Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Tax and Estate Planning Solutions
RJS LAW is a distinguished legal practice established in 1998, specializing in tax resolution, IRS representation, and estate planning. Our team of attorneys, including multiple Master of Laws (LL.M.) holders, brings decades of combined experience in navigating complex federal and state tax issues. We are recognized leaders in criminal tax defense, tax controversy, and international tax matters, with a proven track record of resolving cases before the IRS, Franchise Tax Board, and other regulatory bodies. Our firm co-founded the USD School of Law RJS LAW Tax Controversy Institute, a premier educational event for tax professionals.With a client-centered approach, we advocate for individuals and businesses, offering strategic solutions tailored to unique legal challenges. Our attorneys are frequently consulted by the Department of Justice and US Attorneys Offices, reflecting our industry authority. We maintain strong affiliations with the University of San Diego and have earned numerous accolades, including recognition as San Diegos Best Tax Law Firm for nine consecutive years.
Services
IRS Audit Defense
Tax Debt Relief
Estate Planning
Criminal Tax Defense
Offer in Compromise
Payroll Tax Disputes
International Tax Compliance
Probate Litigation
Trust Administration
IRS Collections Defense
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in federal and state tax controversy resolution.
- Our attorneys hold advanced legal and accounting credentials, including LL.M. and CPA designations.
- We co-founded the nationally recognized USD School of Law RJS LAW Tax Controversy Institute.
- Our team has successfully negotiated hundreds of IRS Offer in Compromise settlements.
- We maintain a 98% client satisfaction rate based on verified case outcomes.
What people say
Expertise and exemplary talent
Beyond professional
Advocates every step
Knowledge, kindness, brilliance
Invaluable support
Services
IRS Audit Defense
Our IRS audit defense specialists represent clients during federal and state tax examinations. We prepare documentation, communicate with auditors, and limit scope expansion to protect client interests. With extensive experience in correspondence, office, and field audits, we minimize liability exposure while ensuring compliance with tax code requirements. Our team's familiarity with local IRS offices enhances negotiation effectiveness.
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans including wills, trusts, and advanced directives. Our practice covers probate avoidance strategies, asset protection, and intergenerational wealth transfer. Attorneys work closely with clients to align estate documents with financial goals while minimizing tax implications. We handle complex cases involving business succession and international assets.
Tax Debt Relief
Our tax debt relief services include installment agreements, penalty abatement, and lien/levy releases. We negotiate with IRS Collections to establish feasible payment plans based on financial circumstances. The firm specializes in non-collectible status determinations and hardship exemptions, prioritizing solutions that balance compliance with client financial sustainability.
Criminal Tax Defense
We defend clients facing criminal tax investigations for evasion, fraud, or unreported income. Our approach includes early intervention to prevent indictment, negotiating plea agreements, and trial representation. The team works with forensic accountants to analyze records and develop defense strategies, focusing on minimizing penalties and preserving professional licenses.
Offer in Compromise
Our OIC specialists evaluate eligibility based on reasonable collection potential and financial hardship. We prepare comprehensive submissions demonstrating client inability to pay full liabilities. With a 75% approval rate exceeding national averages, we focus on accurate valuation of assets and income to maximize settlement success while maintaining compliance with IRS guidelines.
People
Ronson J. Shamoun
Principal & CEO
Founder of RJS LAW with 20+ years in tax law, three-time USD graduate, adjunct professor, and recipient of USD School of Law Distinguished Alumni Award. Recognized as AV Preeminent attorney since 2013.
Chandara Diep
Managing Partner
LL.M. tax specialist with 15+ years of experience in complex tax controversies, recognized in San Diego Metro Magazine's Top Attorneys, focusing on IRS negotiations and estate tax planning.
Devon J. Arabo
Of Counsel & Co-Chief of Operations
Tax litigation expert with dual LL.M. credentials, handling high-stakes IRS disputes and payroll tax matters, previously recognized as Top Young Attorney by San Diego Daily Transcript.
Andrea Cisneros Valdez
Of Counsel
Specializes in international tax compliance and offshore disclosure programs, with extensive experience in FBAR penalties and voluntary disclosure submissions for expatriate clients.
Sam Imandoust
Of Counsel
Focuses on business tax controversies and payroll tax disputes, representing corporations before IRS and California tax authorities, with notable success in trust fund recovery penalty cases.
Questions
What should I do immediately after receiving an IRS audit notice?
Contact RJS LAW immediately to schedule a consultation. Our attorneys will review your case, prepare documentation, and represent you throughout the audit process to minimize potential liabilities.
Can I negotiate my tax debt with the IRS?
Yes, RJS LAW can help negotiate payment plans, offers in compromise, or hardship status to resolve tax debt based on your financial circumstances and eligibility criteria.
What distinguishes your criminal tax defense practice?
Our team includes former IRS consultants with specialized knowledge of criminal investigation procedures, providing strategic defense focused on preventing indictment and minimizing penalties.
How does your estate planning process work?
We conduct comprehensive consultations to understand your goals, then create tailored documents including wills, trusts, and advanced directives while coordinating with your financial advisors.
What payment options exist for IRS tax debt?
Options include installment agreements, offers in compromise, currently non-collectible status, and penalty abatement, with our team recommending the most suitable approach for your situation.
Can you help with state tax issues as well as federal?
Yes, we represent clients before California's Franchise Tax Board, Employment Development Department, and other state agencies in addition to federal tax matters.
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