Akopchikyan Law Firm - Pasadena, CA

Authoritative Tax Controversy and Litigation in Pasadena

When confronting complex audits, substantial tax assessments, or collection actions from tax agencies, having counsel with judicial insight makes a decisive difference. When high-net-worth individuals and corporate entities need to hire a tax attorney in Pasadena, California, Akopchikyan Law Firm delivers unmatched insider perspective and rigorous courtroom advocacy. Founded by Ovsep Akopchikyan, a former Administrative Law Judge at the California Office of Tax Appeals (OTA) and a State Bar Certified Specialist in Taxation Law, the firm concentrates exclusively on resolving high-stakes federal, state, and local tax controversies.

Having presided over appeals involving California's largest taxing authorities, attorney Ovsep Akopchikyan understands precisely how tax agencies construct their positions and what specific evidentiary proof is required for taxpayers to prevail. Whether you need to consult an IRS dispute lawyer for a complex partnership audit or require representation before the California Franchise Tax Board, Akopchikyan Law Firm provides personalized, partner-level representation tailored to each client's unique financial objectives.

Comprehensive Tax Controversy and Defense Practice Areas

The firm represents taxpayers in administrative proceedings, appeals, and court litigation across all major tax disciplines:

• IRS Audits and Tax Court Litigation: Defending taxpayers in complex Large Business and International (LB&I) examinations, Small Business audits, Employee Retention Credit (ERC) inquiries, and litigating before the U.S. Tax Court.
• California Franchise Tax Board Audits: Representing clients in high-stakes FTB income tax audits, residency disputes, corporate franchise tax apportionments, and administrative protests.
• CDTFA Sales and Use Tax Defense: Challenging sales tax assessments, statistical sampling methodologies, and corporate officer dual determination liability before the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
• Office of Tax Appeals (OTA) Proceedings: Leveraging direct judicial experience to draft persuasive appeal briefs and present oral arguments before the California Office of Tax Appeals.
• EDD Employment Tax Audits: Defending businesses against worker classification audits, payroll tax assessments, and officer liability determinations by the Employment Development Department.
• Tax Debt Resolution and Collection Defense: Negotiating offers in compromise, installment payment plans, releasing bank levies, and obtaining lien subordinations or withdrawals for real estate transactions.

About Former Tax Judge Ovsep Akopchikyan

Ovsep Akopchikyan graduated second in his class, cum laude, from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, where he also earned his Master of Laws in Taxation (Tax LL.M.) with highest distinction. Inducted into the Order of the Coif, he later served as an Adjunct Professor of Tax Law at Loyola's nationally recognized graduate tax program. His extensive career encompasses serving as a tax manager in Deloitte's elite Washington National Tax practice and litigating high-stakes disputes at an Am Law 100 firm, where his trial team achieved a $25 million verdict recognized among the Top 100 Verdicts in America in 2016. As an Administrative Law Judge at the California Office of Tax Appeals, he authored significant opinions shaping state tax jurisprudence before returning to private practice to champion taxpayer rights.

Strategic Case Evaluations and Direct Attorney Counsel

Tax disputes demand quick, methodical intervention before statutory deadlines expire. When you need an attorney in Pasadena with deep tax knowledge to evaluate an audit notice or tax assessment, Akopchikyan Law Firm offers comprehensive initial case evaluations. Clients receive direct, one-on-one attention from attorney Akopchikyan without delegation to junior staff. To discuss your federal or California tax dispute, contact the firm's main Pasadena office located at 35 North Lake Avenue, Suite 710.