Practice model · D.C. OTR and OAH
Tax controversy attorney vs big law
Mr. Powell handles the matter personally. The practice is civil tax controversy for individuals and closely held businesses, including D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue protests at the Office of Administrative Hearings. Ask a large firm who will staff the matter, how billing works, and whether the practice covers individual tax disputes. Fees at this firm are quoted in writing after a consultation request.
This page compares practice models, not named firms. D.C. OTR and OAH sources were checked on August 28, 2026. The Tax Court filing fee was checked on August 19, 2026.
A D.C. proposed assessment is OAH work
OTR's taxpayer-rights page, checked August 28, 2026, describes two administrative steps: an optional informal conference with the Audit Division, then a written protest to the Office of Administrative Hearings, an independent tribunal that reviews OTR decisions.
OTR states that petitions to OAH must be filed within 30 days from the date the notice is sent. The protest should include the taxpayer's name and contact information, a copy of the notice, the facts and reasons for disagreement, and supporting documents. OAH lists email, eFiling, mail, and in-person filing. OTR states that the taxpayer need not pay the disputed amount while the appeal is pending, and that filing the protest stops collection until a final decision. Penalties and interest may continue to accrue. Later Superior Court review, when available, has a six-month window and, OTR states, requires that the tax first be paid.
This firm has an office at 1629 K Street NW, Suite 300. Mr. Powell is admitted in the District of Columbia.
Official source: D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue (checked August 28, 2026)
Official source: OTR, Taxpayer Rights, Appeals and Reconsiderations (checked August 28, 2026)
Official source: OAH, Taxpayer's Protest of a Proposed Assessment (checked August 28, 2026)
Official source: U.S. Tax Court court fees (checked August 19, 2026)
When does the size of the firm matter?
On an individual IRS notice or a D.C. OTR proposed assessment, the lawyer who reads the paper is the lawyer who appears. Mr. Powell is admitted in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and before the United States Tax Court. The record is on the About page.
A matter involving several entities, years, or jurisdictions may require coordinated work by several lawyers. Ask how the proposed team would divide that work. This firm handles civil tax controversy.
This firm first
How does a solo tax controversy attorney compare with a large-firm tax group?
The columns put this firm first because that is the practice being described.
| Question | Law Office of Alexander Powell, PLLC | Large-firm tax group |
|---|---|---|
| Matter fit | Individuals and closely held businesses with IRS, D.C. OTR, or Maryland Comptroller disputes. | Ask which lawyers have experience with the issues and proceedings involved. |
| Staffing | Mr. Powell researches, drafts, and represents the client in proceedings. | Ask who will research, draft, communicate with you, and appear in proceedings. |
| Who appears at OAH | Mr. Powell represents clients in protests of D.C. proposed assessments at the Office of Administrative Hearings. | Confirm which attorney will handle the protest and any hearing. |
| Billing | A written fee quote for the engagement before work begins. | Request the billing terms and the scope of each lawyer’s work in writing. |
| Related legal work | The engagement identifies the tax dispute and the work the firm will perform. | If several areas of law are involved, ask how the lawyers responsible will coordinate their work. |
Get the quote in writing before any work begins.
Questions
Large firms, this firm, and OAH
What is a D.C. OTR proposed assessment, and who hears the protest?
The District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue issues proposed assessments and other tax determinations. OTR's taxpayer-rights page, checked August 28, 2026, states that a taxpayer may request an informal conference with the Audit Division, then file a written protest with the Office of Administrative Hearings within 30 days from the date the notice is sent. OTR states that the taxpayer need not pay the disputed amount while the OAH appeal is pending, and that filing the protest stops collection until a final decision. Penalties and interest may continue to accrue.
Who works on my case at this firm?
Mr. Powell. He is admitted in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and before the United States Tax Court. The attorney who reads the notice is the attorney who argues the case, whether that is an IRS examination, an Appeals conference, an OAH protest of a D.C. proposed assessment, or a Tax Court petition. Mr. Powell is the lawyer responsible for the engagement.
Can a solo attorney handle a U.S. Tax Court case?
Yes. Mr. Powell is admitted to the U.S. Tax Court. After a Notice of Deficiency the taxpayer generally has 90 days, or 150 days if the notice is addressed to a person outside the United States, to petition. The petition fee is $60 per the court's fee schedule, checked August 19, 2026.
When is a large firm the right choice?
A matter may require lawyers in several practice areas, such as tax, corporate transactions, or criminal defense. Ask who would handle each part and how those lawyers would coordinate the work. This firm handles civil tax controversy. A case with criminal exposure belongs with a firm that defends those cases.
How are fees quoted at this firm?
An initial consultation is a call with Mr. Powell, and there is no charge for the call. The firm quotes the fee in writing for the specific engagement once the notice and the posture of the matter are understood, and it does so before any work begins. Government fees are separate and are set by the agency. The United States Tax Court petition fee is $60 under the court's fee schedule, checked August 19, 2026.
Related pages
Related pages
- D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue disputesOTR notices, the informal conference, and the OAH protest path.
- Washington, DC tax attorneyIRS examinations, appeals, collections, penalties, and Tax Court from the Washington, DC office.
- Attorney vs national tax reliefQuestions about representation, fees, and professional accountability.
- Tax attorney vs CPAIRS representation, privilege, and Tax Court admission.
- Start hereSend a high-level summary of the IRS or OTR letter and the date printed on it.
OTR notice or IRS letter
Send the letter code and the date printed on it.
If the paper is a D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue notice, send the tax type and the date printed on it. If it is an IRS letter, send the code and that date.
Schedule an initial consultationRequesting a consultation does not make Mr. Powell your lawyer, provide legal advice, or protect a deadline.
Law Office of Alexander Powell, PLLC. 1629 K Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006.