Tax Dispute Lawyer in Palm Desert

Assisting You with Controversies & Settlements with the IRS

Owing a creditor or lender more than you can pay is a stressful experience—especially when the entity you owe is the U.S. federal government. If you owe back taxes, have received an audit notice, have tax liens, or wage garnishments you’ll need an experienced and dedicated professional to resolve your tax problem.

At J. Doling Law, PC, our tax dispute attorney provides high-quality services backed by years of experience. If you are facing an audit, dispute, or any other tax issue with the state or federal government, our team is here to advise you on the best course of action and implement a solution . Usually we can submit documentation and evidence that supports our clients’ claims and reduces what they owe in taxes or penalties.

Ready to learn more? Call us at (760) 884-4444 or fill out our online contact form. We can get started with a complimentary case evaluation.

Navigating Tax Audits

Normally, you’ll receive an audit notice a few years after you filed the return .. Once you receive the notice, you will have several opportunities to dispute their claim. Do not assume that your only option is to accept an unfavorable settlement. While the state or federal government can be intimidating, our team at J. Doling Law, PC has a track record of helping clients successfully dispute unfair assessments.

The steps of the audit process are typically:

• The IRS sends you a letter explaining the alleged deficiency (i.e. the additional taxes you owe). You will have 30 days to protest the deficiency. If you protest the deficiency within the deadline, the case will be sent to appeals for dispute resolution.
• If you don’t protest the deficiency, you will receive a Notice of Deficiency 90-Day Letter. This letter gives you 90 days to file a petition directly with the U.S. Tax Court. As with the 30-day letter, your petition will be sent to appeals for a resolution. Often, the dispute will be resolved at the IRS Chief Counsel’s Office instead of taken to trial.
• If you don’t file a petition, the government will assess (i.e. confirm) the tax, even if it is not valid. This is why hiring an attorney right away is critical—you have opportunities to fight the assessment, but you have to adhere to strict deadlines and provide substantial documentation.

If you miss these deadlines, you still have options. You may petition for an Audit Reconsideration or Offer in Compromise (Doubt as to Liability). We can help you determine which path is best for your situation. Every case is unique, which is why we take the time to understand your circumstances and use our experience to develop the most effective strategy.

Managing Tax Debt

Whether or not the tax debt you owe is from an audit assessment, collection attempts by the IRS can leave you feeling powerless. They will typically send a series of letters, beginning with a Notice and Demand for Payment. After several similar notices, you will receive a Notice of Intent to Levy, followed by a Final Notice of Intent to Levy. Each letter provides an opportunity for you to stop the collection process, which is why we urge you to get in contact with us immediately.

Once you retain our services, we can help you manage this debt in several ways. These methods may include:

• Abating (i.e. eliminating) penalties
• Arranging payment plans or partial pay installment agreements
• Negotiating for Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status (if you have no disposable income)
• Sending an Offer in Compromise (an agreement to settle your tax debt for less than what you owe)
• Requesting innocent spouse relief (if your spouse underreported or otherwise omitted information on your returns without your knowledge)
• Filing bankruptcy

Not all of these options will work for every taxpayer, which is why you need a legal team with in-depth knowledge of tax laws and an ability to carefully assess your situation.

Let Us Help You Obtain Relief

Owing taxes or facing an audit can be stressful. With our team on your side, however, you will have the highest possible chance of reducing what you owe, successfully disputing a tax assessment, and achieving relief from collection actions.

You have a limited amount of time to act. Call (760) 884-4444 or contact us online today for dedicated tax dispute services in Palm Desert. We also serve Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Los Angeles, & Orange Counties.