Seattle Back Tax Attorney | IRS Tax Debt & Collection Defense

Seattle Back Tax Attorney

Owe the IRS? You Have Legal Options

When you owe the IRS, it can be absolutely overwhelming, but you have options. Watching your balance grow with interest and penalties, receiving notices in the mail, and worrying about how you’ll ever resolve your tax debt can be incredibly stressful – and the right legal help is critical.

At Seattle Legal Services, PLLC, our Seattle-based tax attorneys offer solutions. We work with clients throughout Washington State and the rest of the United States, and regardless of where you are in the tax assessment and collections process, we can help.

Set up a consultation with our firm now and get on the path to resolution. 

You’re in the Right Place If…

Our Seattle back tax attorneys work with individuals, businesses, and all other taxpayers who owe the IRS or the state. We can help you if:

You’re ready to put the tax debt behind you, and our attorneys can help. We recognize that it may seem like there’s no way to get caught up and that every day resolution may seem even more impossible. That’s why you need us – we can offer solutions that align with your needs.

Understanding Back Taxes

Back taxes refer to any type of money owed to the federal government based on tax debt from prior years. The IRS believes you did not pay your legally required taxes during that year, and is now demanding payment or threatening action. In the process, the IRS will add late payment penalties and interest, allowing the debt to grow at an exponential rate.

The IRS has a powerful debt collection system in place that doesn’t overlook anyone’s non-payment. When you act now, you have more resolution options and likely fewer penalties than if you wait even another day. 

When you need help with back taxes in Seattle, put your trust in our team.

Our Legal Strategy for IRS Tax Debt

When you contact us, you get a strategy-focused resolution plan. We’ll gather the following information and take these steps to protect you:

1. Obtain IRS transcripts.

We request all data from the IRS about the owed tax. We confirm the collection status and review enforcement risks so we know what actions the IRS is about to take.

2. Confirm compliance.

We ensure you’ve submitted all tax returns as expected. If you’ve missed filing a return, we often need to start there, as payment plans and settlements require filing compliance.

3. Conduct a detailed financial analysis.

Our team reviews your financial situation. We’re your advocate, meaning that we look diligently at how we can create a strategy to protect your financial well-being and resolve the demands of the IRS. Doing a financial review allows us to customize a solution based on your unique circumstances. 

4. Implement the appropriate resolution strategy.

Our Seattle back tax attorney will create a strategy to resolve your debt. We’ll explain all of your options to you and offer insight into what to do right now. You make the final call, and then we move forward based on your preferences. 

With our IRS collection defense attorney by your side, you have more options and more insight into your rights. We’re not just submitting forms or setting up payments. We’re negotiating the best possible outcome for you.

IRS Tax Debt Resolution Options

Most people have options, even if you’re close to a levy. Our unpaid taxes attorneys will review the strategies best suited for your needs, including:

Our in-depth analysis of your situation will clarify which options are available to you and which present the best opportunity for you to resolve your tax debt.

Business Tax Debt in Washington

Our Seattle-based team works with businesses that owe Washington state and federal taxes. If you are facing any of the following, contact us now for solutions:

Washington does not have a personal income tax, but the WA DOR enforces business tax rules aggressively. When you work with our team, we will create a strategy that allows you to get caught up on both federal and state taxes in a way that works for your needs.

If You Owe Taxes in Multiple States

Businesses operating across state lines may owe taxes outside Washington. This creates complexity in filing your taxes and ensuring you are not behind. If you have unpaid taxes in one or more states, our attorney can help you navigate your rights, create a strategy to meet your obligations, and minimize both local and federal implications. 

What Happens If You Ignore IRS Tax Debt

Your IRS debt will not disappear. Instead, you can expect:

  • Penalties and interest
  • Federal tax liens
  • Wage garnishments
  • Bank levies
  • Business asset seizure or receivable levies.

As a Seattle back tax attorney, we fully recognize the reality of these situations. Doing nothing puts you in harm’s way, but there are solutions to virtually every situation.

When You Should Hire a Tax Attorney

Any time you have any questions or are receiving notices from the IRS, we’re here to speak to you. In the following situations, we recommend contacting us for immediate help before you move ahead:

  • Large tax balances
  • Revenue Officer assignment
  • Trust fund penalty exposure
  • Pending levy or lien
  • Prior defaulted installment agreement
  • Potential Offer in Compromise candidacy
  • Multi-year, complex tax debt

Our IRS tax debt attorneys in Seattle will provide you with a custom strategy to navigate your specific situation. Keep in mind, if you have a small balance or a simple error on your tax report, you may not need legal representation. When your tax concerns are bigger than that, reach out to us for help with back taxes in Seattle.

Why Work With a Tax Attorney Instead of a Tax Resolution Company

An IRS collection defense attorney is your legal advocate. When you choose to work with our team, you gain:

  • Direct legal representation. We are here to help you, and our objective is to represent your best interests. You work directly with an attorney, not a sales rep.
  • Privileged communication. What you tell us is private.
  • Strategic handling of enforcement risk. We understand the complexities of getting caught up and can help you avoid the worst outcomes.
  • Experience negotiating with the IRS. Our attorneys understand not only how to negotiate but also how to use the IRS’s tax laws and strategies to help every client find a solution.
  • Litigation capability, if necessary. In situations where resolutions are limited, our attorneys are courtroom-proven professionals that can take cases all the way to the US Tax Court if needed.

You are not alone in this process. We’re here to help you. Hiring an attorney shows the IRS you’re serious about resolving this debt fairly.

Why Choose Seattle Legal Services PLLC

Our Seattle-based practice provides support for taxpayers around the country who owe tax debt and need a solution. We have attorneys who can answer your questions, resolve the most challenging of collection activities, and clearly communicate your rights to you. 

We spend the time getting all of the details about your financial situation, creating a custom strategy for you, and helping you throughout the entire process. We provide direct negotiation and communication with the IRS and Washington Department of Revenue, providing you with peace of mind.

Let’s talk about practical solutions for your tax debt. Let our Seattle back tax attorney become your advocate. Contact us today to set up a consultation. 

FAQs

What happens if I can’t pay my IRS tax debt?

Most people qualify for one or more resolution options, including a monthly tax repayment plan or a settlement. Others may benefit from entering a Currently Not Collectible status. We can help you determine the best strategy for your situation.

Can the IRS garnish my wages in Washington?

Yes, but this is not the IRS’s first step or preferred collection method. However, if you don’t pay, the IRS can garnish your wages, and they’re not subject to the limitations imposed on other creditors in Washington State, meaning they can usually take more of your income. 

How does an IRS installment agreement work?

We’ll work with you to determine how much of a monthly payment you can make that meets the IRS’s requirements. Once the IRS agrees, you’ll make payments automatically until the debt is paid off.

Can I settle my tax debt for less than I owe?

In some situations, yes – but it depends on your income, assets, and other elements related to your ability to pay. Our IRS tax debt attorneys can help you determine if an Offer in Compromise may apply to your situation.

How long can the IRS collect back taxes?

The IRS has up to 10 years, in most situations, to collect unpaid tax debt. In contrast, the WA DOR typically only has six years after a warrant is filed to collect. 

Can you stop an IRS levy?

We may be able to do so, but it depends on when the levy was initiated, how the IRS notified you, and your financial reality. Set up some time to discuss your legal options with our tax attorneys.

How quickly can representation begin?

We can start representing you as soon as today. Contact us to learn more about the legal options available to you.

Take Control Before the IRS Escalates Your Case

Put your trust in Seattle Legal Services, PLLC. IRS tax debt problems are worrisome, but manageable in most situations. Early intervention gives you more flexibility. Set up a confidential consultation with us now. We’ll create a plan to help you breathe easy again