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Tax Collection Defense – Quick Guide & FAQ
It’s difficult to imagine a less-welcome telephone call, letter, or notice than one coming from an IRS Revenue Officer or IRS Collection Office (particularly from “ACS”, the Automated Collection System). Think about it. The job of IRS Collection personnel, all day long, is to get money from people who mostly aren’t real excited to hear…
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If I Cash Out My 401(k), Can It Be Garnished? – Protecting Retirement Accounts from IRS Collections
The IRS can obtain an interest in retirement vehicles like 401(k)s and IRAs. Once an assessment has been made against a taxpayer, the IRS gives the taxpayer notice of the assessed amount and demands payment. The initial notice and demand is, in effect, a bill for taxes due. If the taxpayer fails to pay the…
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What is a Kovel Agreement and How Does it Benefit Clients?
A Kovel agreement is a legal arrangement that extends the attorney-client privilege to any professional that is employed under an attorney. The Kovel agreement gets its name from the landmark United States v. Kovel case, and ensures that any sensitive information that a client or their attorney shares with third-party professionals remains protected from disclosure…
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Why is a Tax Attorney best suited to negotiate with the IRS?
The Taxpayer Bill of Rights allows taxpayers to retain an authorized representative of their choice to represent them in their dealings with the IRS. Whether a taxpayer is being audited, summonsed for an interview, or filing an administrative appeal, the right to be represented is absolute. Any attorney, CPA, enrolled agent, enrolled actuary, or other…
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What Is the Role of an Executor in Estate Planning?
The executor plays a pivotal role in estate planning, serving as the individual responsible for managing a person’s affairs after their passing. This role involves addressing the estate’s final obligations, such as settling debts and taxes, and safeguarding assets during the probate process. Ultimately, the executor ensures the distribution of assets adheres to the wishes…
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How to Protect Your Home From the IRS
Taxes are unavoidable, but what happens when unpaid tax debts put your house at risk? Many people wonder, can the IRS make you homeless? While the IRS typically prioritizes the seizure of assets other than a person’s house or primary vehicle, it does have the authority to take a home if no other resources are…
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How to Remove the Tax Levy on your Paycheck
For the past few months, you’ve received various notices from the IRS regarding your unpaid tax balance, and all of a sudden, you walk into work in the morning, and the HR Department gives you a copy of Form 668-W that it just received in the mail. Or maybe your bank sent you a Form…
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What Happens to Liens in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides a powerful tool for individuals who need to reorganize their debts, protect essential assets, and return to solid financial footing. However, the impact of a lien—especially a tax lien—within a Chapter 13 case can present some unique challenges for the taxpayer. The Bankruptcy Code defines a lien as a “charge against…
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Can You Still Get a Passport If You Owe Taxes? Understanding IRS Passport Denial and Revocation
If you owe taxes to the IRS, you may wonder whether you can still apply for or renew your passport. The answer isn’t always straightforward – unpaid taxes can have serious consequences, including possibly having your passport denied or revoked. The IRS works closely with the U.S. State Department to enforce tax laws, especially in…
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When Are Extended Taxes Due? Key Deadlines for 2024
As we move into the final quarter of the year, taxpayers who filed for extensions earlier in 2024—and those who didn’t—need to be aware of critical upcoming deadlines. If you didn’t file your taxes by the April deadline or forgot to request an extension, don’t worry—you still have options. This guide covers the key extended…