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Tax controversy, in plain language
Notes on IRS procedure, deadlines, and how specific tax problems actually get resolved. Written by an attorney who spent thirteen years on the other side of it.
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IRS Notice of Deficiency: What It Means and How to Respond
Getting a letter from the IRS is never fun—but a Notice of Deficiency (also called a “90-day letter”) is one you can’t afford to ignore. It’s the IRS’s way of saying: We think…
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IRS Fresh Start Program: Reality Check for Taxpayers
Introduction If you’ve searched online for ways to resolve IRS tax debt, you’ve probably seen ads promising help through the IRS Fresh Start Program. It sounds like a magic solution—wipe out your tax…
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IRS Debt Relief Options for Businesses
1. Installment Agreements for Businesses 2. Offer in Compromise (OIC) for Businesses 3. Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status 4. Penalty Abatement 5. Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) Defense Why Professional Help Is…
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How Retirees Can Avoid IRS Surprises
Introduction Retirement should be a time to relax, not worry about unexpected tax bills. Yet many retirees are caught off guard by IRS tax rules for Social Security, pensions, and retirement accounts. From…
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How Long Does the IRS Have to Collect Back Taxes?
Introduction Tax debt doesn’t last forever. The IRS generally has 10 years to collect unpaid taxes, but the rules are more complicated than they seem. Knowing how the “collection statute” works—and what can…
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Gambling Income and Taxes: What Changed Under the One Big Beautiful Bill
Whether you’re a weekend slot player, a sports bettor, or a professional poker pro, one thing is certain: the IRS wants its cut of your winnings. Gambling income has always been taxable, but…
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Year-End Tax Moves to Avoid an IRS Bill
Introduction Smart year-end tax planning can help you avoid an unexpected IRS tax bill in April. By taking action before December 31, you can reduce taxable income and minimize your risk of owing back taxes.…
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Does Filing an Extension Mean You Don’t Owe Taxes Yet?
Introduction Every year, millions of taxpayers file an IRS tax extension to give themselves more time to prepare their returns. Extensions are a valuable tool if you’re waiting on documents, need more time to…
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Choosing the Right Level of Tax Help: From DIY to Tax Attorneys
When facing IRS issues, taxpayers often wonder: Do I really need professional help—or can I handle this myself? The answer depends on the complexity of your situation, your comfort level with tax law,…
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Checklist: What to Gather Before Calling a Tax Attorney
Introduction Meeting with a tax attorney is one of the smartest moves you can make if you’re facing IRS back taxes or collection action. But preparation matters. Bringing the right documents ensures your attorney can…
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Can the IRS Garnish My Wages Without Warning?
Introduction Few things are more stressful than finding out the IRS is taking money directly from your paycheck. Wage garnishment is one of the IRS’s strongest collection tools, but it doesn’t happen overnight.…
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