FEDERAL TAX • NATIONWIDE
Tax Controversy
Representation for IRS audits and examinations, administrative appeals, collection matters, tax liens and levies, and disputes before the U.S. Tax Court.
TAX CONTROVERSY • BUSINESS LAW • ESTATE PLANNING
A Stronger Basis for What Comes Next.
Federal tax controversy representation nationwide, with business law and estate planning services for Virginia individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and business owners.
Licensed in Virginia
Admitted to Multiple Federal Courts
Built on Strategy. Grounded in Law.
01
Federal Tax Controversy
Nationwide representation for IRS audits, appeals, collection matters, tax liens and levies, and federal tax disputes.
02
Business Law
Strategic Virginia business law counsel for entrepreneurs and business owners navigating formation, contracts, governance, and ongoing legal needs.
03
Estate Planning
Virginia estate planning for individuals and families building wealth, protecting assets, and planning intentionally for the future.
About Basis Law PLLC
Legal Problems Are Rarely Just Legal Problems.
They affect businesses, families, finances, and the decisions you make next.
Basis Law begins by understanding the issue in context—what happened, what is at stake, and what you are trying to accomplish. From there, we identify the legal considerations, explain the available options and potential risks, and develop a strategy based on the circumstances.
Discover the Basis Law approachHow We Can Help
Focused Counsel.
Clear Direction.
Focused legal counsel for resolving problems, protecting what you have built, and planning for what comes next.
VIRGINIA
Business Law
Strategic counsel for entrepreneurs and business owners navigating formation, contracts, governance, and the legal issues that arise while operating a business.
VIRGINIA
Estate Planning
Thoughtful planning that helps protect what you have built and the people you care about.
Federal Tax Controversy
When the IRS becomes part of the conversation, clarity matters.
Federal tax controversies can be technical, time-sensitive, and consequential. Basis Law helps individuals and businesses understand the issues, evaluate their options, and develop a strategy grounded in the facts and applicable law.
AUDITS & APPEALSCOLLECTION MATTERSU.S. Tax CourtNationwide Representation
Explore Tax Controversy “
Good counsel should make the path ahead easier to understand.
Why Basis Law PLLC
Strategy without unnecessary complexity.
01
Start with the whole picture.
Your legal issue exists within a larger financial, business, or family context. We begin there.
02
Be clear about the good and the bad.
Good counsel includes candid advice about your options, risks, strengths, and limitations—not just the information you want to hear.
03
Develop a strategy with purpose.
Strategy should reflect the facts, the law, your objectives, and the practical consequences of the available options.
Founder & Managing Attorney
Meet Our Founder
Thoughtful counsel.
A human approach.
Basis Law was founded to pair thoughtful legal counsel with the personal attention of a boutique law firm.
Founded by Chavioleyette “Chay” Fenelus, Basis Law focuses primarily on federal tax controversy, while also advising Virginia clients on estate planning and selected business matters. Her approach emphasizes careful analysis, candid advice, and helping clients understand their options before deciding what comes next.
Read Attorney BioREADY TO GET STARTED?
From uncertainty to clear next steps.
01
Tell us what you're facing.
Share some initial information about your matter so we can understand what brings you to Basis Law.
02
Schedule your consultation.
Choose an available consultation time that works for your schedule.
03
Understand your options.
We’ll discuss the issue, the relevant considerations, and possible next steps.
Insights & Resources
Useful information,
made to be understood.
Your Home and a Federal Tax Lien: A Guide to Selling, Refinancing, and Resolving IRS Debt
A practical guide for homeowners dealing with a federal tax lien. Learn how IRS liens can affect a home sale or refinancing, the options that may help a transaction move forward, and how resolving the property issue can fit into a broader strategy for addressing IRS tax debt.
Read the insightContributing to ABA Tax Section Comments on the IRS Voluntary Disclosure Practice
Federal Tax Liens in Real Estate Transactions: A Guide for Realtors, Lenders, and Title Professionals
Helping Shape Tax Court Practice: Contributing to ABA Tax Section Comments
Contributing to ABA Tax Section Comments on the IRS Voluntary Disclosure Practice
View contributionsCommon Questions
Start with a little more clarity.
Answers to common questions about working with Basis Law, scheduling a consultation, and determining whether our services may fit your legal needs.
View all FAQsCan Basis Law help me with an IRS matter if I live outside Virginia?+
Yes. Basis Law represents individuals and businesses in federal tax controversy matters nationwide, including IRS audits and examinations, administrative appeals, collection matters, and certain disputes before the U.S. Tax Court.
What happens during a consultation?+
A consultation is an opportunity to discuss your legal issue, identify relevant considerations, and better understand your available options and possible next steps. It also gives us an opportunity to determine whether Basis Law is the right fit for your matter—and gives you an opportunity to decide whether our approach is the right fit for you.
How do I know if Basis Law handles my type of matter?+
Basis Law focuses on federal tax controversy, Virginia business law, and Virginia estate planning. If you are unsure whether your matter falls within one of these areas, you can submit initial information through our consultation process for review.
What happens if Basis Law is not the right fit for my matter?+
Not every legal matter is a fit for the firm’s practice or scope of services. If we determine that Basis Law is not the appropriate firm for your matter, we will let you know. When appropriate, we may also suggest that you seek counsel with experience in the area your matter requires.
When You're Ready
Let’s start with
a conversation.
A focused consultation gives us an opportunity to discuss your legal issue, consider your options, and determine whether working together makes sense.