What Do Tax Resolution Services Include?

“Tax Resolution Services” is a comprehensive term used to describe the extensive ways that a tax relief attorney can provide assistance to taxpayers. The term embodies services ranging from general legal representation to specific functions such as stopping wage garnishment. Below is a look at the most popular types of tax resolution services and what each service encompasses.

Audit Representation

Also known as “audit defense,” audit representation is a service in which a tax attorney, CPA, or other approved agent acts on behalf of a taxpayer during an income tax audit. The authorized representative handles all requests for documentation and attends meetings on behalf of the taxpayer.

Criminal Tax Defense

Taxpayers who find themselves facing a criminal investigation need a legal advocate to defend them. Common reasons for needing criminal tax defense include accusations of tax fraud or tax evasion. In some cases, a simple oversight or mistake may trigger an IRS investigation. 

Currently Not Collectible

“Currently Not Collectible” is a designation or status used with delinquent taxpayers after the IRS temporarily halts collection activities such as threatening letters or levies. The status is typically granted to compliant taxpayers who are experiencing financial hardship and are not able to afford to pay back taxes.

Dealing with the IRS

Communicating with the IRS can be difficult and intimidating to many people. In these cases, it can be helpful to hire a trustworthy tax relief lawyer to provide guidance with IRS communications.

Innocent Spouse Relief

If you and your spouse file a joint tax return and your spouse engages in tax fraud, unpaid taxes, or other wrongdoing, you could be held responsible for the full amount of the tax burden – even if you did not play a role in the wrongdoing. A seasoned tax relief attorney can provide innocent spouse relief representation to help you plead your case and reduce your liability. 

Installment Plans

If you are unable to pay your tax debt in full, you might be eligible to pay your debt using an installment plan. Because installment plans must be authorized by the IRS, you stand a better chance of securing an installment plan if you have an experienced tax relief attorney negotiate an installment plan on your behalf.

IRS Tax Discharge & Expiration

A tax attorney can help you successfully file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and possibly have your tax debts discharged. And if 10 years have passed since the IRS sent you a tax bill, their collection efforts must stop. An accomplished tax attorney can help make sure this happens.

Levy Release

A levy is a legal seizure of your property by the IRS to fulfill a tax debt. There are more ways to release a levy than remitting payment in full. And this strategy may not even be an option for people experiencing financial hardship. A tax attorney can help you understand collection appeal rights and help you appeal the IRS’s decision to deny release of your levy.

Offer In Compromise

A tax relief attorney can help determine whether you could be eligible for an offer in compromise, or the ability to settle your tax debt for an amount that is less than what you owe. Factors that the IRS considers when granting approval include your income, your ability to pay, your expenses, and your asset equity.

Payroll Tax Debt Relief

Payroll taxes differ from income taxes, requiring employers to comply with a different set of laws. If you have overdue payroll taxes, you must respond to the IRS. A tax resolution attorney can review your situation and help you find a solution or help you settle your payroll tax debt for an amount that is lower than what you owe.  

Penalty Abatement

If you fail to file or pay your taxes but you have a history of filing and paying your taxes on time, you could be eligible for a first-time penalty abatement waiver. A skilled tax relief lawyer can review your history and help you maximize your chances of securing an abatement. 

State Tax Issues

California’s top tax relief attorneys are familiar with the latest updates to state tax laws. For example, under California’s progressive state tax laws, people with higher incomes are taxed at a higher rate than people with lower incomes. If you have questions or issues related to your state taxes, a tax attorney can help you.

Stop Wage Garnishment

The IRS may resort to taking money out of your paycheck if you fail to pay your taxes. An attorney can help halt wage garnishment and can negotiate with the IRS on your behalf to put an end to these embarrassing circumstances, allowing you to regain focus at your place of employment. 

Tax Lien Removal

The simplest way to avoid or remove a tax lien is to pay your taxes in full. But if you are facing a lien and not in a position to pay your taxes in full, a tax relief attorney can negotiate an offer of compromise or even have your lien discharged through bankruptcy proceedings. Or, if your lien was filed by mistake, your attorney can have it removed by filing a Collection Due Process Hearing.

Tax Preparation and Planning

Whether you simply want to ensure that you receive the largest possible refund from the IRS or minimize your total tax debt, a tax relief lawyer can help you. Most importantly, you can ensure that your taxes are filed accurately and timely. 

Unfiled Tax Returns

According to the 1913 Sixteenth Amendment, failure to file an income tax return is considered a crime – even if you simply forgot to file your taxes. The amendment states that “Congress shall have the power to lay and collect taxes on incomes…”, outlining the importance of seeking help from a tax resolution attorney.

What should you do if you are facing any of the tax situations above?

If you are facing any of the situations outlined above, it is important to seek help from a trained tax resolution attorney as soon as possible. Failure to seek professional guidance right away could leave you at increased risk for financial penalties, wage garnishment, and even prison time. Fortunately, you can avoid these consequences by seeking the help of an accomplished tax relief attorney.

We encourage you to contact us at Civic Tax Relief to arrange a free consultation with one of our experienced tax relief attorneys. We will discuss your current tax situation and the various ways that we can help you resolve your tax-related burdens. We look forward to serving as your trusted resource for all of your tax resolution needs!