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Oscar Javier Ornelas

Tax Attorney at El Paso, TX

4.9   19 reviews

also known as The Ornelas Firm PLLC

Licensed for 21 years

Virtual consultation available

Free consultation

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Highly Skilled Lawyer
Luis
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
IRS Audit
Gabriel and Martha
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Oscar

Learn Oscar’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. Tax
    90%
    Tax audits; wage garnishment; installment agreements; offers in compromise; tax return preparation; proceedings before US Tax Court; state tax planning and controversy; foreign bank reporting (FBAR); foreign asset reporting (FATCA); international tax planning for inbound foreign investment and US expatriates; section 1031 acquisitions; nonprofit qualification and corporate governance

  2. Corporate and incorporation
    10%
    Choice if entity; formation/reinstatement; sale/merger; dissolution; governance; asset acquisition; debt collection; contracts

THE ORNELAS FIRM: 50+ YEARS EXPERIENCE IN COUNSELING SMALL BUSINESS AND INDIVIDUAL ON TAX MATTERS.

Oscar Javier Ornelas is a tax attorney licensed in Texas and New Mexico and is admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court. He is also fluent in Spanish. As a licensed CPA, Ornelas understands the economic and financial consequences of his clients’ tax concerns – not just the law that applies to a client’s tax issues. The Ornelas Firm advises clients with respect to tax audits and collections; excise taxes; US tax compliance for US expatriates; international tax (including tax treaty issues, FATCA and FBAR); state income/property/transfer taxes; charitable organization formation and governance; federal partnership/corporate tax planning; entity setup/restructuring/merger/dissolution; small business consulting and contracting; asset acquisitions/sales; and collections/debt recovery.  While the firm’s principal office is located in El Paso, Texas, the firm also maintains offices in Albuquerque, NM and San Antonio, TX (by appointment only) to service clients throughout Mexico, Texas and New Mexico.

Oscar Javier Ornelas es abogado fiscal/corporativo con licencia para ejercer en los estados de Texas y Nuevo México, así como para presentar casos ante la corte federal de impuestos de los Estados Unidos (US Tax Court).  A su vez es contador público auditor (CPA) con licencia para ejercer en el estado de Texas.  The Ornelas Firm aconseja y representa a clientes con respecto a auditorías y recaudación de impuesto federal/estatal; impuestos indirectos/especiales; impuestos estadounidenses internacionales (incluyendo tratados de doble tributación, FATCA y FBAR); asistencia a estadounidenses viviendo en el extranjero con sus requisitos de impuestos estadounidenses; impuestos estatales; formación de organizaciones no-lucrativas y su administración; planeación fiscal para corporaciones/sociedades estadounidenses; organización de empresas y su restructuración, compra/venta y disolución; consultoría general de negocios para empresas medianas y pequeñas; elaboración y revisión de contratos; adquisición/venta de activos/inmuebles; y cobranza/recuperación de deudas.  Con su oficina principal localizada en El Paso, Texas, el despacho también cuenta con oficinas en Albuquerque, NM y San Antonio, TX (por cita) para prestar servicios a clientes a través de Texas, Nuevo México y la República Mexicana.

Client's Choice 2017
Client's Choice

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Top Contributor 2014
Top Contributor

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Photos and videos

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Licensed for 21 years
State NM
Status Active
Acquired 2009
Updated 07/17/2013
State TX
Status Eligible to Practice in Texas
Acquired 2001
Updated 10/23/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

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The Ornelas Firm PLLC
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Reviews

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4.9 / 5.0
  19 customer reviews
5 Star
 
95%
4 Star
 
5%
3 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2017
Client's Choice
Oscar received a significant number of 4+ stars in 2017
Posted by Luis | October 7, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Skilled Lawyer
I hired Mr. Ornelas and I was really happy with the service and knowledge that he provided. I would highly recommend Mr. Ornelas. He is a very focus individual who provides a fast response and support.
Posted by Gabriel and Martha | September 9, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
IRS Audit
We hired Mr. Ornelas in June 2014 after going back and forth between the IRS, and IRS Auditor and our CPA Firm. Our Payroll Taxes and Cost of Goods Sold were going back and forth from being disallowed to being allowed - back to being disallowed. Our situation got the point of having no choice but to hire a Tax Attorney, in order to continue fighting the IRS for a total amount of approximately $55,000. We were recommended to a few Tax Attorneys and we chose Mr. Oscar J Ornelas, mainly because we were told he was very very thorough. We found out that he was, indeed, very thorough - but we also discovered that he was very intelligent, compassionate, precise, professional, courteous, respectful, tactful and extremely patient. He will not continue the conversation with you until he is sure that you are understanding every single legal terminology. He works in a very timely manner and produces very favorable results. He also made sure that we were happy with the final decision before closing out the argument against the IRS, which ended up in approximately $12,000. We highly recommend Mr. Oscar J Ornelas for any type of legal representation.
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Posted by Johnny | November 15, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Just a different type of lawyer. Must hire!
I hired Mr. Oscar Ornelas after I received a tax audit notice from the New Mexico taxation department. Like most people that receive an audit notice, I was lost and didn't know where to begin. The feeling of uncertainty and fear sink in and you almost feel helpless. To begin my defense, I searched for tax attorneys in the New Mexico area and found that most were too busy or never even called me back. The Ornelas firm however gave me a phone call right back and I was able to meet Oscar within a couple days. From the first few minutes of meeting Oscar, my feeling of stress and fear subsided and I knew Oscar knew what he was talking about. He just makes you feel comfortable and is very easy to talk to. Another big takeaway that I got from Mr. Ornelas was he was a straight shooter. Oscar doesn't sugarcoat the details in your case and gave me a worst and best case scenario. After following up and working on my case Oscar got the tax department to stop their audit. Even better is his rates, which are cheap considering how effective he was. Oscar Ornelas is not your typical lawyer. He actually cares about his clients and he gets results.
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Posted by Kathy | November 14, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Successful Resolution of IRS Matter
Mr. Ornelas and his staff went out of their way to help me resolve my tax matter. He explained everything in terms I could understand and walked me through each step of the process. I am extremely grateful to the Ornelas Law Firm for their commitment to my case and the successful resolution.
Posted by Kaylen | October 27, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
A Good Samaritan ( the people’s attorney )
I had some concerns regarding an audit. Little did I know, I was only a phone call away to getting this resolved. Oscar, verbally shared with me the steps too resolve this matter quickly. He even followed up with me even after our original consultation. If you desire a man of honestly and someone who actually cares and will clearly reflect that in his work. Then this gentlemen is the attorney you want too represent you.
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Posted by Eric | September 13, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Finally found someone who cares about me
Mr Ornelas have been a man of his word. My wife and I have gone through a few attorneys with a tax issue and all of them fell short. Over promised and under delivered. Not the case with Mr. Ornelas. He has been a man with integrity and that is truly hard to find in this day and age. If you are on the fence about him or his firm, rest assured you are in the best of hands. Thank you for all you have done for me and my company.
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Posted by Elizabeth | September 11, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Accounting
We hired Mr. Ornelas and Dean to help us with an IRS case for over 1 million dollars that was almost impossible to win and they Did it. They were very professional during all the process and help us a lot . We couldn't be happier to hired them. For now and on they will be are first and last choice. They are absolutely the best . Yes they WIN.
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Posted by Delia | August 30, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent service
I hired Mr. Ornelas to assist with a tax lien from the IRS. He tackled the problem and solved the matter in which I was having a very difficult time with the IRS after attempt to work with the IRS for over two years. He explained my rights as a taxpayer and resolved the tax matter.
Posted by Sylvia | October 7, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
TImely fashion
I was getting calls from the IRS, and it was getting very overwhelming to deal with. I contacted Mr. Ornelas and he help in my situation and saved me money. I will always be thankful to him for his assistance, and will recommend him and his services.
Posted by Marcella | December 11, 2015
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Best Tax Attorney
I contacted Mr. Ornelas in order to help me with an IRS issue that my ex-husband was taking me to court over. Once I explained all the facts to Mr. Ornelas, I was quite impressed by his deep understanding of tax laws which he informed me about and explained would assist and support my counter-claims against my ex-husband's frivolous lawsuit against me. Mr. Ornelas is truly a professional who is extremely knowledgeable when it deals with tax law. I highly Recommend him!
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Posted by Jack | July 26, 2015
When you need Excellence in a Tax Attorney!
Could not be more pleased. Was represented in a dispute with the IRS. How do you have a nameless, faceless bureaucracy admit that they made a grievous error? Without representation, it would have been impossible, like yelling at the wind. But after months of communication and many attempts to correct the mistake, there was finally a breakthrough and we could once again breathe in a relaxed manner.
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Posted by Marcos | July 23, 2015
Mr Ornelas handled my tax problem like a Champion.
I had a IRS tax audit for the last 3 years. I was using a TurboTax Defense Representative and wasted over 6 months of my time and money because they could not help me. Mr Ornelas helped me save money where the TurboTax Rep could and would not. Instead of $45000 in taxes, Mr Ornelas helped cut my tax bill to 1/3. Mr Ornelas also worked diligently over the Christmas holidays and is one of the most accessible professionals I have ever hired. His pricing is very fair and Mr Ornelas explained every dollar I spent for his services. Mr Ornelas and I live over 300 miles apart and he was very accomodating to meet where-ever I wanted to. The IRS seems to like to bully people, they tried to do it me. Mr Ornelas won't take it from them! I lost a lot of sleep before I called Mr Ornelas and he helped me relax about what the IRS was trying to do. He knew more than the auditor did! He gave me some great advice for the future, too. He is a good person and has a great personal, professional touch. I will use him again if I get audited. My advice to anyone with a tax audit notice is this: don't hesitate, call Mr Ornelas. Thank you Oscar Javier Ornelas!
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Posted by Yale | December 9, 2014
smart/responsive/practical
My company retained Mr. Ornelas for an important tax matter that was as complex as it was urgent. We received timely guidance that proved invaluable. Despite being 3,000 miles away, Mr. Ornelas made us feel like the conflict was in our home turf. I routinely hire outside counsel, but rarely feel this confident in their abilities.
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Posted by anonymous | October 3, 2014
Absolutely wonderful attorney
I had received a threatening call from someone that identified themselves as an IRS investigator stating that I would have my properties seized and financial accounts frozen. On top of it all I was told that I was to be arrested for tax fraud. Like any one without experience I completely panicked. I found Mr. Ornelas and called him right away. His level of knowledge and experience was clear when he asked me certain questions and knew right away that I was being scammed. He quickly put my mind at ease. Mr. Ornelas did not stop there, he put me in contact with the local IRS investigators that took my statement down and told me that this was a nationwide scam. It was apparent that Mr. Ornelas was bothered by the fact that I was being scammed as many others have. His genuine interest and concern completely goes against the stigma that lawyers are greedy and only interested in their own welfare. Mr. Ornelas truly restores the prestige to his field and I recommend him to anyone that is in need of a tax attorney. You will not go wrong with Mr. Ornelas.
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Posted by Patricia | January 20, 2014
Trust, Not for Profit & Small Business
I have worked with Oscar Ornelas on three separate occasions and on three different issues. In every instance Mr. Ornelas was professional, compassionate and timely; and his fees are exceptionally fair and reasonable. I first consulted with Mr. Ornelas on an IRS issue, with a Trust I was managing and his guidance was spot on and saved the beneficiaries their inheritance in the process. On another occasion I had the pleasure, as a Board Member of a Not for Profit, to work with him while he reviewed some sales tax issues our board was concerned about. It is clear that his knowledge of all forms of Taxation is vast, through and up to date. His presentation was clear, through and thoughtful and he spoke to our Board in a language we all could understand avoiding the usual legal ease you might find with attorneys. On the third occasion I called upon Mr. Ornelas my spouse and I needed guidance putting our small business papers together for filing with the State of Texas, he completed this job in the blink of an eye. His work is impeccable and was finalized for us before the holidays. I would have expected to be put off until the New Year by anyone else in his profession but not so with Mr. Ornelas, he is on your schedule. Mr. Ornelas is a caring, highly intelligent legal mind who is there for his clients in every way and I am more than happy to recommend him should you have need of his services, you will be glad to have him on your team!
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Posted by anonymous | August 11, 2013
Outstanding Tax Attorney
I had a Gross Receipts tax problem that I had spent a year with my accountant trying to resolve with no sucess. I got Oscar's name from a friend, and contacted Oscar within no time he had the issue resolved. Since that time I have hired Oscar as my accountant. He is very professional and extremely knowledgable, I would recommend him highly.
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Posted by Teri | August 7, 2013
Outstanding
Oscar has been outstanding in handling all our issues. When at our greatness need of assistance Oscar's services were top notch. He handled everything for us with great respect and professionalism through each and every process. He was always there for us answering all our questions and handling everything no matter how big or small the issues have been. Without his services I don't know where our family would be today. His legal advice and guidance through all our business and personal tax problems were right on the mark and got our family back on the right track. We were given some really bad legal advice from a previous attorney concerning our business decisions. Thanks to Oscar we were not judged and was given the best advice and direction to move forward without any more harm to our family. Currently our family is doing great and we have been able to move forward as a unit instead of being torn apart due to some bad decisions made and we owe all this to Oscars great legal advice and tax help.
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Posted by Frank | July 31, 2013
Effective
When I first met with Mr. Ornelas what impressed me the most was his straight forward analysis of how he could help me with my Tax problem. He didn't make any lofty promises but told me how it was and what he could accomplish. He was able to lift a garnishment to my wages quickly and was able to resolve the situation very much in my favor. During the process he kept me up to date and even threw in a few words of encouragement when I was down. In my experience Mr. Ornelas is very competent and if the opportunity arises I will recommend him to my friends and colleagues.
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Posted by David | January 30, 2014
Excellent Tax Attorney
Oscar has been the first attorney that has been able to help me with my tax issues. I hired another "top rated firm" who, not only charged me a monthly fee for over 3 years on top of a retainer, never resolved my case. Oscar has stayed in touch every step of the process and has been a big help. Hopefully my case will be resolved soon after using his firm for only 5 months.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
Payment methods
Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Principal and Founder
  • The Ornelas Firm PLLC
  • 2013 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Caterpillar, Inc.
  • 2012 - 2013
  • Associate
  • Scott, Hulse, Marshall, Feuille, Finger & Thurmond, PC
  • 2002 - 2012

Education

  • New York University School of Law
  • LL.M - Master of Laws
  • 2002
  • Texas Tech University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2001
  • University of Texas System, El Paso
  • B.B.A.
  • 1996

Legal Cases

  • 2017 Accountable Plan Matter
  • IRS conceded case in full; all taxes and penalties assessed on audit abated
  • 2017 Trust Fund Recovery Penalty
  • All taxes abated, Client refunded taxes previously collected.
  • 2016 Worker Classification Suit
  • IRS conceded case in full; workers reclassified as "employees" in error; all taxes abated.

Associations

  • United States Tax Court
  • Admitted to Practice
  • 2012 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • State Bar of New Mexico, Tax Law Section
  • Board of Directors
  • 2012 - 2017

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish

Awards

  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2015
  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2012
  • Texas Rising Star
  • Texas Super Lawyers
  • 2011
  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2011
  • Texas Rising Star
  • Texas Super Lawyers
  • 2009
  • Texas Rising Star
  • Texas Super Lawyers
  • 2008
View all awards

Publications

  • Texas Tech Journal of Texas Administrative Law
  • Justified Reasoning for Reasonable Minds: The Reasoning Behind Standards of Judicial Review of Administrative Decisions in Texas
  • 2001

Speaking Engagements

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (4)
Given (1)
Endorse Oscar
Daniel Simon Hahn Szalkiewicz headshot
Daniel Szalkiewicz
Business Attorney | Jan 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Benjamin S Kuipers headshot
Benjamin Kuipers
Business Attorney | Nov 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Oscar is a highly respected attorney in his field, and is known to provide superior representation. I endorse this lawyer."
Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen
Unknown Attorney | Aug 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
Michael Charles Doland headshot
Michael Doland
Tax fraud and tax evasion Attorney | Aug 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"A ten star rating from Avvo and a Masters in tax law from NYU. There are no higher credentials. I have personally saved the profile of Mr. Ornelas to consult on tax matters for my foreign clients."
El Paso Tax Lawyer Oscar Javier Ornelas
Oscar Javier Ornelas
Tax Attorney
El Paso, TX
Licensed for 21 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available
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