800-721-7054

Are you facing one of these tax problems?

There are countless reasons why so many Americans have problems paying their taxes: illness, crime, or a life-altering incident can eat up income delegated for the IRS, or an unforeseen business expense can affect the ability to pay your company's liabilities.

For many years, Oklahoma tax relief attorney Travis Watkins has helped clients with a wide range of tax problems. These are some of the most common reasons why families and businesses face penalties for unpaid taxes.

Payroll or Employment Tax Problems

If you are a business owner, you know that meeting day-to-day expenses can be difficult when revenue is not being generated. If the business is having a slow month or year when it comes to profits, business owners may put payroll tax responsibilities on the back burner in order to keep the lights on and the door to the store open.

In today's struggling economy, this is certainly not uncommon.

But, Uncle Sam refuses to wait. Unfortunately, unpaid employment taxes can result in a levy or the legal seizure of your property to satisfy unpaid debt. What many American business owners don't know is that the U.S. government considers unpaid payroll or employment tax a high priority debt. This means that the IRS will try to collect unpaid taxes from companies before collecting income tax from individuals, and will be more aggressive in their collection action against the business than they would for any other type of tax.

And, since the government doesn't really care whether or not your business survives, this can mean facing a major roadblock if you are trying to negotiate a long-term plan to settle the debt.

It's a business owner's responsibility to collect federal income, and Social Security and Medicare taxes from employees to pass along to the IRS. These taxes are also called trust fund taxes, which is why the IRS considers the non-payment of these taxes "theft."

The elevated charge of "theft" is also why the IRS makes it very difficult to avoid penalties. Even if you miss only one payroll tax payment and make all of the rest for the year, the IRS will continue to apply the current payments a cycle late, causing you to incur penalties, which can spiral downward into more debt if you don't have the cash flow to cover the expense.

Problems with a Revenue Officer

When a person or company has a tax liability, an Internal Revenue Officer may be assigned, depending on the length of delinquency and amount of the tax debt. So while you are stressed about how to cover the cost of the unpaid taxes and looming penalties, the IRS adds to your stress by sending an agent to knock on your door and try to collect that debt.

The main goal of a Revenue Officer is to get the money back to the IRS by any means necessary.

And while Revenue Officers are expected to be courteous and professional with you at all times, they are not expected to take into account your financial situation or any personal problems that may affect your ability to pay your tax debt.

What is also nerve-wracking is the fact that Revenue Officers have the ability and the authority to garnish your wages, freeze your bank accounts, seize your property, or put a lien on your home. They are also influential in making a determination about any settlement options or negotiations you may be trying to make to settle the debt.

Since these individuals have the resources and the backing of a major governmental institution behind them, it doesn't make much sense to try and go up against a Revenue Officer on your own. Enlisting the help of a certified tax lawyer can ensure that you have someone on your side with your best interest in mind, and can ensure that the tax laws are used in your advantage. This can make all the difference in saving your business or home.

Income Tax Problems

Chances are that if you are facing a huge income tax liability, the thought of wage garnishment is truly frightening.

But, one of the most common tactics used by the IRS to gain back some of the money that is owed is to take it straight from your paycheck - many times without adequate warning, and obviously without your permission.

In addition, the IRS could put a lien on your home and other property and charge you astronomical penalty fees; it may seem like you are stuck in a hole with no way to dig yourself out.

While there are certain ways to express to the IRS how and why you are struggling with your tax debt, there is no guarantee that the IRS will take your hardship into consideration.

Fixing the Problem

The good news is that there are solutions for settling tax debt available to you. Depending on your situation, you may be able to file an Offer in Compromise, claim that you are an Innocent Spouse or Currently Not Collectable, or obtain a Penalty Abatement or Installment Agreement.

But it is important to note that regardless of which type of solution you are trying to seek, the IRS will require many documents to prove your claim and investigate your financial history and income status.

This can be very daunting, especially when your home, business, or paycheck is on the line. That is why you need to have an experienced Oklahoma tax lawyer on your side to help you face the IRS and its Revenue Officers. Attorney Travis Watkins can provide you with a free copy of his book, The Ultimate Survival Guide for IRS Problems, and offer you a free consultation when you call him at 800.721.7054. Don't pay more money than you have to - call attorney Travis Watkins today.

 

6402 N. Santa Fe, Suite B

Oklahoma City, OK 73116

 

Travis W. Watkins, Attorney at Law, helps those facing tax problems and IRS liens all over Oklahoma and the metro area, including: Oklahoma City (Oklahoma County), Norman (Cleveland County), Edmond (Oklahoma County), Tulsa (Tulsa County), Lawton (Commanche County), Midwest City (Oklahoma County), Moore (Cleveland County), Enid (Garfield County), Stillwater (Payne County), Yukon (Canadian County), El Reno (Canadian County), Mustang (Canadian County), Guthrie (Logan County), Shawnee (Pottawatomie County), Broken Arrow (Tulsa County)

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Blog for Types of Problems

• The Gambler's Quick Reference Guide to Taxes and the IRS
• A Tax Lawyer's Secrets to Dealing with the Oklahoma Tax Commission Part I
• All You Ever Wanted to Know… and More about Estimated Taxes Part II
• Don't Trust IRS Agent Advice on Penalties and Interest

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Library for Types of Problems:

• Revenue Officers can't help it. They are trained to get your money and move on to the next case in their never ending quest to close the growing tax gap. Don't be intimidated, you can stop these encroachments by hiring local licensed legal representation. However, the first step has to start with you. Chances are slim that an IRS agent will tell you that you have these rights.   
  Travis Watkins is a lawyer in Oklahoma City whose professional practice is limited to helping Oklahoma taxpayers. Call him today at 800-607-1192 today!
• All You Ever Wanted to Know...And More About Estimated Taxes   
  Travis Watkins explains estimated taxes- what they are, who should be paying them and when!
• Travis Watkins explains the tax code and urges taxpayers to seek help if they have unfiled 941s, or 1040s.   
  Oklahoma City Tax Lawyer explains the tax problem of un-filed returns, and offers hope for delinquent filers...
• Is a tax lien keeping you from being able to buy a car? Is a tax lien keeping you from being able to buy a house? Quit letting the IRS control your life and start working toward a resolution with the help of an Oklahoma City tax lawyer!   
  Is a tax lien keeping you from living a normal life? Oklahoma City tax lawyer Travis Watkins explains tax liens and offers hope for removing them...
• Important Tips for Solving Your Tax Problems   
  Learn important tips for settling Oklahoma tax debt. Contact tax attorney Travis Watkins at 800.721.7054 for a free book on tax problems and a free consultation

View All

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Frequent Questions for Types of Problems:

• Do you represent people with the Oklahoma Tax Commission, too?
• Will a bank levy "freeze" my entire bank account?
• Can the IRS come after me forever?
• What can I do if my income taxes were discharged in bankruptcy, but my IRS transcript shows that I still owe them?
• How long does the IRS have to audit a tax return?
• Will the IRS cut a deal with me if I have unfiled returns?
• How much of my paycheck can the IRS take?