Nobody likes dealing with the IRS. Tax matters can be confusing, tax laws are complicated and the IRS agents can be intimidating. However, if you have been notified of an audit, face collection issues, need to settle a tax debt, or have been charged with a tax crime — it is important not to ignore the matter. Issues will the IRS will not resolve themselves. Your best course of action gets enlist the help of a skilled tax lawyer. With proper legal representation, your rights will be protected, and you may be able to secure results that you didn’t even realize were possible.
The IRS has an entire division dedicated to investigating tax crimes and has substantial resources to support prosecution. As soon as they are convinced of a person’s guilt, they waste no time pursuing a conviction. Usually, when a tax matter escalates from the civil realm into the criminal justice system, the government is looking to impose punishment, regardless of whether or not repayment is secured.
While facing a tax crime is a serious matter, it is important not to give up hope. You have legal rights and a criminal tax defense attorney can help protect them.
When you work with the Tausk Law Firm, we respect the seriousness of your matter. Conviction of a tax crime can bring heavy fines and incarceration. Our lawyers provide a vigorous defense by successfully addressing the many components that inform your case, including tax codes, accounting, allegations of fraud and criminal laws. Attorney Gene Tausk is also a Certified Fraud Examiner and provides a level of legal insight that not many other lawyers can.
We understand that the majority of individuals in trouble with the IRS did not purposefully commit a crime. Some did not understand the complex tax forms and made an innocent mistake on their returns. Others enlisted the help of a CPA who inaccurately advised them. Regardless of your specific circumstances, we are in a position to help.
Our lawyers defend against a range of tax crimes, including:
At the Tausk Law Firm, our lawyers have an extensive knowledge of the tax code and many years of experience helping clients resolve tax issues with the IRS and state taxing authorities. Our lawyers provide realistic and honest advice. This means helping clients assess the benefits, risks, and consequences of each option/legal action.
While a CPA may be able to help with minor tax issues, they simply do not have the legal knowledge to address high-level tax disputes. Only a qualified tax lawyer can ensure that you are protected and your best interests are served, especially if you face criminal charges.
For those who face substantial tax liabilities but do not have the means for immediate repayment, panic is a typical first response. As most of us know, the IRS is quick to pursue collection of tax debt through any means necessary, including lien, levies, and garnishment. However, it is important to realize that you have many options for settling your tax liabilities, and an installment agreement can be the real solution that you need.
Installment agreements are one of the most common resolution options for those who face significant tax debt. While you will still be required to pay all of your back taxes as well as any associated penalties and interest, the benefit is that you can repay the IRS over a period of time. This brings a great amount of financial relief for those who simply cannot afford one immediate lump-sum payment.
When calculating monthly payments and length of your repayment agreement, the IRS will consider your income and reasonable expenses. However, what the IRS says you can afford, and what you can really afford are often two different things. This is one of the many areas in which we can help. Our lawyers have a sophisticated knowledge of tax law which allows us to create compelling arguments to support your position. We can negotiate on your behalf for an installment agreement that fits your financial position and is also satisfactory to the IRS.
An offer in compromise is an attractive option for those who owe money to the IRS because it allows them to pay lower taxes than they actually owe. However, the government does not readily grant this repayment plan to everyone. Taxpayers must meet strict income and expense requirements. But proving your financial hardship takes more than simple accounting. Many times, individuals who try to navigate IRS negotiations on their own failure to secure the offer because they simply did not understand how to properly apply tax codes and regulations.
In order to have a fighting chance for an offer in compromise, you need to work with a tax attorney.
Our lawyers understand what evidence is needed to convince the IRS that full repayment is not possible. We are highly skilled in assessing the complex financial positions of our clients and use our in-depth knowledge of tax codes to create sophisticated legal arguments.
There are many agencies out there who will promise to secure “pennies on the dollar” repayments for you. This is just not realistic. When you work with our law firm, we will provide you with honest feedback on the likelihood your offer will be accepted as well as a realistic repayment amount. If an offer in compromise is not the right solution for you, we will help you assess a range of additional repayment options. While your offer in compromise proposal is being reviewed by the IRS, all collection efforts are placed on hold.
Civil Tax Disputes: Facing the IRS or state taxing authorities during a legal dispute can feel overwhelming. Our lawyers can help level the playing field and advocate for your rights in matters involving:
Options To Settle Tax Liabilities: If you owe money to the IRS, there are many favorable repayment options we can help you explore, including:
Tax Crimes: We provide an aggressive defense for a range of tax crimes, including:
The majority of tax matters start in the civil realm. This is the time to get an attorney involved — before the IRS escalates the matter to its criminal division. Contact our Houston tax lawyers to learn how we can help.
Gene P. Tausk hosts the ‘Fraud and White Collar Crime’ podcast. New episodes are available twice a month. The podcast is available on:
