FAQ's solve your IRS issues - J David Hopkins, JD LLM

General

Q1. I got a Notice or Letter from the IRS, where do I begin?

A. Click on the link for Issues to identify your document & find the Prep Steps to resolution!

Q2. What if I dispute my IRS tax bill?

A. The only dispute would be because the IRS records differ from your records and you need to reconcile them by filing the proper documents. Once the proper documents are filed there will be no dispute.

Q3. What if the IRS lied to me?

A. Unfortunately, the IRS is not allowed to help you prepare your case. They don't have to tell you the truth about the case and there's not much you can do if the IRS misleads you. In reality, you must protect yourself. What you perceive as an IRS lie, the IRS perceives as advocacy. So, you need an advocate yourself. That's why we are the Taxpayer's Advocate Against the IRS!

Q4. What if I need more time to respond to the IRS?

A. Please follow the Prep Steps under Need More Time.

Q5. How do I respond to an IRS Notice or Letter?

A. It depends on which Notice or Letter you received. Please follow the Instructions on the Issues page.

Q6. I've had an ID Theft or someone filed fraudulent documents on me

A. This can be very frustrating but the IRS takes it seriously. You may not be aware of a problem for many years and the IRS takes a very long time to resolve the account. Even then, the non-tax implications can be difficult. So, read our Blog titled "ID Theft - Fraud" and review "Other Problems" before setting an appointment with Mr. Hopkins!

Q7. I just want this IRS problem resolved quickly!

A. There are many situations where an IRS problem can be resolved fairly quickly and we pride ourselves on knowing when those situations arise. However, there are many other times when a quick resolution is not possible or even recommended.
You must be patient with the IRS. Many people are tricked into filing an Offer in Compromise because it is portrayed as a quick, guaranteed solution. Don't be fooled. The IRS is a mechanized bureaucracy and quick resolutions are often an illusion which pursuit will hurt you in the long run. Filing Offers and Appeals extends the statute of limitations! Please read our Case Samples page.

Q8. Can the IRS force me to respond?

A. The only way the IRS can force you to answer questions is to issue you a & if you fail to respond they can have the Department of Justice file Contempt of Court charges against you in US District Court.
But, usually if you don't respond, the IRS will simply deny you any relief that you seek or claim you have made.

Q9. How much will Tax Help cost? What are the fees?

A. We try to resolve very case in the first consultation, which is often possible if you come prepared. But, in general, fees and costs depend on which IRS process you are contesting and what are the issues. Contact TaxHelpLaw for more detail!

Q10. How can I lower my fees & costs?

A. First, by following the Prep Steps to prepare for the first consultation. If we can't resolve it at that time, then be prepared to contact various banks, courts, or offices to obtain information. To the extent possible, use the internet.

Audits

Q1. What if I received an IRS Audit Notice?

A. Audit notices from the IRS can be confusing but the Notice isn't as important as the IRS questions of you. Usually they use Form 4564 or Form 886A.
Please follow the Prep Steps for Audits.If you want to do-it-yourself go to the TaxHelpLaw.com Audit Defense Program

Q2. Why won't the IRS review my evidence?

A. Probably because it is not organized the way the IRS wants it. Most cases are lost against the IRS because of ill-preparation & disorganization.

That's why we designed the TaxHelp Audit Defense website - to show you with videos, audio & text guides exactly how to arrange your case to win against the IRS. As a result, the site is packed with attorney strategies with tips & traps for the unwary!

Some evidence the IRS may consider irrelevant so TaxHelpAudit shows you what to avoid. You will learn how to find & tabulate all your records to back up your case. To win, you must continually bolster your evidence with the IRS & TaxHelp Audit Defense shows you how!

Q3. What if the IRS lost my evidence?

A. If they admit they lost your evidence then you may be able to argue the "spoliation" is to be held against the IRS, but you'd have to go to Court. If the IRS does not admit they lost your evidence, then you'll likely be rejected. NEVER give original documents to the IRS.
However, TaxHelpLaw may be able to reconstruct most of your evidence.

Q4. Why was I chosen for IRS Audit?

A. The IRS can audit at random but usually they are looking for unusual items which need explanation. Therefore, please follow the Audit Prep Steps.

Q5. What if the IRS is saying I made income which I did not?

A. There are various reasons why this might be happening. It could be the fault of your employer or an IRS records mishap. In sum, it's best just to contact our tax attorney & let us review it.

Collections

Q1. What if I can't pay the IRS?

A. Please follow the Prep Steps for Collections.

Q2. What if I receive a Collection Notice from the IRS?

A. If the IRS has already filed a Notice of Intent to Levy they can levy at any time. If you just recently received a Notice of Intent to Levy then the IRS can take assets after 30 days. But, if the IRS has already filed a Notice of Intent to Levy they can levy at any time. However, if you just recently received a Notice of Intent to Levy then the IRS can take assets after 30 days. Please follow the TaxHelp Prep Steps for Collections.

Q3. What if I failed to pay my Business Employee Withholding Taxes?

A. Please follow the Prep Steps for Business Withholding Taxes.

Q4. What if my ex-spouse or spouse owes the IRS back taxes?

A. The answer depends on what your prior filing pattern has been as well as how your property is titled. There are numerous remedies, depending on your circumstances. Please contact J. David Hopkins directly.

Q5. If I owe the IRS, can they just take my refund to pay for it?

A. You might think the easy answer would be "yes", but it depends on whether they know about the past due tax or not. If they know about it, they usually take the refund. If not, you'll have to get your refund and pay it to them immediately. In that case, you can't apply it from a tax return.

Q6. What is an IRS levy?

A. It is a seizure of any property, asset or future benefit of yours. The IRS can take practically anything but generally, wages and bank accounts are commonly attached. Our recommended response to an IRS levy is explained by the Collection Prep Steps.

Q7. What if the IRS placed a tax levy on my wages?

A. An IRS wage levy will take most of your wages so we have to try to get a release before your next pay period. To respond, please follow the Prep Steps for Collections.

Q8. What if the IRS filed a tax lien against me?

A. It depends on if you agree with the amount due or not. If you agree, then we will make arrangements to address IRS Collections.
If you do not agree, then we will have to make your claim with the proper case filings. Either way, you protect yourself with TaxHelpLaw.

Q9. How can I get a release of an IRS Federal Tax Lien?

A. You can pay an acceptable Bond to the IRS to secure a lien release but essentially the IRS is only authorized to release tax liens if the debt is paid or satisfied by Offer or if it becomes unenforceable by limitation. There is no special form to request a lien release. The requests are all being handled by a IRS Centralized Lien Processing Center. We can be contacted directly to secure lien releases for you!

Q10. How can I reduce IRS Penalties and Interest?

A. Please follow the Prep Steps for Penalties & Interest.

Q11. Can the IRS or State of Colorado put me in jail for tax evasion?

A. Certainly failure to pay taxes is a crime but in most cases the government just wants your money, and a little more. That's why you need TaxHelpLaw. Please follow the Criminal Prep Steps.

Q12. Will an IRS or Colorado tax lien be discharged in bankruptcy?

A. The answer depends on when the return was filed and the type of bankruptcy you choose. For Ch. 7 bankruptcies, the lien usually survives the entire collection time period. For Ch. 13, the lien is often paid. Please use this Evaluator to see if you qualify for a Bankruptcy.

Q13. What if Colorado has garnished my wages?

A. Please follow the Prep Steps for Colorado Problems.

Q14. What if the IRS took my refund?

A. If all returns have been filed & you agree with the amount owed follow the Prep Steps to Collections.

If all returns have not been filed please follow the Unfiled Return Prep Steps.

Returns

Q1. What if I didn't get my tax refund?

A. 1) If you received an IRS Notice CP31, click on the Prep Steps for Return Errors.

2) If you received an IRS Notice CP49, click on the Prep Steps for Collection.

3) If you received an IRS Notice CP63, click on the Prep Steps for Unfiled Returns.

4) If you received any other notice please contact us directly.

Q2. What if Colorado took my refund?

A. Usually this is because there is a fault in evidence or faulty filings. Please contact us so this can be cleared up relatively quickly, depending on how far into the IRS process you are.

Q3. What if the IRS denies me a Dependency Exemption or the Earned Income Credit

A. Usually this is because there is a fault in evidence or faulty filings. Please contact us so this can be cleared up relatively quickly, depending on how far into the IRS process you are.

Q4. What if the IRS says I filed a wrong Social Security number?

A. There are several reasons why this may be happening. In the end, it could be benign or fraudulent ID theft. Please contact TaxHelpLaw directly.

Q5. What if I haven't filed tax returns in past years?

A. Failure to file back taxes is common and can have severe or mild consequences to you. So, before you have the past-due tax returns prepared, review the Prep Steps for Unfiled Returns, then come in and speak with Mr. Hopkins so the attorney-client relationship can be established to protect you from the IRS. Then we can gather the documents we need. Don't file any old tax returns until you speak with Mr. Hopkins. A few more days of penalties and interest won't make a huge difference. But, DON'T WAIT!!

Miscellaneous

Q2. What if I can't find my documents?

A. Lost documents are common but not impossible to reconstruct. It will take some work, though. Please follow the Prep Steps for Lost Documents.

Q3. What if the IRS issued me a Notice of Deficiency?

A. This can be handled in a variety of ways, depending on your circumstance. The Notice means the IRS has determined that you owe tax. If you don't petition Tax Court within 90 days from the mailing date of the letter then you lose your case. But sometimes, a simple return filing is all that is necessary. Please follow the Prep Steps for Court Cases.

(719) 232-2587 - Springs | (719) 250-0729 - Pueblo

National 1-303-TAX-HELP

FAQ’s

General

Audits

Collections

Returns

Miscellaneous

Pueblo office: (719) 250-0729

Springs office: (719) 232-2587

National: 1-303-829-4357 (TAX-HELP)

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