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IRS Tax Lawyers in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) is responsible for administering tax laws and providing taxpayer assistance programs within the state. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) handles federal taxes and federal tax law.

When people in Massachusetts encounter tax problems, they may have to interact with both agencies. Seeking the assistance of an experienced Massachusetts tax attorney at Anderson Bradshaw is highly recommended when dealing with any tax issue.

A tax attorney can provide valuable guidance tailored to your specific situation, saving you time and potentially preventing further complications. They will have a deep understanding of tax laws and can help you navigate the complexities of your case, ensuring the best possible outcome.

By working with a tax attorney, you can benefit from their knowledge, expertise, and experience in handling tax matters, which can be extremely helpful in resolving your tax problems effectively and efficiently.

Anderson Bradshaw helps clients all over the state achieve tax debt relief through various actions in these cases. Our firm assists people with such tax cases as:

Offers in Compromise

An offer in compromise allows individuals to settle their tax debts for less than the full amount they owe. The IRS considers several factors, including a person’s ability to pay, income, expenses, and asset equity, when evaluating and approving an offer in compromise.

To be eligible for an offer in compromise, individuals must have filed all required tax returns and made all required estimated payments. They should not be actively involved in an open bankruptcy proceeding and must have a valid extension for the current year return.

Additionally, employers must have made tax deposits for the current and past two quarters before applying. In cases where the IRS cannot process the offer, they will return the application and offer application fees.

Any offer payments included will be applied to the balance due. Payment options for approved offers in compromise can include a lump sum cash payment of 20 percent of the total offer, followed by the payment of the remaining balance in five or fewer payments.

Alternatively, individuals can choose periodic payments, where they pay the balance in monthly installments. Low-income individuals who meet the certification guidelines do not need to send the application fee, initial payment, or make monthly installments while the IRS reviews their offer.

If an offer in compromise is rejected, individuals have the right to appeal 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 appeals process.

It is important to note that navigating the offer in compromise process can be complex, and it is often recommended to seek the guidance of a qualified tax attorney at Anderson Bradshaw who can provide expertise and assistance throughout the application and negotiation process.

Stopping Tax Levies & Liens

A tax lien is indeed a legal claim by the government against a property when a person neglects or fails to pay their tax debts. This lien serves to protect the government’s interest in the property.

In Massachusetts, cities and towns have the authority to file a lien against a property owner in the Registry of Deeds as a means to collect back taxes. The IRS also provides information on its website regarding the release of tax liens.

The agency is required to release levies under certain circumstances. These include situations where the taxpayer has fully paid the amount owed, the period for collection has ended prior to the levy being issued, releasing the levy will facilitate the taxpayer’s ability to pay their taxes, the taxpayer has entered into an Installment Agreement where the terms do not allow for the levy to continue, the levy would create an economic hardship preventing the taxpayer from meeting basic living expenses, or if the value of the property exceeds the amount owed and releasing the levy would not hinder the IRS’s ability to collect the debt.

In cases where the IRS denies requests to release liens, individuals have the right to appeal within the specified timeframe. It is advisable to work with experienced attorneys who specialize in tax matters when dealing with tax liens, as they can provide guidance and represent the individual’s interests in the process.

It is worth noting that specific procedures and requirements for tax liens and their release may vary by jurisdiction, so it is important to consult the state or federal tax authority or seek professional advice from Anderson Bradshaw for accurate and up-to-date information regarding tax liens in Massachusetts or any other jurisdiction.

IRS Audit Defense

Tax audits are conducted by the Massachusetts DOR and the IRS. The DOR has the legal authority to audit individual and business tax returns for up to three years after filing.

Audits may be desk audits, which are conducted through correspondence between the DOR and the taxpayer, or field audits, which involve an examination of the taxpayer’s books and records. Similarly, the IRS can also conduct audits, and they may occur due to various reasons such as mistakes in filings, high income levels, or unreported income.

When a person receives a notice of an audit, it is common for a notice about potential penalties to follow shortly afterward. In such situations, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a tax attorney at Anderson Bradshaw without delay.

Both the DOR and IRS audits can generally go back up to three years, although exceptions may be made in cases of significant errors. Having experienced professionals, like those at Anderson Bradshaw, can be beneficial in navigating the complexities of tax audits and overcoming any challenges that may arise.

It is important to note that specific audit procedures, timelines, and requirements may vary between jurisdictions and the circumstances of each case. It is always recommended to consult with a tax attorney at Anderson Bradshaw to ensure accurate and up-to-date information regarding tax audits in Massachusetts or any other jurisdiction.

Unfiled Tax Returns

According to the Massachusetts DOR, if a taxpayer fails to file a required tax return, the Commissioner has the authority to make an assessment of tax at any time. This means that there is no specific limitations period for the DOR to assess tax in such cases.

In terms of IRS involvement in unpaid tax cases, the IRS may impose failure to file penalties on federal taxes. These penalties can be 5 percent of the net tax due per month or 0.5 percent for every month or part of a month that the tax remains unpaid, with a maximum penalty of 25 percent.

The IRS strongly emphasizes the importance of immediately filing past due tax returns. Even if a taxpayer files late, it can help avoid additional interest and penalties. Filing tax returns in a timely manner can also protect Social Security benefits, prevent issues when obtaining loans, and avoid collection and enforcement actions by the IRS.

It is also worth noting that specific rules and regulations regarding tax filing and penalties may vary based on individual circumstances and jurisdictions. It is always advisable to consult with a tax attorney at Anderson Bradshaw to ensure accurate and up-to-date information regarding tax obligations and penalties in Massachusetts or any other jurisdiction.

Innocent Spouses

Innocent spouse relief is a provision that allows couples who file joint tax returns to avoid being held liable for any additional taxes owed due to the understatement of taxes by one spouse. To qualify for innocent spouse relief, the following conditions generally apply:

  • The spouses must have filed a joint tax return.
  • The understatement of taxes must be attributable to one spouse.
  • The innocent spouse must establish that they had no actual or constructive knowledge of the understatement at the time of filing.
  • It would be unfair to hold the innocent spouse liable for the tax debt.

It is important to note that innocent spouse relief must be sought within two years of an IRS collection action, such as a notice of intent to levy or a notice of federal tax lien. Seeking innocent spouse relief can be a complex process, and it is advisable to seek the assistance of a qualified tax attorney at Anderson Bradshaw.

A skilled lawyer can help navigate the requirements, gather necessary documentation, and advocate on behalf of the innocent spouse to secure the relief. It is worth mentioning that the specific requirements and procedures for innocent spouse relief may vary based on individual circumstances and jurisdiction.

Consulting with a tax attorney at Anderson Bradshaw will ensure that you receive accurate and up-to-date advice tailored to your specific situation.

Contact Our Massachusetts Tax Attorneys

If you need any kind of tax debt help in Massachusetts, it is going to be critical that you really invest in legal representation for yourself so you can have the best chance of obtaining the most favorable outcome to your case. Anderson Bradshaw understands everything that people are going through in these situations and we will do what we can to put you at ease and let you know that we can handle all of the legwork.

Our tax attorneys provide IRS tax help for residents all over Massachusetts including Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell, Brockton, Quincy, Lynn, New Bedford, Fall River, and more. Call (877) 986-1156 or contact our Massachusetts tax attorney online to set up a free consultation.

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