What is Tax Controversy?
Dealing with taxes can be stressful, especially when you get a notice from the IRS or a state taxing agency advising you that there’s a problem with your tax return. This situation often gives rise to a “tax controversy.” It occurs when there’s a dispute between the taxpayer and the tax authorities about the proper…
What You Need to Know About State Tax Audits
Navigating the complexities of a state tax audit can be daunting for both businesses and individuals. Unlike federal IRS audits, state tax audits come with unique challenges that vary by state and tax type. Understanding these distinctions is crucial to achieving a favorable outcome. A state tax audit is a review of your filings by…
Will I Lose My Tax Refund if I File Chapter 7?
Filing for bankruptcy can be complex, especially regarding your tax refund. If you’re considering Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you might wonder what will happen to that much-needed tax refund. Let’s go ahead and dive into the details and explore your options. When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a court-appointed trustee distributes your non-exempt assets to…
Received an IRS Notice? Here’s When You Should Hire a Tax Attorney
There’s nothing more nerve-racking than receiving mail with the words Internal Revenue Service glaring at you, especially when it’s not a refund check but a threatening IRS Notice. It can feel overwhelming as the notices are often filled with IRS-specific language, challenging calculations, and, often, a demand for payment. Feeling a little confused and unsure…
We Explain: How Much Does A Tax Attorney Cost?
It depends on the type of tax attorney and the depth of their knowledge and experience in their focused tax practice. The hourly rate for a new tax attorney straight out of law school might be $250-$375. In contrast, a seasoned tax attorney with a Master of Laws in Taxation (LLM) who worked with the…
What can Tax Attorneys do to eliminate tax debt when filing bankruptcy?
The tax attorney is important in ensuring tax debt’s proper discharge or elimination. Since the dischargeability (elimination) of tax debt requires that each tax claim satisfy a complex set of rules under the US Bankruptcy Code, tax attorneys are most suited to ensure each rule is met and provide a detailed analysis in support of…
Don’t file an IRS Offer in Compromise for Tax Relief – Here’s Why
Why not you ask? Most applicants do not qualify, and there are often more viable options. In addition, the Offer-In-Compromise (“OIC”) will only address IRS tax claims, and there very often is additional non-tax debt that will remain unaffected. A tax bankruptcy can eliminate everything and provide an actual “fresh start.” Often, a partial-pay installment…
How to Discharge Tax Debt Explained By Ex-IRS Attorneys
Our tax bankruptcy attorneys are experts in taxing agency practice and procedure and the interrelationship between federal and state tax laws and the US Bankruptcy Code. In each case, they prepare a comprehensive Tax Dischargeability Report, reviewing and analyzing each tax claim and all events related to that tax claim. This allows us to achieve…
Tax Lawyer or CPA? Choosing the Right Professional
Before deciding between a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a tax attorney, it’s crucial to understand your specific needs. If you require services like tax preparation, reporting, bookkeeping, accounting, or general tax and business advice, a CPA might be a more cost-effective choice. However, if your situation involves a tax dispute or an understanding of…
All About Filing Bankruptcy on State Tax Debt
The US Bankruptcy Code does not differentiate between Federal and state tax claims. Instead, the nature and type of tax claim dictate its treatment in a bankruptcy case. We will outline the terms in which state income and other state taxes are assessed, within this article. For state income tax claims, these rules apply: State…