve compliance while minimizing potential penalties and legal exposure.
Criminal Tax Defense
Our firm defends clients facing criminal tax investigations and prosecutions. We represent individuals and businesses in cases involving tax evasion, false reporting, and related financial crimes. Drawing on our founder's background as a former federal prosecutor, we develop defense strategies that address both criminal and civil tax implications while protecting clients' constitutional rights.
Innocent Spouse Relief
We assist taxpayers seeking relief from joint tax liabilities through Innocent Spouse Relief provisions. Our services include preparing applications, gathering supporting documentation, and negotiating with the IRS to remove unfair tax obligations. We leverage our deep understanding of IRS guidelines to maximize clients' chances of obtaining full or partial relief.
Tax Trial Representation
Our firm provides aggressive representation in tax litigation matters before U.S. Tax Court, District Court, and state administrative tribunals. We handle complex cases involving audit reconsideration, collection due process hearings, and appeals. With extensive trial experience in civil and criminal tax cases, we advocate for favorable rulings in high-stakes tax disputes.
People
Daniel W. Layton
Founder - Tax Attorney
Former IRS trial attorney and federal prosecutor with over 15 years of tax controversy experience. Holds law degree from University of Chicago and graduate tax law degree. Recognized as 2023 OCBA Tax Section Award recipient and four-term OCBA Tax Section Chair.
Melissa S. Kew
Paralegal
Supports tax controversy cases with specialized knowledge of IRS procedures and documentation requirements. Assists in preparing audit responses, organizing case materials, and coordinating client communications for complex tax defense matters.
Questions
What tax defense services do you offer?
We handle IRS, FTB, EDD, and sales tax audits, criminal tax investigations, FBAR submissions, innocent spouse relief, and tax litigation in federal and state courts.
What makes your firm different from other tax attorneys?
Our team includes a former IRS trial attorney and federal prosecutor with over 15 years of experience handling complex tax controversies and 30+ reported court opinions.
How do you handle IRS audit cases?
We develop strategic responses using insider knowledge of IRS procedures, negotiate settlements, and represent clients in appeals and litigation when necessary.
Can you help with offshore account disclosures?
Yes, we specialize in delinquent FBAR submissions and streamlined voluntary disclosures to help clients achieve compliance while minimizing penalties.
What experience do you have with tax trials?
Our founder has extensive trial experience in U.S. Tax Court and District Court, with over 100 resolved cases including complex civil and criminal tax matters.
Reviews (9)
Helen T.
Apr 07, 2021
Report
I highly recommend Daniel. I had a California tax issue of receiving a 10 year old bill, which belonged to my ex-husband. Unfortunately I had signed a tax form. Daniel was very thorough in making my case and showed all the facts. It took ten months but we won.
Amy Rubens
Apr 07, 2021
Report
I called with a tax question and Daniel was able to help me and refer me to other professionals to assist. He spent quite a bit of time with me on the phone and was courteous and knowledgeable.
Dick Norton
Jan 13, 2019
Report
I have had the pleasure of working with Dan Layton when I have brought him aboard as a team member for clients I was representing that needed to petition or had already petitioned the U.S. Tax Court. Dan has proven himself invaluable with his legal training, experience and support. I plan to continue using him for future clients where legal representation is an integral part of my strategy to ensure a successful resolution to the tax controversy. That is the highest recommendation I can offer.
Vic Morel
Jan 13, 2019
Report
Daniel with his IRS Administrative & IRS Trial Experience makes him the first Tax Professional that you call when you have a difficult and complex IRS problem. I have worked with Daniel on some very complicated IRS Tax cases and found him to be very analytical and a true problem solver.
Daniel Rescia
Jan 13, 2019
Report
Mr. Layton is an exceptional tax attorney that resolved problems that 3 so-called CPA's couldn't, with just a simple letter. Exceptional tax attorney.
Steve K.
Jan 13, 2019
Report
Dan is very knowledgeable about tax matters and has always given me good and wise advice. He is very professional and I would recommend him to anyone to has a tax issue.
Peter S.
Jan 13, 2019
Report
I hired this law office to represent me before the California Franchise Tax Board. The FTB had decided to audit one of my state tax returns. Daniel Layton, the attorney that represented me, was fantastic! He was constantly in touch with me, letting me know of everything that was happening and making recommendations on how to proceed. I have hired other law firms where you never hear from anyone for months and there's no one to communicate with.
But not here. This firm's client communication is top notch and I really appreciated that. Undergoing a tax audit is anxious for anyone, and I was really glad to have them handle it so carefully. Oh yeah - and the tax audit result was a 100% success in my favor.
But not here. This firm's client communication is top notch and I really appreciated that. Undergoing a tax audit is anxious for anyone, and I was really glad to have them handle it so carefully. Oh yeah - and the tax audit result was a 100% success in my favor.
Kathleen Gulko
Jan 13, 2019
Report
Finding Layton & Lopez Tax Attorneys was like hitting the jack pot. We FINALLY found a firm that was expertly knowledgeable in handling challenges with the IRS. Daniel Layton was our main client contact, and he worked very closely with us. We did everything he told us to do, and we were able to reach a reasonable agreement with the IRS. We tried two other law firms before them, which resulted in wasted money.
We are very grateful to Layton & Lopez for resolving an issue that had been ongoing for 15 years. Medi-Syn, Inc. highly recommends Layton & Lopez, LLC for assisting you with your corporate tax matters.
We are very grateful to Layton & Lopez for resolving an issue that had been ongoing for 15 years. Medi-Syn, Inc. highly recommends Layton & Lopez, LLC for assisting you with your corporate tax matters.
Robert Bonds
Jan 13, 2019
Report
I am a C.P.A. who has used Daniel and his firm for various client issues and tax law questions. My work with Daniel and his staff has been very professional and with positive results. Daniel's knowledge of tax law and IRS procedure have been invaluable to me.