Struggling With Back Taxes? We Can Help

If you owe back taxes, it’s incredibly stressful to watch the penalties and interest build up and see the IRS’s notices get increasingly aggressive.
Beyond worrying about a growing balance, you also have to think about liens, levies, or wage garnishments. You certainly don’t want your property to be at risk because of back taxes.
The good news is that most back tax cases can be resolved quickly with the right legal help. A tax attorney can help you address your debt through resolution options and IRS negotiations.
Our IRS collection defense attorneys help clients in Mississippi, Tennessee, and across the country. Talk to Damiens Law today about your IRS back taxes.
You’re in the Right Place If…
Wondering if you need a tax attorney to help you? If you’re experiencing any of the following, you’re in the right place:
- You owe back taxes to the IRS.
- You received a CP14, CP504, or Final Notice of Intent to Levy.
- Your wages or bank account may be at risk.
- The IRS has filed a federal tax lien.
- An IRS Revenue Officer has contacted you.
- You are behind on payroll taxes.
- Your balance has grown beyond what you can realistically pay.
Our attorneys can help if you live in Mississippi or Tennessee and need local counsel, or if you need help with back taxes nationwide.
What Are Back Taxes?
So, you owe the IRS money. Is that the same thing as having back taxes?
Yes, if you have unpaid federal or state tax debt from prior years, you have back taxes. As soon as the IRS realizes that you owe money and haven’t paid, they’ll start sending you notices. The notices outline how much you owe in tax, penalties, and interest charges. They also explain resolution options, what happens if you don’t pay, and deadlines for taking action.
Unfortunately, the repercussions will continue until you pay your balance or make arrangements. The IRS has broad administrative collection powers, meaning the agency can take certain actions to involuntarily collect the debt. If you ignore notices, don’t contact the IRS, and let your balance grow, the IRS may eventually decide to levy your property or file a federal tax lien against you. You may also miss out on certain tax resolution options if you let too much time pass.
Being proactive is your best bet when dealing with back taxes. Contact the tax experts at Damiens Law to get started with a solution.
How Our Back Tax Attorney in Mississippi Can Help
At Damiens Law, we have a strategy in place to help you address back taxes immediately. Here’s what our process looks like:
- Obtain and review IRS account transcripts.
- Confirm total balances and penalty breakdown.
- Identify current collection status.
- Determine whether enforcement is imminent.
- Evaluate Collection Statute Expiration Dates (CSEDs).
- Ensure all required tax returns are filed.
- Conduct a detailed financial analysis under IRS standards.
- Develop a resolution strategy based on risk, assets, income, and timeline.
- Communicate directly with the IRS on your behalf.
We prioritize a strategic legal negotiation process that goes beyond simply filling out IRS forms. We work closely with you on your specific situation to find the right path forward.
IRS Tax Debt Resolution Options
The IRS offers taxpayers several forms of relief when they can’t pay their balances. Here are common options our team will explore with you:
Installment Agreements
You may qualify for an installment agreement where you pay monthly payments to get your debt resolved over time. You can make an affordable installment payment instead of paying your balance all at once.
Partial Payment Installment Agreements (PPIAs)
In some cases, the IRS may agree to a partial payment installment agreement (PPIA), which allows you to pay a lower amount per month. When the CSED expires, which is 10 years, you won’t have to keep paying off your debt.
Offer in Compromise
An offer in compromise allows you to settle your debt for less than you owe. However, the IRS will only agree to this if you can show that your financial situation doesn’t allow you to pay the full balance.
Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status
Currently not collectible (CNC) is a temporary status the IRS may put on your account when you show you are experiencing financial hardship. When your situation improves, you’ll have to pay what you owe, unless the CSED has passed.
IRS Penalty Abatement
If your penalties are getting in the way of making a payment, you may qualify for penalty abatement. The IRS will waive or reduce penalties for reasonable cause cases or if it’s your first time getting an IRS penalty in the last three years.
Strategic Delay
Because the CSED means that the IRS can no longer collect after 10 years, you may be close enough to that date to wait it out. Our attorney will let you know if this is the right path for you.
Real client outcomes
Back tax cases we’ve resolved
Every case is different. These are real outcomes from real clients — the facts, the strategy, and the result.
IRS collection stopped — $70,000+ in debt eliminated by statute
Facing imminent levy on a six-figure balance, a self-employed taxpayer had all enforcement suspended and watched over $70,000 in older debt legally expire — without paying a cent of it.
Client type
Individual
Self-employed / 1099
Tax agency
IRS — Federal
IRC § 6343
Total balance
~$100K
Tax + penalties + interest
Debt eliminated
$70,000+
By statute — no payment
How the case was resolved
Power of attorney filed — transcripts and CSED analysis obtained
Full account transcripts pulled for all open years (2008–2023). Collection Statute Expiration Dates mapped for every year — revealing that $70,000+ in older debt was approaching legal expiration.
Emergency collection hold secured — levy threat stopped
Formally responded to LT11 and CP504 notices. A collection hold was placed on the account within weeks of engagement, stopping wage garnishment and bank levy before enforcement could begin.
Older debt years monitored as statutes expired
Tax years 2008–2011 reached the 10-year CSED during representation. Over $70,000 in IRS debt was legally extinguished — not negotiated away, simply expired. Zero payment required.
Currently Not Collectible status obtained — remaining balance protected
CNC status formally obtained under IRC § 6343 — without requiring a full Form 433-A submission. All enforcement suspended. Remaining balance monitored as the 2014 year approaches its own CSED in 2027.
Levy stopped within weeks of engagement
$70,000+ eliminated — no payment required
CNC obtained without full Form 433-A submission
CSED strategy tracked across 15+ years of open accounts
$8,700+ in penalties abated — monthly IRS payment cut by more than half
A taxpayer locked into an unaffordable IRS installment agreement had over $8,700 in penalties removed and their monthly payment dropped from $715 to $300 — resolved in a matter of weeks.
Client type
Individual
Multi-year balance
Tax agency
IRS — Federal
First Time Abatement
Penalties removed
$8,762
Abated under FTA
Monthly savings
$415/mo
$715 → $300/month
How the case was resolved
IRS transcripts pulled — full compliance history reviewed
Account transcripts obtained for all open years (2014, 2018–2020). Prior penalty history reviewed to confirm First Time Abatement eligibility — client had a clean record for the three years preceding the penalty year.
First Time Penalty Abatement request submitted to IRS
FTA request filed with the IRS penalty desk. No financial hardship documentation required — eligibility was based entirely on the client’s clean prior compliance record.
IRS approved — $8,762.87 in penalties and interest removed
The abatement was approved without pushback. The reduced balance automatically triggered a recalculation of the installment agreement monthly payment amount.
Installment agreement reduced to $300/month — default risk eliminated
Monthly payment dropped from $715 to $300 — a $415/month reduction. Client is in full IRS compliance under a sustainable plan, with no risk of default or levy action.
Fully resolved in 4–6 weeks from engagement
No hardship proof required — clean compliance record was enough
Payment plan default risk fully eliminated
Direct IRS negotiation by a licensed tax attorney
Payroll Tax & Business Back Tax Representation
Our firm provides back tax services to both individuals and businesses. Here’s a snapshot of the issues we help with if you’re dealing with business tax trouble:
- Federal payroll tax debt (Form 941 liabilities).
- Trust Fund Recovery Penalty exposure for owners and officers.
- IRS Revenue Officer investigations.
- Business bank levies and receivable levies.
- Multi-year unfiled returns for businesses.
Business tax laws are complicated and often much more challenging to resolve than individual tax problems, and unfortunately, payroll tax debt can carry personal liability risk. If you’re dealing with business back taxes, you need an attorney by your side.
Mississippi & Tennessee Tax Considerations
Taxpayers living, running businesses, or earning income in Mississippi and Tennessee have specific state regulations to follow. Damiens Law is here to represent individuals and businesses that owe back taxes in these states.
All states have their own collection processes and tax codes, making it critical to work with an attorney who’s experienced in the state you’re having problems in. If you owe both federal and state taxes, we take a holistic approach that considers how the collection processes in both federal and state agencies interact with each other.
Our attorneys work diligently to ensure you get the best resolution possible – even if you’re dealing with multi-state tax debt.
What If You Ignore Back Taxes?
It can be tempting to do nothing when you get an IRS notice about unpaid taxes. When you can’t afford the bill, it can be paralyzing. But things will only get worse if you ignore back taxes. Here are some consequences to know about:
- Penalties and interest will continue to grow until the balance is paid off.
- The IRS may file federal tax liens, which can impact your ability to get credit.
- Wage garnishment would take a portion of your paycheck from you.
- IRS bank levies can freeze your available funds.
- Businesses may face asset seizure or receivable levies.
- Revenue Officers may escalate enforcement actions further.
Even if you can’t pay your balance, don’t ignore back taxes. Instead, talk to a tax attorney at Damiens Law. Getting legal help can open up options you aren’t aware of.
When to Hire a Back Taxes Attorney
Many instances of unpaid taxes don’t require legal intervention. For example, if you forgot to pay your taxes last year, but can afford the bill immediately, you can just pay what you owe and move on. However, these situations may require hiring an unpaid taxes lawyer:
- You have a large tax balance.
- A Revenue Officer has been assigned to your case.
- You’re concerned about payroll tax exposure.
- You’re dealing with an IRS levy.
- The IRS filed a federal tax lien.
- You defaulted on your installment agreement.
- You have a complex multi-year tax debt situation.
- You are considering requesting an offer in compromise.
Don’t hesitate to work with us if your situation is more complicated.
Tax Attorney vs Tax Resolution Company
There are a lot of ads out there for tax relief companies, making claims about what they can do. Unfortunately, these firms typically aren’t in a position to provide personalized services, and they often lack experience. When looking for help, be wary of any promises that seem too good to be true.
Consider hiring a tax attorney instead. Working with an attorney can give you benefits like:
- Rigorous case evaluation, including pulling IRS transcripts.
- Personalized solutions based on your budget and unique problem.
- IRS representation focused on your best interests.
- Attorney-client privilege, which further protects you and your information.
- Strategic handling of risks associated with IRS and tax issues.
- Negotiation of the best results possible, based on extensive legal knowledge.
- Experienced evaluations of your risk of litigation, if necessary.
When seeking tax help, working with an attorney is more than worth it in the end.
What our clients say
Real people. Real IRS problems. Real results.
Google Reviews — Damiens Law Firm
“I recently had a huge back tax judgement that haunted me for 5 years, settled by Damiens Law Firm. They got my delinquent tax bill reduced by 2/3 and for that I’ll be forever grateful.”
Steve Baker
Google Review
“Her knowledge and ability to calm my nerves and set expectations allowed me to do what I needed to do to resolve the debt I owed the IRS without having to personally deal with the IRS on my own.”
Josh Travis
Google Review
“They are honest and straightforward and will do everything in their power to help you correct any issues. They have saved me well over $30,000 to date.”
Jason West
Google Review
“I owe the IRS over $30,000. They made me understand how important every step was to get things done the right way. If you’re having trouble with the IRS I highly recommend Damiens Law Firm.”
Loretta Rouse
Google Review
“I hadn’t filed my taxes in 5 years. They got all my returns caught up and worked out installment agreements with both the federal and state. If you’re truly ready to get your taxes under control, this is the company.”
Frank Cowans
Google Review
“Damiens Law Firm did an incredible job of taking me through a difficult tax situation to the point of resolution. They were very hands on with their guidance which is something that I needed.”
David Richardson
Google Review
Why Choose Damiens Law?
Damiens Law is here to help you with back taxes and any other IRS problems you’re facing. Our team serves clients in Mississippi and Tennessee and provides nationwide representation for IRS cases.
We start by reviewing your case, including transcripts and other records, and then we can make recommendations that will actually improve your situation. We directly negotiate with the IRS on your behalf, so you know your case is in good hands.
Even the most serious back tax cases can be managed when you work with the right legal team. Contact Damiens Law to set up your free consultation at 601-873-6510.
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