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.
Learn how our back tax attorneys can help you.
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.
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.
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.
FAQs About Back Taxes
What if I can’t pay my IRS back taxes?
Our tax attorney will review your case and help you request a resolution option, whether that’s an offer in compromise, an installment agreement, or another option.
Why Should I Work With an IRS Tax Debt Attorney in Tennessee?
Back tax attorneys provide assistance when you can’t pay what you owe. Attorneys bring deep knowledge of tax law and can represent you in negotiations with the IRS.
How long can the IRS collect back taxes?
The IRS has 10 years to try to collect from you after you file your return. Once that period passes, they can’t take any further actions on those unpaid taxes, like levying assets or filing a federal tax lien.
Can I settle my tax debt for less than I owe?
The IRS may agree to settle your debt for less if your financial circumstances don’t allow you to pay your bill. Talk to a tax attorney about requesting an offer in compromise or currently not collectible (CNC) status.
Can you represent me if I live outside of Mississippi or Tennessee?
Yes, we can work with you, no matter which state you live in, if you’re dealing with a federal tax issue with the IRS or owe state taxes.
