There are many ways that you could find yourself dealing directly with IRS agents, even when you believe that you have fully paid your obligations under the law. Whether you are concerned about compliance issues or are under investigation for unpaid tax debts, the support of a dedicated attorney can be crucial.
While serious consequences can follow tax controversies, it is often possible to resolve these issues without criminal charges ever being filed. Reach out to a Wilmington tax lawyer today to learn about your rights.
The support and guidance of a Wilmington tax attorney could be valuable in a variety of situations. Any time you have questions about complying with the law, or you have been contacted by the IRS regarding unpaid tax obligations, it is a good idea to discuss your situation with an attorney.
The most common reason people reach out to tax attorneys is for help dealing with the IRS. Tax controversies are serious matters, and attempting to resolve them on your own could go badly. An attorney can provide you with multiple options for dealing with tax issues, from providing evidence that you do not owe them in the first place to helping you manage and resolve those debts.
Having an attorney is also vital if you are the target of an audit. While audits are uncommon, they have the potential to lead to something more serious. Having the guidance of a lawyer at this stage could head off trouble before it reaches you.
If you owe back taxes to the IRS, a tax lawyer in Wilmington can help you explore several legal options to resolve your debt. Some of the approaches we frequently rely on include the following:
An Offer in Compromise (OIC) allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed. This is often used when paying the full liability would create a financial hardship. The IRS evaluates your income, assets, expenses, and ability to pay before accepting an offer. While this is a viable option, they are not commonly accepted.
If you cannot pay your tax debt in full, the IRS offers installment agreements that allow you to pay over time. These plans may be short-term or long-term, depending on how much you owe. An attorney can help negotiate favorable terms and avoid things like penalties or collection actions.
If you are unable to pay any portion of your tax debt due to financial hardship, you may qualify for Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. While in CNC status, the IRS will temporarily suspend collection activities like wage garnishments or bank levies. Interest and penalties continue to accrue, but this status can provide temporary relief while your situation stabilizes.
If you filed a joint return and your spouse made errors or omissions that resulted in tax debt, you may be eligible for innocent spouse relief. This option protects individuals who were unaware of the wrongdoing and should not be held liable for their partner’s tax issues.
Before you attempt to deal with the IRS on your own, consider discussing your situation with legal counsel. Resolving these issues might be possible, but that does not mean it will be easy.
You deserve the chance to deal with these issues and move forward with a fresh financial start. Call a Wilmington tax lawyer today to discuss your options.