Maryland
Tax Attorneys
IRS Tax Lawyers in Maryland
Many tax matters in Maryland can involve either the Comptroller of Maryland or the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, depending on the specific issue. Additionally, federal tax cases typically involve the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as they handle federal tax administration.
When facing a tax issue in Maryland, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of an experienced Maryland tax attorney at Anderson Bradshaw. Tax laws can be complex and navigating the various agencies and procedures can be challenging for individuals.
Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can help ensure that you take the appropriate actions and make informed decisions throughout the process. They can provide guidance, protect your rights, and work towards the best possible resolution for your tax issue.
Anderson Bradshaw knows how important tax debt relief is to most people, and we can help you understand what your rights are and what can be done in your case. Common kinds of tax cases we handle include:
Offers in Compromise
The IRS offers the option of settling tax debts for less than the full amount owed through an offer in compromise (OIC). The IRS evaluates various factors such as a person’s ability to pay, income, expenses, and asset equity when considering whether to approve an OIC.
To be eligible for an OIC, individuals must meet certain requirements, such as filing all required tax returns, making estimated payments, not being involved in an open bankruptcy proceeding, having a valid extension for the current year return, and meeting tax deposit obligations as an employer.
When submitting an OIC, the IRS returns the application and application fees but does not process the offer until it is deemed valid. Any offer payments included with the application are applied to the outstanding tax balance. There are different payment options available, including lump sum cash payments or periodic payments over time.
For individuals who meet the low-income certification guidelines, they may be exempt from submitting the application fee, initial payment, or making monthly installments while the IRS reviews their offer.
If an offer in compromise is rejected, individuals have the option to appeal the decision within 30 days using the Request for Appeal of Offer in Compromise (Form 13711). The IRS Independent Office of Appeals provides additional assistance in the appeal process.
It’s important to note that seeking the guidance of a qualified tax attorney at Anderson Bradshaw is advisable when pursuing an offer in compromise, as the process can be complex, and professional assistance can help navigate the requirements and increase the chances of a successful resolution.
Stopping Tax Levies & Liens
Tax liens are legal claims by the government against property when individuals neglect or fail to pay their tax debts. The lien serves to protect the government’s interest in the property.
In Maryland, unpaid property taxes result in a tax lien being placed on the property, which remains until the taxes are paid. The lien represents a debt attached to the property, and county-specific local charges may be added to the lien amount.
State law mandates that the County’s Collector of Taxes can sell the tax liens to collect delinquent taxes and other fees owed to the county. To release a tax lien, individuals can find information on the IRS website.
The IRS is responsible for releasing levies, which may be imposed when a person has unpaid taxes. The IRS will release a levy in various circumstances, including when the owed amount has been paid, the collection period has ended before the levy was issued, releasing the levy will help the person pay their taxes, an installment agreement has been established that doesn’t allow for the levy to continue, the levy would create an economic hardship preventing the person from meeting basic living expenses, or when the value of the property exceeds the amount owed, and releasing the levy won’t hinder the IRS’s ability to collect the outstanding debt.
In the event that an IRS request to release a lien is denied, individuals have the right to appeal the decision. Seeking the guidance of legal counsel is highly recommended when dealing with any type of tax lien in Maryland. A qualified tax attorney can provide valuable assistance, ensuring that your rights are protected and helping you navigate the complex process effectively.
IRS Audit Defense
The Comptroller’s Office in Maryland typically contacts taxpayers through phone calls or written correspondence to schedule tax audits. Businesses within the state usually receive approximately one week’s notice, while out-of-state businesses may have more time. The Comptroller’s Office aims to be flexible in scheduling audits.
Audits can indeed involve the IRS, and they may be initiated for various reasons, such as underreporting income, making mathematical errors, or filing with an incorrect filing status.
It is common for audit notifications to be followed by notices regarding penalties. When facing any kind of audit notification, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of a tax lawyer as soon as possible. A qualified tax attorney can provide guidance and represent your interests throughout the audit process.
In terms of IRS audits, they generally have a look-back period of up to three years. However, exceptions can be made in cases involving significant errors. It’s important to note that Anderson Bradshaw is not a recognized entity in the provided context. If you require assistance with tax audits or related matters in Maryland, it’s advisable to seek the services of an experienced tax attorney who can provide appropriate guidance and support.
Unfiled Tax Returns
In Maryland, if a person fails to pay taxes, the state may file a Non-Filer Assessment. This assessment allows the government to use available income information to create a substitute return on behalf of the taxpayer, which does not include any exemptions, credits, or deductions that the person would normally take. As a result, the tax liability on the substitute return may be higher than what the person would have owed if they had filed their tax return accurately.
Regarding federal taxes, the IRS can be involved in cases of unpaid taxes. The failure to file penalties imposed by the IRS can be 5 percent of the net tax due per month or 0.5 percent for each month or part of a month that the tax remains unpaid, with a maximum penalty of 25 percent.
The IRS strongly encourages individuals to file their past due tax returns as soon as possible. Even filing late can help to avoid accruing further interest and penalties. Additionally, timely filing of tax returns can protect Social Security benefits, prevent issues when obtaining loans, and help to avoid collection and enforcement actions by the IRS.
It is important to prioritize the filing of tax returns and to address any outstanding tax liabilities promptly. Seeking the guidance of a tax professional or a qualified tax attorney can be beneficial in navigating these matters and ensuring compliance with both state and federal tax obligations.
Innocent Spouses
Innocent spouse relief is a provision that applies to married couples who filed joint tax returns and are still married and living together in the same household. It allows one spouse to avoid paying additional taxes when their partner understated the taxes due on their joint tax return, and the other spouse was unaware of the mistake.
Under the innocent spouse relief provision, the responsibility for underreporting taxes is attributed to only one spouse. The IRS will reflect this attribution in an audit report. To qualify for innocent spouse relief, the filing spouse must demonstrate that they had no actual or constructive knowledge of the underreported tax, and it would be unfair to hold them liable for the tax debt.
It is important to note that people seeking innocent spouse relief must do so within two years of an IRS collection action. It is highly recommended to seek the assistance of a lawyer when attempting to claim innocent spouse relief. The process can be complex, and having legal representation can help navigate the requirements and increase the chances of a successful claim.
Working with an experienced tax attorney or professional can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the innocent spouse relief process. They can help gather the necessary documentation, present a strong case, and advocate for your rights before the IRS.
Contact Our Maryland Tax Attorneys
Are you currently struggling because of a tax burden in Maryland? Do not wait to contact Anderson Bradshaw because we will be able to step in and quickly make a world of difference in your case.
Our tax attorneys provide IRS tax help for residents all over Maryland including Baltimore, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Bowie, Hagerstown, Annapolis, College Park, Salisbury, Laurel, and more. Call (877) 986-1156 or contact our Maryland tax attorney online to set up a free consultation.
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