IRS Tax Debt Lawyer in Houston

Start with the notice and the tax years involved

The first step is to identify what the IRS has assessed, which years are involved, and what the latest notice requires. A balance-due letter, a proposed audit adjustment, a notice of federal tax lien, and a final notice of intent to levy can call for different responses.

Bring every page of the notice and the envelope, if available. Note the date received, any response deadline, payments already made, and whether another representative is involved. If wages or a bank account are already affected, tell the office when you first contact us.

Requesting a consultation does not pause an IRS deadline or collection action. The office must review the matter and agree to representation before acting on your behalf.

Is the tax balance correct?

Before choosing a payment arrangement, compare the IRS records with your filed returns, payment confirmations, and prior correspondence. A balance may include tax, penalties, and interest, and the underlying issue may involve missing returns, an examination, or an uncredited payment.

Disputing the amount and resolving how to pay it are different tasks. If your concern involves an examination or proposed changes to a return, see our IRS audits and appeals page. The procedure available to challenge a liability depends on the case history and the notice.

Options when you cannot pay in full

A suitable approach depends on filing compliance, current income, allowable expenses, assets, and the collection stage. Common options to evaluate include:

• A payment arrangement. An installment agreement may allow payment over time. Penalties and interest generally continue while a balance remains.
• An offer in compromise. Some taxpayers qualify to settle for less than the full balance. The IRS considers the applicable legal basis and financial evidence; a large debt alone does not establish eligibility.
• A temporary collection delay. Currently Not Collectible status may be available when payment would prevent basic living expenses from being met. It does not erase the debt, and a lien or refund offset may still be possible.
• Penalty relief. A separate request or applicable administrative relief may address certain penalties. Reducing a penalty does not automatically eliminate the underlying tax.
• Correction of the account. Missing returns or payment errors may need attention before a lasting collection arrangement can be evaluated.

These are alternatives to assess, not benefits every taxpayer receives. An attorney review can help identify the documents needed and the consequences of a proposed course of action.

Liens and levies need different responses

A federal tax lien is the government's legal claim against property. A levy takes property or rights to property to satisfy a tax debt. A public Notice of Federal Tax Lien, a threatened levy, and an existing bank or wage levy are therefore not interchangeable.

If the IRS has issued a collection notice with hearing rights, the notice and deadline need prompt review. Do not assume that a general phone call, an unanswered message, or a partial payment preserves every appeal right.

Address current compliance as well as older debt

A plan for older tax years can be undermined by new unpaid taxes. Review withholding, estimated payments, and any business tax deposits alongside the existing balance. Required returns may need to be filed before the IRS will consider a proposed resolution.

For business owners, separate the business's obligations from personal balances. Entity type, tax type, and potential individual responsibility can change the analysis. Tell the office if payroll taxes, a closed business, or a jointly filed return are involved.

What to bring to a tax debt consultation

• Complete IRS notices and earlier correspondence.
• Copies of relevant returns and available account transcripts.
• Payment confirmations and any existing payment agreement.
• A list of unfiled years, if any.
• A current overview of income, essential expenses, assets, and debts.
• Details of a levy, lien, hearing date, or imminent transaction.

You do not need to have every record before contacting the office. Keep sensitive documents out of the general inquiry form; the office can explain how to provide them for review.

Houston guidance for federal tax matters

Arif A. Syed is a Texas-licensed attorney and IRS Enrolled Agent. His immigration and federal tax practice can also be relevant when unresolved tax records intersect with a family's sponsorship or citizenship plans. Those issues require their own review; an IRS arrangement does not decide an immigration application.

Learn more about our federal tax practice and attorney profile. The scope of any collection representation is agreed after reviewing the matter.

Official resources

• IRS collection process
• IRS payment options
• Temporary collection delay