$ 600-600 per hour
Karen J Lapekas
also known as Lapekas Law, P.A.
About Karen
Biography
Lapekas Law counsels clients on all phases of federal tax controversy, including the representation of taxpayers in IRS audits and before the U.S. Tax Court.
If you are being audited or want to appeal the results of an audit, I can make sure you get the best possible result. I will communicate with the IRS on your behalf, present facts and legal authority in support of your position to reduce the amount of tax the IRS says you owe, negotiate settlements or payment arrangements, and potentially identify situations where the IRS owes you money.
If you are facing an IRS lien, levy, frozen refund, or trust fund penalty liability, I can help you obtain alternative solutions to the IRS’ collection efforts, including helping you reach an installment agreement, offer in compromise, or a “currently not collectible status.” Additionally, I can help you determine whether Bankruptcy is a practical solution to your tax debts.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
15%-40%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 10 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2016
No misconduct found
Licensed in Florida for 17 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Licensed in Michigan for 17 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Lapekas Law, P.A.
4000 Ponce De Leon, Suite 470, Coral Gables, FL, 33146
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Karen J Lapekas's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
26 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Dr B | March 11, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Tax
Dr B
Doing research to find the best representation vs. IRS, it was difficult to find a more qualified attorney for my situation connected to my disability. What I did not expect to find was the care and patience that Ms. Lapekas showed in dealing with me and my medical issues. I sincerely believe that I...
Karen Lapekas
Replied last March 11, 2022Thank you so much. Your comment means a lot to me.
Posted by Kimberly | July 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Tax
Awesome
As the personal representative of a very large estate I enlisted Ms Kapekas’ services to present our case to the IRS Appeals Officer due to the imposition of a very large penalty. Her presentation and gathering of all the facts and affidavits of a very complex and complicated case were articulate an...
Posted by Melissa | July 22, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Tax
Abatement of IRS Penalties
Retained Karen to request abatement of IRS penalties. Although the process took about 6 months due to snail's pace of the IRS, Karen was ultimately successful in getting nearly $70,000 in assessments abated. Reasonable fees. Highly recommend!
Posted by Stacey | June 29, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Tax
Comphrehensive
Karen Lapekas does excellent work. She was knowledgeable, prompt and comprehensive with my tax issue. Fees were very reasonable. I would use her again and have referred colleagues to her for similar needs.
Posted by Dania | June 03, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Tax
Client
A knowledgeable attorney, a specialist in her field, conscientious, personable and excellent litigator. I would highly recommend her. I am very happy with her support in handling my case with the IRS and ex-husband.
Karen J Lapekas's Lawyer Endorsements
"Karen is an excellent tax attorney and fights zealously for her clients. She is extremely knowledgeable, dependable, and goes above and beyond for her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer without hesitation. I have collaborated with Karen and have also referred clients to her. She is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in her field and also very personable. I could not recommend her more highly."
"This is easy -- if you have a tax question, call Karen. She is personable, quickly responds to phone calls and email, and she explains complicated tax issues in a way that you can understand. I was a law professor for 10 years, and I never had a better student than Karen. Never. So when I recently had a tax issue arise, I called Karen -- even though she was 1,000 miles away, even though I hadn’t talked to her in years, and even though I knew lots of lawyers who I could have called. I knew that she had an LLM from Levin and I knew that she had worked for the IRS. I did the right thing. I have never met anyone more driven to perfection than Karen. She will work and work and work until she gets it right. Save yourself a lot of trouble and call Karen for your tax-related questions."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Lapekas is one of the finest Tax attorneys in her state. She is a strong and zealous advocate for her clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend her legal services."
Gerrard Grant
Tax lawyer
Francisco Cieza
Litigation lawyer
Michelle Estlund
International law lawyer
Christin Bucci
Tax lawyer
Experience
Honors
2016
Top "20 Under 40" Professionals in Miami, Brickell Magazine
2013
Fellowship, Florida Bar Tax Section
2012
Litigation Excellence, IRS Office of Chief Counsel
Work Experience
2019 - Present
Adjunct Professor, University Of Miami School Of Law
2013 - Present
Attorney/President, Lapekas Law, P.A.
2012 - 2013
Special Assistant United States Attorney, Internal Revenue Service
2009 - 2013
Senior Attorney, Internal Revenue Service Office of Chief Counsel
2007 - 2008
Legal assistant, Lefkofsky & Gorosh, P.A.
Associations
2024 - Present
Legal Services of Greater MiamiPresident, Board of Directors
2024 - Present
American College of Tax CounselFellow
2015 - Present
U.S. Tax Court Pro Bono ProgramDirector for Miami, Florida
2012 - Present
Big Brothers & Big SistersBig Sister
2010 - Present
Lawyers for Children AmericaAttorney Ad-Litem
2016 - 2017
Women's Committee of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater MiamiPresident-Elect
2015 - 2016
Women's Committee of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater MiamiSecretary
2014 - 2015
Miami Resource Center (Partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami)Advisor
Sample of Legal Cases
Humphrey v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo 2013-198
Guy v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo 2013-103
Iovine v. Comm’r, T.C. Summ. Op. 2012-32
Hollingsworth v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo 2010-262
Sherrer v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo 2011-198
Williams v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo 2011-227
1. Sergio Garcia v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, 140 T.C. 141 (2013)
Education
2009
University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
LL.M - Master of Laws (Taxation)
2008
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
J.D.
Speaking Engagements
2016
Dade County Bar Association Bench and Bar Conference
Your Next Bold Move: Real Life Tips to Help You Reach Your Dreams
2016
2016 May Meeting
The Administrative Tax Collection Case
2015
Teleseminar for the American Bar Association
Household Employees: The Price of Paying Them Under the Table
2015
Telephone CLE for the Tax Section of the Florida Bar
Considering Tax Court v. District Court Litigation
2015
Summer 2015 CPE Seminar
DO’s and DON’Ts of IRS Audit Representation
2015
Florida Bar, Tax Section
Tax Procedure Review for the Florida Board Certification
2014
Fox Business News
"Will ObamaCare Overwhelm the IRS?"
2014
21st Annual Miami-Dade County Accounting & Auditing Seminar
Payroll Taxes for New Business Start-Ups
2013
Ethical Governance Day
Ethical Governance Day
2013
Business Monday
"Last Minute Tax Help"
2013
Annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami
Jazz at Joe’s
2013
20th Annual Miami-Dade County Accounting & Auditing Seminar
DO’s and DON’Ts of IRS Audit Representation
Publications
2016
SANCTIONSALERT.com
IRS Thaws Tax Treatment of Cuba
2016
Dade County Bar Association Journal
First Comes Love, Then Comes…the IRS?
2015
Florida Bar Tax Section Bulletin
New Tax Lawyers Prove the Annual Sam Ullman Year in Review Will Be Strong for Years to Come
2014
Dade County Bar Bulletin
The IRS and the "Other" Trust Account Lawyers Can't Afford to Ignore
2013
Dade County Bar Association Bulletin, April
Requesting an Extension to File Tax Returns? STOP!
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I sold a large portion of my comic book collection to pay some bills. I am unsure if I have to pay taxes on this or not
11 Mar 2013
Q&A
Is asking for 1099's or w2 forms allowed in discovery?
11 Mar 2013
Q&A
I need proof of incarceration how do I access the records and print proof for tax purposes?
22 Jan 2013