Tax Controversies & IRS Representation
Tax attorney (primary) and trial attorney services for Tulsa, the Tulsa metro, and Oklahoma — plus New York and nationwide IRS matters.
Clifford N. Ribner is a tax attorney, litigator, and trial lawyer with over 47 years reading complex statutes and representing taxpayers against the IRS and state tax authorities. The core of the practice is tax controversy and tax litigation for people and businesses already in a fight with the IRS or a state tax authority.
Core tax controversy work includes IRS Appeals, Offers in Compromise, penalty abatement, employment tax, delinquent or unfiled returns, innocent spouse relief, criminal tax / white-collar criminal tax defense, IRS audit representation, tax liens, and federal and Oklahoma Tax Commission controversies.
Clifford Ribner represents the Gold standard in taxation law. Clifford's depth of knowledge and abilities literally allowed me to sleep at night.
IRS Appeals
Appeal an IRS Revenue Agent or Revenue Officer action before it locks in, including assessments, wage garnishments, liens, and levies.
Read moreOffers in Compromise
When penalties and interest make full payment impossible, an Offer in Compromise can settle what you owe for less, and clear related liens if accepted.
Read moreIRS Penalty Abatement
The IRS assesses penalties for many reasons, sometimes wrongly, unfairly, or against its own rules. Abatement puts those penalties back under the law.
Read moreEmployment Tax Controversies
Employment tax problems can shut a business down. Payroll trust fund issues, worker classification fights, and collection moves need a litigator, not a waiting game.
Read moreDelinquent Tax Returns
Falling behind on returns is dangerous and can raise criminal risk. Coming back into the system works best with an attorney between you and the IRS.
Read moreInnocent Spouse / Injured Spouse
The IRS often tries to collect from one spouse for a liability that belongs to the other spouse or a former spouse. Relief statutes exist for a reason.
Read moreCriminal Tax Investigations
A criminal tax investigation is the most dangerous tax problem a person can face. Early counsel, and silence toward the IRS without that counsel, matter.
Read moreIRS Files and FOIA
You have the right to see the IRS file on you. An attorney who reads coded transcripts and case history can explain what the Service already believes.
Read moreCancellation of Debt Income
When you settle credit cards, bank debt, or other loans, the IRS may treat the forgiven amount as taxable income. Form 1099-C is how they hear about it.
Read moreSpecial Tax Counsel
Other lawyers bring Clifford N. Ribner in when a matter needs specialized tax controversy and litigation counsel for their client.
Read moreTax Attorney FAQ
What is tax controversy work at this Tulsa office?
Tax controversy means representing people and businesses already in a fight with the IRS or a state tax authority — audits, appeals, collection, liens, levies, offers in compromise, employment tax, unfiled returns, innocent spouse claims, and criminal tax exposure — not routine return preparation.
When should I hire a tax litigator instead of my CPA?
When the IRS is aggressive, Circular 230 pressure limits what a return preparer can finish, or the matter may go to Appeals, Tax Court, or collection litigation. A specialized tax litigator raises the hazards of litigation for the government, which often changes how the Service resolves the case.
Does Clifford Ribner handle Oklahoma Tax Commission matters as well as IRS cases?
Yes. Core work covers federal IRS controversies and Oklahoma Tax Commission matters from the downtown Tulsa office, plus New York tax controversies and nationwide IRS representation where the facts fit.
Are free consultations offered for IRS problems?
No. When you call, you speak with counsel about credentials, the types of cases accepted, and how retention works. Legal advice and case-detail review begin after you retain the office — not through a sales-driven free consult.
Litigation, trials & related civil matters
Beyond IRS and state tax controversies, the office handles selected civil and white-collar criminal litigation, trials, and appeals. Construction work is trial-scale only. Full list, limits, retainer note, and FAQ: Litigation page.
Contact
Office at 320 So. Boston, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103. To schedule a consultation, call 918-582-9200 or use FaceTime if you are outside the Tulsa metro.