Toledo, Ohio Tax Lawyers Resolving Tax Collection Actions – IRS, Ohio and City Tax Authorities
You are behind on your taxes, and the tax collectors are in no mood to give you a break. From threats of wage garnishment to seizure of your assets and your property, the tax collectors are turning your life into a nightmare. If this sounds like your life right now, you need the tax law attorneys at Mockensturm, Ltd., on your side as soon as possible. We will work with the IRS directly on your behalf so you do not have to do a thing.
To schedule a consultation, please call us in Toledo at 419-792-1143 or complete our contact form. Our tax lawyers and CPAs serve clients throughout the Toledo area and all of northern Ohio.
Our Tax Lawyers Address Federal, State, And Local Liens, Levies And Wage Garnishment Actions
If you are facing collections actions, the first thing you need to realize is that you have nothing to be ashamed of. It is time to focus on moving forward and minimizing the damage. Many people fail to file a return one year and then, out of fear of what will happen, fail to file a return the following year. This can lead to tax authorities such as the IRS, the Ohio Department of Taxation and the city of Toledo coming after you. We can help.
A tax lien can dramatically affect your property rights. Selling a home or other valuable assets with a lien attached is nearly impossible. It can even lead to losing your home in foreclosure. It can also be very difficult to acquire credit while the lien is in effect.
You are not familiar with the tax authorities and what it takes to deal with them. We are. As long as we are involved, we can stop collections actions, levy actions, property seizures and wage garnishments. Our staff has the respect and trust of the tax authorities and is trusted to resolve these issues and work toward a resolution.
Answers To Your Tax Collection Questions And Concerns
Tax collection actions are immensely complex. Our team of experienced tax law attorneys ensures that you understand every detail at hand. On this page, we have answered some of the questions that our clients frequently ask when they speak with us about our tax collections counsel. We hope this gets you started in seeking the answers you need.
What are liens, levies and wage garnishment?
The government has methods of getting taxes from citizens who do not pay them. These methods can include:
- Tax Liens: The IRS places a lien on assets such as your home to make sure they receive the amount of taxes you owe if you sell the asset.
- Tax Levies: The government can also seize certain assets to meet the tax debt you owe.
- Wage garnishment: Another method is to garnish your wages or take a certain amount of money from your paycheck regularly.
If you face any of these consequences, speak with us immediately so we can help you explore methods of relief.
What is an offer in compromise?
If you have an outstanding tax debt, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may make you an offer in compromise. This is when it offers to settle your debt for less than the full amount that you owe. Usually, it makes this offer if paying your full tax debt would create a financial hardship for you.
What can I do if unavoidable circumstances have made it difficult or impossible for me to pay my taxes?
Sometimes, meeting your tax obligations is not feasible. Our lawyers may be able to help you get a penalty abatement from the IRS. A penalty abatement is when the IRS grants you relief from your tax obligations if you have tried to meet them but cannot due to financial strain.
What if creditors are also pursuing debt collection against me?
Many individuals get hit with an outstanding tax bill while also having problems with debt collectors. While the law around this issue is complex, generally the IRS gets top priority, with private creditors like banks fighting over anything left over.
What if I default on a loan or secured transaction? What can the creditor do to enforce their rights?
The framework for what a creditor can do if your account goes into default is often contained in the contract you signed. Generally, the creditor has the right to seize the secured asset, such as a house, car or manufacturing equipment to satisfy the remaining balance. For personal property such as a car, the creditor has the right to do this under the common law concept of replevin. The contract will often give you the right to dispute that you are in default and fight to retain your property.
The process for foreclosure of a home is more complex and involves several steps before the creditor can seize your house and sell it at auction.
Will a creditor try to seize my property if I’m past due on payments?
Not immediately. More often, the creditor will continue seeking payment. If you fall far enough behind, it could turn your account over to a debt collection agency or an in-house debt collector department. Seizing assets is usually a last resort.
Can I use an installment plan to pay back past-due taxes?
In many cases, yes. The IRS is often willing to work with taxpayers to figure out a repayment plan that allows them to pay a fixed amount over a certain period.
Can I appeal my case?
Our tax litigation attorneys take appeals to court all the time. If you received a decision that you feel is unfair or wrong, talk to us about your options for appealing it.
How can Mockensturm, Ltd., help me?
It is crucial to have tax lawyers to represent you when up against the seemingly all-powerful IRS. In addition to their extensive experience, our tax attorneys are also certified public accountants (CPAs). This gives them unique and sophisticated insight into the financial aspect of tax controversies. We handle the contact with the IRS for you, so you don’t have to worry about it. Most importantly, we fight to minimize the consequences you face.
Please see our Client Testimonials to learn more about our outstanding service and representation.
Contact Mockensturm, Ltd., Today
To discuss your goals and concerns, please call us at 419-792-1143 or complete our contact form. We advise and represent clients in Toledo and throughout northern Ohio.