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. If you act immediately, we may be able to get the levy revoked. Together, we can compile and forward the IRS the information they require to release the levy. We will also negotiate the best possible payment arrangement the law and your finances allow.

Return to Top

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. Applying for hardship status on your own is time-consuming and can ultimately end in failure. Our tax professionals are familiar with 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.

Return to Top

Return to Top

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 actually takes the 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 where we may be able to appeal the process and negotiate a workable payment plan before the levy even begins. Levies are best understood by examining their primary asset targets.

Return to Top

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. Knowing what the IRS has in your file is a great place to start when resolving a tax issue. Furthermore, it is probably as important to find out what the IRS does not know about you as it is to see what they do have in your file. We will make a discreet request for your information from the IRS so as not to draw undue attention to any tax liability. After we acquire your IRS file, we will explain it to you in layman’s terms, as well as recommend a course of action that will set you on the road to ending your tax controversy.

Return to Top

Offer in Compromise

An offer in compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. It may be a legitimate option if you can’t pay your full tax liability, or if doing so would create a financial hardship. The IRS will generally approve an offer in compromise when the amount offered represents the most it 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 that will resolve your tax debt.

Return to Top

Payroll Taxes Owed

Falling out of compliance with IRS payroll regulations can destroy your business. Not only that, it can 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 the IRS decides that your business has violated payroll tax rules it 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.

Return to Top

Penalty/Interest Abatement

One of the worst things about IRS tax controversies are the penalties and interest tacked on to your original bill. There are penalties for late filing, late payment, and negligence, to name but a few–and the interest on unpaid taxes can rapidly increase your total tax liability. 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 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 do apply–especially where the IRS has made an error. We understand if you are overwhelmed by penalties and interest. They often appear arbitrary and unfair. We will carefully scrutinize your tax situation to see where penalties and/or interest may be waived.

Return to Top

Seizures

A Seizure is a levy on your property. The IRS can take your car, boat, jewelry, etc.–sometimes even your home–and then auction off your possessions to pay your taxes, interest, and penalties. If the IRS has notified you that they are going to seize 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 Collectable. If the IRS has already taken your property, we can request an Asset Levy Release–it may be possible to get your possessions back. Please contact us today for more information.

Return to Top

Wage Levy (Wage Garnishment)

A Wage Levy occurs when the IRS sends a Notice of Levyto your employer demanding that he or she send a portion of your paycheck to the IRS. If your employer fails to comply, they could be held responsible for your tax debt. A wage levy is extremely unpleasant. The IRS usually gets the bulk of your paycheck until your taxes are paid off and 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.

Return to Top

Call today to schedule an appointment!