Tax Resolution Services (IRS & Washington State)

tax relief options

Seattle Legal Services is a full-service tax resolution provider – we have extensive experience helping individual and business taxpayers secure relief for their IRS and state tax problems.

Whether you’ve got a certain type of resolution in mind or want help finding the best options, our tax relief services have got you covered. 

To get help now, contact us to schedule a consultation or check out the links below to learn more about the tax relief services we provide.

IRS Tax Resolution Services

There’s a solution for every tax problem – even if the situation feels hopeless. Here are the resolutions we help our clients get when they’re dealing with the IRS. 

Filing Back Taxes

Getting behind is stressful, but getting caught up is easier than you think when you have the right help. We’ll gather wage and income docs, help with historic bookkeeping if you’re dealing with business returns, and do everything else to get your returns filed. 

When do you need this solution? If you have unfiled taxes

Payment Plans 

Payment plans let you make monthly payments on your tax debt – but the IRS has multiple options. Let us help you narrow in on the best option with the lowest payments for your situation. Whether you need to set up payments for business or personal taxes, we’ll guide you in the right direction. 

Is this the right solution for you? It may be if you owe back taxes, and if not, we’ll help you explore other options. 

Offer in Compromise

The IRS will let you settle your tax debt for less than owed if you can’t afford to pay in full or meet other criteria. But the application process involves a lot of nuance, and the right strategy is key. Let us help you determine if you qualify and negotiate the best settlement possible for you. 

Currently Not Collectible 

If you can’t afford to pay anything right now, currently-not-collectible status protects you from IRS collections. The IRS pauses collections until your situation improves or the tax debt expires. Acceptance requires a full financial disclosure, and we’ll handle every step of that process.

Innocent Spouse

This program helps taxpayers get relief from tax liabilities due to positions their spouse took on a jointly filed return without their knowledge. It can also help if your spouse underpaid the tax, and it would be unjust to hold you responsible. Let us help you decide if this is the right solution for you. 

Penalty Abatement

The IRS offers penalty relief for reasonable cause as well as first-time abatement and statutory exception. To get approved, you need a persuasive argument, a deep understanding of the rules, and experience knowing what the IRS wants to hear – we’ll help with all of that. 

When do you need this service? If you’ve incurred IRS penalties

Tax Audit Representation

IRS auditors can be extremely intimidating, but not when you have the right representation. We’ve represented all kinds of taxpayers in audits, and we can help you too. Whether you’re facing an audit of your personal or business returns, you can rely on us to make the process as stress-free as possible. 

When should you contact us about this solution? If you’re facing an IRS audit

Revenue Officer Defense

Revenue officer assignment means the IRS is very serious about collecting your tax debt. Saying the wrong thing to a revenue officer can derail your case and limit your options. Let us handle the communication for you and help you get the best outcome possible. 

Why do you need these services? To protect yourself from threats like tax levies.

Tax Appeals

You have the right to appeal many IRS decisions and collection actions, but only if you act by the deadline. Appeals are complicated – you need to ensure you’re pursuing the right type of appeal and meeting procedural requirements. Depending on the type of appeal, you may just have one chance. Let our experience help you succeed. 

When should you reach out? If you receive an IRS notice with appeal rights, or you want to learn more about appeal options in other situations. 

Tax Relief Forms

Obtaining relief usually starts with filing the right forms – regardless of the solution you’re pursuing, we’ll ensure the forms you need are filed accurately, on time, and in the most advantageous way possible for your situation. 

Do you need this solution? Relief forms are critical in all situations, including when you’re dealing with a tax lien.

Washington State Tax Resolution Services

Based in Seattle, our firm also offers help securing resolutions in Washington State. If you’re facing both IRS and state tax concerns, we’ll coordinate a strategy that optimizes the rules and processes of both tax agencies. 

When do you need these services? If you’re dealing with DOR tax problems

WA DOR Payment Plans

Set up payments on your state tax debt. Getting a payment plan approved stops collections and helps you get back into compliance, but sometimes qualifying requires financial disclosures and careful negotiation. Let us help. 

WA Rule 100 Settlements

Settle your Washington State taxes for less than owed. This program has a lot of rules that are extremely different from settlements offered by the IRS or other states. That’s why having an attorney based in Washington who knows how the DOR works is critical. 

Washington Voluntary Disclosure Agreement

If your business hasn’t registered or filed certain Washington DOR taxes, the state’s voluntary disclosure program can help you get back into compliance – often with limited penalties or a shorter lookback period. We’ll help with every step of the process. 

Warrant Resolution

State tax warrants attach to all your assets, making it hard to run your business. Don’t compromise your ability to take out loans or to sell or transfer your assets. Let us help you find a resolution for the warrant and the tax debt that caused it to be filed. 

Representation for Sales & Use Tax Problems

If you’re behind on filing sales tax returns, have unpaid sales tax, or have been selected for an audit, you need an attorney who knows how the DOR works. We know how hard it can be to catch up when you’re behind on sales tax, and our services can help you get the relief you need. 

Business Tax Resolution Services

Businesses require unique tax resolution strategies and the help of an attorney who has dedicated experience representing businesses. 

We help clients with these business relief options:

  • Payment plans for payroll or other business taxes
  • Help dealing with Trust Fund Recovery Penalties
  • Settlements or currently not collectible status for business taxes
  • Representation for business audits on the federal or state levels
  • Stopping IRS or WA DOR enforcement actions against your business
  • Strategies for ongoing compliance.

Wondering if you need these services? Read more about how we solve business tax problems. We help all types of businesses, from self-employed individuals to corporations, and we also help investors dealing with cryptocurrency problems

Why Choose Seattle Legal Services

Achieving the best solution for your situation requires the right help, and that’s where we come in. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Tax attorney representation
  • Experience with IRS and Washington DOR
  • Representation for individuals, businesses, and other taxpayers
  • Custom strategy based on your situation
  • Proven track record and long history of client satisfaction
  • Commitment to communication
  • Focus on long-term resolution and compliance

Learn more about why a tax attorney is the best option in this breakdown on the differences between working with an attorney and a tax relief company

How Seattle Legal Services Helps With Tax Resolution

When you come to us, we customize a strategy based on the unique characteristics of your case. Here’s an overview of the process:

  • Case evaluation – in-depth review of your financial and tax situation. 
  • Strategy– selecting the best resolution option for your case.
  • Compliance – tax filings, documentation to ensure eligibility before applying.
  • Implementation – applying for the target resolution program.
  • Negotiation – persuasive arguments to make your case and secure approval.

You can expect clear communication during every step of the process and guidance on how to prevent future tax issues. 

FAQs – Answers to Questions About Tax Resolution

What tax resolution options are available?

Available options depend on your situation, but popular resolutions for tax debt include payment plans, settlements, and currently not collectible status. 

How do I know which solution is right for me?

The best way is to talk with an attorney. Unfortunately, many people sign up for payment plans when they could settle for less than owed, or they apply for settlements when there’s a more strategic way to pay even less. An attorney helps you avoid errors and find the best path forward. 

Will the IRS stop collections once I apply?

The IRS will not take any new collection actions, but they may not stop in-progress wage garnishments or levies unless you negotiate that when you apply. 

Do I need to file tax returns to apply for a resolution?

The IRS typically requires six years of compliance, but only if you were required to file in those years. States have their own rules. Usually, you must be in filing compliance to set up a resolution like a payment plan. 

How long does the process take?

It varies based on the situation. You can often get immediate relief from threats like a pending wage garnishment or set up a payment plan quickly. But applying for an offer in compromise can take a year or more. 

Get Help Resolving Your Tax Problem

There is a resolution for your situation, and we’re here to help. We have the knowledge and expertise you need when applying for IRS or state relief programs. Don’t wait – let’s get started on a solution today. Contact us to set up a consultation now.