
IRS Tax Debt After a Death: What Executors, Spouses, and Families Need to Know
Losing a loved one is hard enough without discovering unresolved IRS tax debt. Here is what executors, surviving spouses, and families need to know.
John SterbickYou do not have to face the IRS or crushing debt alone. We stop aggressive collection tactics and create a clear legal path to protect your assets.
The team at Sterbick and Associates understands the stress and frustration that comes with dealing with the IRS. That’s why Attorney John Sterbick is here to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your tax problem.
With 29 years of experience in tax law and dealing with the IRS, John Sterbick and his team have a proven track record of success. Don’t let tax issues take control of your life.
John’s team also specializes in helping people file for bankruptcy. If you’re overwhelmed with debts and are considering filing for bankruptcy, don’t delay any longer. The team at Sterbick and Associates is here to help you.
Take the first step towards financial freedom by scheduling a free consultation with us today!
Trust our 4-step legal process to lead you to your best financial solution.
As licensed attorneys, we have the legal authority to request an immediate cessation of all direct communications from the IRS to you. We handle all interactions with the IRS on your behalf.
We gather all your tax transcripts and financial data from the IRS to compile an organized, strategic resolution plan that we review with you in detail.
With 29 years of negotiation expertise, we swiftly and effectively resolve your tax issues — negotiating Offers in Compromise, release of levies, or structured payment terms.
Move forward with confidence knowing your tax controversy is behind you. We provide step-by-step guidance to ensure your finances stay protected for the long term.
Don't let the IRS or debt dictate your future. Schedule your confidential, risk-free case consultation with Attorney John Sterbick.
BOOK YOUR RISK-FREE CONSULTATION TODAYComprehensive legal services delivered with precision, integrity, and decades of courtroom experience.


Compassionate probate, trust, and estate administration.
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Representation and response strategy for IRS enforcement.
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Settlement review for taxpayers who cannot pay in full.
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Representation and response strategy for IRS enforcement.
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Car crashes, wrongful death, premises liability, and dog bites.
Learn MoreWith 29 years of focused legal experience, John Sterbick is dedicated to protecting Washington taxpayers from IRS overreach and guiding families through debt relief.

Admitted to the Washington State Bar in 1988, John Sterbick has represented thousands of Washington individuals, families, and business owners in complex IRS tax controversy, audit defense, and federal bankruptcy matters.

Our dedicated legal team steps between you and aggressive creditors or federal revenue officers to protect your income, home, and peace of mind.
With our home office in Tacoma, Sterbick & Associates provides dedicated IRS dispute controversy and bankruptcy legal defense across Pierce, King, and Thurston Counties.
View All 30 Washington Communities ➔Main office location. Comprehensive tax controversy and bankruptcy representation.
Serving South Hill and East Pierce County residents with tax relief and bankruptcy counsel.
Serving Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula, Fox Island, and West Sound clients.
Aggressive IRS controversy and federal bankruptcy representation in Seattle.
Serving Eastside technology professionals and business owners in Bellevue.
Tax controversy, wage levy release, and bankruptcy counsel in Federal Way.
Serving state workers, families, and business owners across Olympia.
Dedicated tax dispute representation and bankruptcy relief in Lacey.
Serving Lakewood, Steilacoom, Tillicum, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).
"John Sterbick & Associates and his team were absolutely excellent! From start to finish, they assisted my brother and walked him through the bankruptcy process with patience, professionalism, and clear communication. They took the time to explain every detail, answered all our questions, and made a stressful experience smooth and manageable."
"John is one of the best tax attorneys I have worked with. He is very knowledgeable, warm, and compassionate. He took the time to understand my tax problems and worked with me to find the best solution possible with the IRS. Highly recommended for anyone facing tax trouble."
"6 weeks. That's all it took for Attorney Sterbick to get creditors off my back, to stop calling me, and have my bankruptcy heard. I had 3 wage garnishments against me and they are gone. I can breathe easier!"
"What a relief John Sterbick gave us! Our financial situation had developed into more than we could handle. They responded immediately, guided our court proceedings, and brought complete relief to our family."
"With the help of John and his staff, the $205,000 owed to the IRS expired and now a balance of $0. I owe this man my life. Cannot thank John Sterbick and his staff enough."
"They are the best at everything. We couldn't have hired a more professional, skilled, compassionate, understanding team. They will help you understand your exact legal situation and what can be done."
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions.
Contact UsWhile individuals who owe very small amounts can sometimes establish basic installment plans, most taxpayers find that negotiating substantial tax relief or penalty reductions without counsel is difficult and stressful. The IRS has extensive enforcement powers. At Sterbick & Associates, we have the 29 years of legal experience and direct attorney authority to negotiate the best possible settlement for our clients.
Timing is critical. IRS notices carry strict statutory response deadlines (typically 30 days for notices like CP504, LT38, or Final Notice of Intent to Levy). The longer you delay, the fewer legal defense options remain, and the IRS will accelerate wage garnishments, bank account freezes, and federal tax liens.
If your paycheck is being garnished or your bank account is frozen, contact our office immediately at (253) 383-0140. As your legal counsel, we can contact the IRS revenue officer or automated collection system immediately to request an urgent hardship hold and release the levy.
The IRS Fresh Start program allows qualifying taxpayers to settle their total tax liabilities for a fraction of what is owed if they cannot pay in full. Qualification depends on your household income, allowable living expenses, asset equity, and collection potential. We conduct a comprehensive preliminary calculation during your free consultation.
Under certain legal conditions in the Bankruptcy Code, income taxes that are more than three years old, for which returns were timely filed at least two years prior, may be completely dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. We analyze your specific tax transcripts to determine discharge eligibility.
Get the aggressive IRS defense and debt relief legal representation you deserve. Confidential, risk-free case consultation.
Direct Attorney Evaluation • 100% Confidential • Immediate Levy Protection
Practical guidance on IRS notices, tax debt, wage garnishment, bankruptcy, and Washington tax resolution options.

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