Taxes

Experienced Tax Attorneys in Winston-Salem & Greensboro

Professional representation in the Piedmont Triad when you need help with the IRS

The words “Internal Revenue Service” strike fear in the hearts of most Americans, and it’s no surprise why. Getting in trouble or having a misunderstanding with the IRS can result in serious penalties if not taken care of swiftly and properly. The longer you wait, the worse a situation can become – no matter how much you may want to put the problem aside and ignore it.

The knowledgeable tax attorneys at Hartsoe & Associates, P.C. can help you face the stress and uncertainty of tax concerns head on. For more than 25 years, our attorneys have been assisting individuals and businesses in the Piedmont Triad Area resolve a wide range of tax problems. We can address virtually any state or federal tax issue in a timely and efficient manner.

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Legal guidance for tax concerns

Tax issues and problems can take many forms. Although many people immediately think about IRS audits when we talk about taxes, there are a variety of other issues that may pop up during your personal or business life, including:

  • Failure to file taxes
  • Failure to pay payroll taxes
  • Levies on your wages or bank account
  • Owing back taxes
  • Penalties and interest from the IRS
  • Tax lien on your home or business

The Winston-Salem tax attorneys at Hartsoe & Associates can work with you to ensure your tax issues are settled in a professional manner.

Helping clients find the right solutions for their tax issues

At Hartsoe & Associates, our Greensboro lawyers have the tax experience and knowledge you are looking for. Depending on your specific circumstances, we propose a variety of solutions in working with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR).

Dealing with significant tax debt

If you have a serious amount of tax debt – the kind that cannot be reasonably paid off with a few years, you need to talk to a lawyer. Because the IRS and its tax systems cannot take your specific circumstances into account when collecting taxes, substantial tax debt can quickly become unmanageable. It is virtually impossible for a layperson to understand the hundreds of pages of tax codes and rules to plan your strategy to pay off debt without a qualified attorney.

Offers in compromise

An offer in compromise, or OIC, provides a taxpayer with substantial state and/or federal tax debt a chance to settle for less than the amount he or she owes. However, this is not a simple process and the IRS requires you follow certain guidelines. Your tax attorney can gather the necessary financial records and submit the proper paperwork and documentation to the IRS, giving you the best chance at a successful outcome.

Installment agreements

Many individuals and businesses may have the funds to pay tax debt, but need some time. For these types of clients, an installment agreement can be a good solution. The IRS allows taxpayers to set up monthly installment agreements to settle their tax debts. An experienced attorney can negotiate with the IRS for a realistic and affordable payment that allows you to pay off your tax debt and stop the IRS from collection efforts.

Penalty abatement

The IRS hands down penalties when taxes are not filed or paid on time. If you find yourself or your business in this situation, it is imperative you consult with a qualified tax concern attorney. An attorney can file a penalty abatement request to remove these penalties from your tax debt by establishing why you were unable to file or pay your taxes in a timely manner. These can include death of a family member, serious illness, natural disaster, or improper advice from a tax advisor.

Bankruptcy and tax debts

Under limited circumstances, bankruptcy may allow you to get rid of all or part of your tax debt. However, the analysis is complicated. Many attorneys will not deal with the IRS outside of bankruptcy proceedings, but the Winston-Salem tax lawyers at Hartsoe & Associates are equipped to help with both.

What happens if I don’t pay my federal or North Carolina taxes?

If you owe money to the state or federal government, you can expect some or all of the following:

  • A tax bill, including penalties such as fines and interest
  • A government lien on any assets, like your home, car, or bank account
  • A tax levy against you, allowing the government to seize and sell your property in lieu of your tax debt
  • Your tax debt reported to credit agencies, negatively affecting your credit score

Our Greensboro attorneys can work with you to pay off your tax debt in a reasonable manner, working with the IRS and NCDOR to negotiate a solution on your behalf.

What is a tax lien? What is a tax levy?

If you owe overdue taxes to the government, the IRS has the authority to put a tax lien on your property. They do so by filing a document with your local government that notifies the general public that you owe a debt to the federal government. This allows the IRS and federal government protection in efforts to collect that debt.

A tax levy, on the other hand, gives the government authority to seize your property and sell it to make up your debt. This means they can take your paycheck, motor vehicle, bank account, or real estate.

The attorneys at Hartsoe & Associates, P.C. work with clients to help avoid tax levies or liens, using installment plans, offers in compromise, or other means.

My spouse failed to pay taxes. Am I responsible?

If your spouse – or former spouse – failed to pay taxes or improperly reported their income, you may be able to find a solution under the IRS Innocent Spouse Relief Act. When a person files jointly with their spouse, but was unaware of what their spouse was doing with their taxes, an experienced attorney can help build a case for relief by presenting evidence of your innocence.

Do I really need a tax relief attorney?

It is never a good idea to handle serious tax concerns alone. The North Carolina and federal government penalties are steep when it comes to tax debt, and an attorney can work with you to find an effective solution. The experienced lawyers at Hartsoe & Associates, P.C. understand that dealing with tax debt is a complex process, requiring an in-depth knowledge of IRS regulations. Our attorneys ensure all paperwork and documents are accurate, in order to avoid an audit.

When you are facing significant tax debt or concerns, an experienced lawyer can take some of the burden off your shoulders. Hartsoe & Associates have the dedication, determination, and ethics you are looking for.

Tax debt and relief attorneys serving Winston-Salem and Greensboro

If the IRS is sending you notices, you are behind on your taxes, and feeling overwhelmed, the legal team at Hartsoe & Associates, P.C. can help. We can help guide you through the confusing red tape of the IRS and put you at ease, offering various solutions to your issues. To schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney in the Piedmont Triad area, please call 336-725-1985 or fill out our contact form.