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Tax Resolution Services
If you’re looking for a firm that will focus on your individual needs, and always treat you like a client who matters, look no further. Our firm is large enough to offer a full range of professional services, but small enough to give you the individual attention that you deserve.
We will thoroughly and conscientiously study your personal situation, and tailor our advice to your specific needs.
IRS Audit Representation
Have you received a Notice of Audit and Examination Scheduled from the IRS? An IRS audit is a review of an organization’s or individual’s records and tax filing history, to ensure information is being reported correctly. Ignoring an audit notice usually means that the IRS will file your return for you, and you will end up paying much more tax. An IRS audit is a serious situation, but with the right help, most tax difficulties can be resolved. Above all, know that you don’t have to face an audit alone. Our associates are qualified to represent you before the examination division of the IRS. Often, we can save taxpayers many times the cost of ongoing representation, and quickly bring an audit to a close. As the saying goes, “Knowing is half the battle.”
IRS Letter or Notice
IRS Audits of Tax Returns
Unfiled Returns
If you have neglected to file a tax return from a previous year or years, you should file as soon as possible–even if you think you can’t pay. The penalties and interest you may face are often much worse if you do not file than if you file but do not pay your tax in full. In other words, you have nothing to gain by not filing tax returns, and a lot to lose in the form of hefty fines or even possible jail time. We have the expertise you need to straighten out your misunderstanding with the IRS. Once we have filed your missing returns, we can help you work out a payment plan or an Offer in Compromise. Please note that the IRS will not accept any payment arrangement, or revoke a lien or levy, until all delinquent tax returns are filed. Contact us today to learn more about filing your overdue tax returns.
Back Taxes Owed
Have you filed your tax returns every year, but not paid all the tax you owe? Maybe you just didn’t have enough money at the time and planned to pay more later. Unfortunately, the penalties and interest that are added to back taxes greatly increase how much you will ultimately owe the government. If you are delinquent on your taxes and haven’t yet heard from the IRS, you soon will. The IRS may garnish your wages, or place a lien on your property or a levy on your bank accounts. The damage could be financially ruinous, but it is also often avoidable. We can help you assess your tax debt options and negotiate a workable payment plan with the IRS. The problem of unpaid back taxes will not go away on its own. Contact us today to resolve your tax liability issues, and start reclaiming your life.
Payroll Taxes Owed
Falling out of compliance with IRS payroll tax regulations could destroy your business and possibly even ruin your personal finances. Perhaps you’ve gotten behind on payroll taxes through an oversight or a temporary lack of funds. Whatever the reason, it is important to note that the IRS pays particular attention to small businesses that fall behind on their employees’ federal withholdings. If IRS personnel decide that your business has violated payroll tax rules, they may come after your personal bank accounts and assets–even if your business files for bankruptcy protection. If you have received correspondence from the IRS about payroll issues, you need experienced representation now. Let our tax experts help you resolve your payroll tax issues, so you can get back to running your business.
Liens
A federal tax lien may arise shortly after the IRS makes an assessment of your tax owed, and sends a demand for payment. A Notice of Federal Tax Lien lets your creditors know the IRS has a claim against all your property–including property you may purchase in the future. Once the lien takes effect, the IRS generally will not release it until all taxes, penalties and fees are paid in full. But there are actions you can take. If you contact us immediately, we may be able to file an appeal with the IRS and have your lien reconsidered. Our tax experts will thoroughly examine your situation to see if you qualify for a penalty reduction. We can also find out whether the Statute of Limitations has expired, or if your finances allow you to file as Currently Not Collectible. Failing these options, we will diligently work to set up a payment plan with the IRS that you can live with, and get the lien revoked.
Levies and Seizures
Levies and liens are often confused, but they are actually quite different. A lien secures the government’s interest in your property when you don’t pay your tax debt. A levy involves actually seizing property to pay the tax debt. If you don’t pay or make arrangements to settle your tax liability the IRS can levy, seize and sell any type of personal property that you own or have an interest in. Even your retirement accounts and home are fair game. If you have received a Notice of Intent to Levy, please contact us immediately. There is a brief time period when we may be able to appeal the process and negotiate a workable payment plan before the levy takes effect. Levies typically target specific assets; here is a summary of the most common levy types.
Bank Levy
A bank levy freezes your bank accounts. Any checks you have written will bounce. You will not be able to withdraw any funds or pay any bills. Generally, you have 21 days to respond to the IRS after your financial institution receives a Notice of Levy for your accounts. After that, your accounts are drained and the money is sent to the IRS. However, if you act immediately, we may be able to get the levy revoked. Together, we can compile and forward to the IRS the information they require to release the levy. We will also negotiate the best possible payment arrangement that the law and your finances allow.
Wage Levy (Wage Garnishment)
A Wage Levy (also called wage garnishment) occurs when the IRS sends a Notice of Levy to your employer demanding that they send a portion of your paychecks to the IRS. If your employer fails to comply, they could be held responsible for your tax debt. A wage levy can cause terrible hardship. The IRS usually gets the bulk of your paycheck until your taxes are paid off, and in the meantime, your relationship with your employer is put under a great deal of stress. If your wages are being garnished, you need help now. Our tax experts will work with you to arrange a payment plan with the IRS that is far more tolerable than having your regular paycheck docked.
Seizures
A Seizure is a levy on your personal property. The IRS can take your car, boat, jewelry –sometimes even your home–and then auction off your possessions to pay your taxes, interest and penalties. However, if the IRS has notified you of an impending seizure of your assets, you still have some legal rights concerning your property. Our associates will walk you through all the available options. You may qualify for an Offer in Compromise, Innocent Spouse Relief, or, if you are under severe financial duress, Currently Not Collectible. If the IRS has already taken your property, we can request an Asset Levy Release, which means that it may be possible to get your possessions back. Please contact us today for more information.
Offer in Compromise
An offer in compromise (OIC) allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. An OIC may be a legitimate option if you can’t pay your full tax liability, or if doing so would create severe financial hardship. The IRS will generally approve an offer in compromise when the amount offered represents the most the government can expect to collect within a reasonable period of time. But the Offer in Compromise program is not for everyone. We will analyze your financial situation to see if you are eligible. If you do not qualify for an offer in compromise, we can recommend other payment options to resolve your tax debt.
Penalty/Interest Abatement
One of the worst things about IRS tax controversies is that penalties and interest keep getting tacked on to your original tax bill. There are penalties for late filing, late payment, and negligence to name just a few scenarios, and the interest on unpaid taxes can really add up. If you are struggling with unpaid taxes plus additional penalties and interest, we can help. The IRS may abate certain penalties if there is reasonable cause and the failure to pay was not due to willful neglect. Many taxpayers who have not previously had major issues with the IRS can qualify for a first time penalty waiver. Generally, the IRS does not revoke interest charges, but some established interest suspension provisions may apply–especially where the IRS has made an error. We understand that receiving notices about IRS penalties and interest can feel overwhelming. These charges often appear excessive, arbitrary and unfair. We will carefully scrutinize your tax situation to see where penalties and/or interest may be waived.
Innocent Spouse Relief
Many married taxpayers file a joint tax return because of the benefits this filing status allows. Unfortunately, joint filing also involves some risk. If you filed a joint return with your spouse or former spouse, you may be held liable for unpaid taxes, interest, and penalties–even if it was your spouse who earned the income and/or claimed improper deductions or credits. This situation can arise even if a divorce decree states that your spouse will be responsible for any amounts due on previously filed joint returns. If the IRS is holding you responsible for your spouse’s or former spouse’s fraud or negligence, we can help. Our experienced representatives will quickly determine if you qualify for tax relief, and then negotiate with the IRS for the outcome most favorable to you.
There are three types of relief available for innocent spouses.
- Innocent Spouse Relief: By requesting innocent spouse relief, you may be relieved of any responsibility for paying tax, interest and penalties that resulted from your spouse doing something wrong on your joint tax return.
- Separation of Liability Relief: Under this type of relief, you divide the additional tax owed from your joint return, plus penalties and interest, between you and your spouse (or former spouse).
- Equitable Relief: If you do not qualify for innocent spouse relief or separation of liability, you may still be relieved of responsibility for tax, interest, and penalties through equitable relief.
Don’t be the victim of someone else’s mistakes or dishonesty. Contact us today to see if you qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief or other IRS tax relief programs.
Injured Spouse Relief
You may qualify for Injured Spouse Relief if the IRS uses the refund from your joint tax return to offset certain past-due debts that are the sole responsibility of your spouse or former spouse. These debts may include taxes, child support or student loans. Injured Spouse Relief should not be confused with Innocent Spouse Relief. You may be classified as an Injured Spouse if you do not receive your portion of a refund because of your spouse’s debt, whereas Innocent Spouse Relief applies to debt for which you are technically co-responsible, but not liable because of specific circumstances. Whatever the cause, we can help you rectify an unfair tax liability and get you the money that is rightfully yours. Our tax experts will closely examine your case to see if you qualify for Injured Spouse Relief and/or any other IRS Relief programs.
Obtain Your IRS File (Freedom of Information Act)
The Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, gives any person the right to access their IRS file. Learning what the IRS has in your file is a great place to start when resolving a tax issue. It is critical to know what the IRS knows and does not know about you. We can make a discreet request for your information from the IRS, so as not to draw undue attention to any tax liability you may have. After obtaining your IRS file, we will explain its contents to you in plain language, and recommend a course of action that will set you on the road to ending your tax controversy.
Currently Not Collectible/Hardship Status
If paying your tax debt would cause you undue financial hardship, you may qualify for Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. If the IRS decides your case is legitimate, they will halt collection for the duration of your CNC status, although you may still be subjected to a lien. Generally, to be accepted as Currently Not Collectible, you must demonstrate to the IRS that you cannot pay your tax debt after meeting monthly living expenses or by liquidating certain assets. However, applying for hardship status on your own is time-consuming and can ultimately end in failure. Our tax professionals have deep knowledge of IRS rules and regulations. If we feel you have a good chance to qualify for hardship status, we will submit the correct paperwork on your behalf and emphasize your suitability to the IRS. Currently Not Collectible is best thought of as a reprieve from collection enforcement that is subject to review. Once your status is confirmed, however, we can recommend options that will bring your tax controversy to a permanent close.
Statute of Limitations
The Statute of Limitations dictates the amount of time allocated for certain tax-related actions. For example, the IRS has three years to audit your tax return or send you a refund, but they have ten years to collect after tax has been assessed. However, there are some exceptions to the ten-year collection rule. Applying for certain payment arrangements will suspend the ten-year time frame while those arrangements are pending, but add extra time to the statute of limitations for your case once the suspension period is over. It is important to know when a Statute of Limitations expires, but just as important to know what to do with that information. We have the expertise to help you make those decisions. Sometimes, requesting certain types of IRS relief or a payment plan can do more harm than good. Everyone’s tax debt issues are different, and it is critical that all factors be considered. Our tax professionals will find out how the Statute of Limitations applies to your circumstances, and then advise you on the best course of action to take.