It might seem like a good idea to call the IRS yourself if you’re facing a tax issue — but it’s not. Taxpayers across the U.S. should avoid talking directly to the IRS. The IRS holds a lot of authority, and their agents are highly trained to handle people dealing with tax problems. Luckily, there are smarter ways to handle the IRS and fix your tax issues. Our tax lawyers are here to step in and work with the IRS on your behalf, protecting your rights every step of the way.
When Should You Contact a Michigan Tax Lawyer?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by unfiled tax returns, unpaid taxes, or the threat of an IRS audit, it’s time to take action and reach out to a tax attorney. The team at Austin & Larson Tax Resolution can help you understand complex federal tax rules in simple, clear terms and guide you through the right steps to protect yourself. Our experienced attorneys offer essential tax planning services, audit support, and legal representation when you need it most.
Here are some situations where you should seriously consider working with a tax lawyer:
- Wage Garnishments: If the IRS or state has started taking money directly from your paycheck, Austin & Larson Tax Resolution can help you challenge or reduce the garnishment and work toward a fair solution.
- IRS Tax Issues: Whether you owe back taxes, are facing heavy penalties, or have received aggressive IRS letters, their team knows exactly how to handle these problems and fight for your best interests.
- Audit Defense and Representation: Facing an audit can be intimidating. With professional representation from Austin & Larson, you’ll have someone protecting your rights, organizing your case, and speaking on your behalf.
- Negotiating Tax Disputes: If you disagree with a tax bill, penalties, or interest charges, their attorneys can negotiate with the IRS or Michigan tax authorities to try to lower what you owe.
- Local and State Tax Challenges: Michigan’s state tax laws can be complicated too. Austin & Larson Tax Resolution understands the specific rules and can guide you through resolving state and local tax problems quickly and efficiently.
Don’t let tax issues grow into bigger problems. The sooner you act, the more options you have. If you’re facing any of these challenges, reach out to Austin & Larson Tax Resolution today and get the expert help you deserve.
Why Hiring a Tax Lawyer Is the Smart Move
Tax laws are complicated — and unless you’re a CPA or a licensed attorney, you probably don’t know all the rules inside and out. But your tax lawyer does. A skilled tax attorney in Michigan has extensive experience handling financial and tax matters just like yours. They spend years studying and practicing in this area of law, so you can feel confident that they know how to get you the best possible results.
Choosing a qualified tax lawyer can make a big difference in how your case turns out. They know what strategies work, how to navigate complex tax problems, and how to protect your rights every step of the way.
It’s also important to remember that tax laws are not set in stone — they change every year. New rules and regulations come into play all the time, and it’s easy for the average person to miss these updates. However, an experienced Michigan tax attorney stays on top of all the latest changes. They understand how these new laws could impact your case and will adjust their approach to give you the strongest defense possible.
Don’t take chances with your financial future. When it comes to dealing with the IRS or state tax authorities, having the right legal expert on your side can make all the difference.
How a Tax Lawyer Can Help with Unfiled Tax Returns
One of the biggest reasons to bring in a tax attorney is if you have unfiled tax returns. Every taxpayer is required to file a return with the IRS each year. If you don’t, and the IRS finds out, fixing the situation can quickly become complicated — often leading to steep fines, added penalties, or even a criminal investigation.
When you fail to file, the IRS might create what’s called a Substitute for Return (SFR) on your behalf. This might sound helpful, but it’s not. The SFR doesn’t include any deductions or credits you could have claimed if you had filed properly. That means the IRS calculates a higher tax bill against you. On top of that, they add penalties and interest, making what you owe grow even bigger over time.
The good news is you don’t have to face this alone. A skilled tax attorney can step in and help you properly file any missing returns. By doing this the right way, you could reduce your tax burden and avoid harsher penalties. Even better, once your unfiled returns are submitted, you may be eligible to set up a payment plan, settle your tax debt, or qualify for other helpful IRS programs.
Acting quickly is key. With the right legal help, you can get back on track, limit the damage, and move forward with peace of mind.
Setting Up a Payment Plan for Back Taxes
When you bring in a tax attorney to help with your case, one of the first things they can do is help you set up a payment plan for your unpaid taxes. If you owe the IRS but can’t pay everything right now, don’t worry—there are options. In most cases, the IRS is willing to work with you and offer a monthly payment plan so you can take care of your debt over time instead of all at once.
While it’s true that you could try to set up a payment plan on your own, many people find that working with a tax attorney leads to faster approvals and better terms. A skilled attorney knows how to present your financial situation clearly and negotiate in a way that benefits you. They can also make sure you avoid mistakes that could delay the process or cause extra stress. If you want the best chance of getting a manageable payment plan and easing the pressure from the IRS, letting a professional handle it is often the smartest move.
Settling Your IRS Debt with an Offer in Compromise
In some cases, a Michigan tax attorney can help you settle your IRS debt for less than the full amount you owe. This is called an Offer in Compromise (OIC). The IRS will carefully look at your income, your ability to pay, your expenses, your assets, and the total amount of taxes you owe. If they determine that you truly cannot pay the full balance, they may agree to settle for a lower amount. Once you pay the agreed-upon sum, the rest of your tax debt is completely forgiven.
A knowledgeable tax lawyer will know exactly how the Offer in Compromise process works. They can help you figure out if you qualify, prepare a strong application, and guide you through every step of the process to give you the best possible chance of success. Trying to handle this on your own is risky — but with the right attorney, you can take advantage of real opportunities to resolve your debt and move forward.
Protecting Your Rights During an IRS Audit
No one wants to face an IRS audit. It’s stressful, confusing, and if you’re not careful, you could make costly mistakes. Going through an audit without professional help often leads to a worse outcome, especially if you don’t fully understand your rights as a taxpayer.
Having an experienced tax lawyer by your side during an audit can make a huge difference. They will make sure the IRS follows the rules, protect your rights during the process, and fight for the best result possible. Instead of feeling overwhelmed and alone, you’ll have a skilled advocate in your corner who knows how to handle the IRS and keep things under control.
Reducing or Removing IRS Penalties
Many taxpayers don’t realize that late filing penalties, interest, and other fees can sometimes end up costing more than the original tax debt itself. It’s not unusual for penalties to add thousands of dollars to what you owe — and that’s where an experienced tax attorney can step in.
A tax lawyer who understands penalty abatement can help you reduce or even eliminate these penalties. They know what circumstances the IRS considers for forgiveness and how to properly request relief. Getting penalties removed can make it much easier for you to manage your tax balance and get back on track.
In many cases, after penalties are reduced or removed, your attorney can also help you set up a payment plan for the remaining balance — giving you a clear path forward and helping you avoid future problems.
Will the IRS Get Upset If You Hire a Michigan Tax Lawyer?
If you’re dealing with tax issues, you might wonder if hiring a tax attorney will make things worse with the IRS. The short answer is — absolutely not. In fact, in most cases, the IRS actually prefers working with tax attorneys. Skilled tax lawyers understand the rules, the processes, and the tax laws inside and out, which saves IRS agents a lot of time and effort. They don’t have to spend hours explaining basic tax matters because your lawyer already knows how everything works.
Experienced tax attorneys have handled many cases like yours and know exactly how to communicate with the IRS to get things resolved. So instead of upsetting the IRS, having a professional on your side often helps move your case along more smoothly.
Now and then, a client might hear an IRS agent say something like, “You don’t need a lawyer.” If that ever happens, it’s a clear sign that you absolutely do need legal help. It’s important to know that IRS rules say if you ask to speak with a lawyer, the agent must immediately stop the interview. If they continue questioning you after you request an attorney, they may be breaking the law.
Having a tax lawyer protects your rights and gives you someone who will stand up for you. When it comes to serious tax matters, it’s always better to have an expert in your corner.
Conclusion
If you’re facing IRS problems, don’t make the mistake of handling them alone. Talking to the IRS without an experienced tax lawyer on your side puts your financial future at serious risk. The IRS isn’t there to protect you — they’re there to collect what they believe you owe. But with the right legal team, you can turn a stressful situation into an opportunity to regain control, protect your rights, and reach the best possible outcome.
At Austin & Larson Tax Resolution, our skilled attorneys know exactly how to navigate IRS negotiations, audits, payment plans, and penalty reductions. Every step you delay gives the IRS more power over your case. Act now — partner with a trusted tax attorney who will stand up for you and make sure your voice is heard. Call Austin & Larson Tax Resolution today and get the expert help you deserve before the IRS takes the next step.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every tax situation is unique, and it is recommended that you consult with a qualified tax lawyer to address your specific needs. Austin & Larson Tax Resolution is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.
FAQs
1. Can I talk to the IRS myself without a lawyer?
You can, but it’s risky. The IRS agents are trained to protect their interests, not yours. A tax lawyer ensures your rights are protected from the start.
2. What can a tax lawyer do that I can’t do myself?
A tax lawyer can negotiate better settlements, stop wage garnishments, reduce penalties, represent you in audits, and build a stronger legal defence if needed.
3. Will hiring a tax attorney make the IRS more aggressive?
No. In fact, the IRS often prefers dealing with tax professionals because it makes the process faster and more efficient.
4. What if the IRS says I don’t need a lawyer?
If an IRS agent says that, it’s a sign you absolutely should hire a lawyer. It’s your legal right to have professional representation.
5. Can a tax lawyer help if I haven’t filed taxes in years?
Yes. A skilled tax attorney can help file back tax returns properly and work to reduce your penalties and overall tax burden.
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