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Answers to Questions About the “Inflation Reduction Act” and the IRS

By John Sterbick | August 11, 2022
Tax form with audit stamp

With the passage of the “Inflation Reduction Act” in the Senate recently, many questions have been raised about the portions of the bill that have to do with the IRS. As of this writing, the bill has not been signed into law by the president, but we can examine some of the questions from the standpoint of a firm that has decades of experience working with the IRS on behalf of taxpayers with a variety of tax situations.

Question: Will my chances of being audited increase once the “Inflation Reduction Act” becomes law?

Answer: Possibly. A letter reportedly sent by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Wednesday directs the Internal Revenue Service not to use any of the new funding allocated in the “Inflation Reduction Act” to increase the chances of Americans making less than $400,000 a year getting audited. This report on emphasizing high-income earners for audit contradicts a study published in “Tax Notes” by Kim M. Bloomquist, who served as a senior economist with the IRS’ research division for two decades that indicates that more than a third of all audits are of earned income tax credit, or EITC recipients. The included data covers the total number of income tax filings and the estimated number of audits per county for the combined tax years 2012-15. A map of Mr. Bloomquist’s data indicates that the number of audits in each county largely reflects how many taxpayers there claimed the credit. This article contains a map showing the frequency of audits by county in the United States over the period studied.

So, if you go by historical trends, people who take the EITC and who perhaps don’t compute it correctly or who claim it incorrectly are the most likely to be audited, and these people earn far less than 400,000 dollars annually.

Question: How many people earn more than $400,000 per year?

Answer: According to the IRS, an annual household income of $400,000 or more represents America’s top 1.8% income-earners. Per IRS Publication 6292, there were 154 million tax returns filed in 2019; thus approximately 2.8 million people earn over $400,000. The numbers may be different after the COVID-19 lockdowns and resulting business closures.

Question: Where did the number “87,000 agents” come from in the “Inflation Reduction Act”?

Answer: The Treasury Department estimated in 2021 that a nearly $80 billion investment in the IRS could allow the agency to hire 86,852 full-time employees over the decade. But that figure accounts for all workers, not solely enforcement agents. IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig testified before Congress that the IRS would need to hire 52,000 people over the next six years to maintain the current staffing level to replace those who retire or otherwise leave.

Question: So, what are the increased audits expected to do?

Answer: According to statements by various Democrat politicians, the increased IRS funding is projected to raise $124 billion in additional tax revenue over the next ten years. The increased payments to the IRS are a crucial way Democrats plan to offset the cost of their plan to lower prescription drug costs and combat climate change called for in the “Inflation Reduction Act.”

So, what should you do as a person who pays taxes anywhere in the United States?

It is abundantly clear that some Democrat politicians believe that there is widespread tax noncompliance in the United States, and they are arming the IRS with funding for better computer systems and many more agents throughout the IRS to find those who purportedly haven’t paid “their fair share.” If you claim the EITC or earn more than $400,000 per year, you can expect to have your returns scrutinized even more carefully by the IRS since “that’s where the audit money is.”

The Sterbick Law Firm has long experience with the IRS and has seen many changes over the years. We are confident that our knowledge of the law and abilities to understand the IRS process will help you if you find yourself in an audit situation or if the IRS sends a letter demanding unpaid taxes. If you find yourself in a tax situation, don’t wait. Contact the Law Offices of John Sterbick right away for a free consultation. Let us help you; we offer competent representation that you can trust anywhere in the U.S.

Tax Year 2020: Filing Deadline Changes and News You Need to Know

By John Sterbick | March 23, 2021
IRS Tax Preparation Services

The IRS announced that “Tax Day for individuals extended to May 17”. The U.S. Treasury and the IRS extend the filing and payment deadline for tax year 2020.

Here is an excerpt from the announcement linked above from the IRS that we think will be of particular interest to taxpayers in Washington State:
“This continues to be a tough time for many people, and the IRS wants to continue to do everything possible to help taxpayers navigate the unusual circumstances related to the pandemic, while also working on important tax administration responsibilities,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Even with the new deadline, we urge taxpayers to consider filing as soon as possible, especially those who are owed refunds. Filing electronically with direct deposit is the quickest way to get refunds, and it can help some taxpayers more quickly receive any remaining stimulus payments they may be entitled to.”

Individual taxpayers can also postpone federal income tax payments for the 2020 tax year due on April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This postponement applies to individual taxpayers, including individuals who pay self-employment tax. Penalties, interest, and additions to tax will begin to accrue on any remaining unpaid balances as of May 17, 2021. Individual taxpayers will automatically avoid interest and penalties on the taxes paid by May 17.

The announcement does point out that this decision does not postpone estimated tax payments for the tax year 2021:

This relief does not apply to estimated tax payments that are due on April 15, 2021. These payments are still due on April 15. Taxes must be paid as taxpayers earn or receive income during the year, either through withholding or estimated tax payments. In general, estimated tax payments are made quarterly to the IRS by people whose income isn’t subject to income tax withholding, including self-employment income, interest, dividends, alimony, or rental income. Most taxpayers automatically have their taxes withheld from their paychecks and submitted to the IRS by their employer.

The IRS said the extended deadline is only for federal returns and that taxpayers may still have to file their state taxes by April 15. While several states have already extended their deadline to match the federal deadline, the IRS advises taxpayers to check with their state to ensure they don’t pay their taxes a month late. Oregon extended the filing deadline for state taxes to May 17th. At this time, Idaho hasn’t extended the deadlines for the any taxes due in 2021.

Related to the IRS filing delay, the IRS has a backlog on processing 2019 returns as tax changes related to the pandemic have made filing more complicated. The IRS is behind in processing over seven million tax returns and is now sending out another round of stimulus checks to Americans. The IRS said it has already sent out about 90 million payments totaling $242 billion. An example of the complications involved in filing taxes for the tax year 2020, the stimulus bill passed into law earlier in March 2021 exempted the first $10,200 in unemployment aid from federal income taxes. When this newsletter was prepared, the IRS has yet to issue guidance to taxpayers who already filed their returns on how to handle this. The taxpayer’s individual tax return for the tax year 2020, Form 1040, is also the mechanism for people to claim any missing $1,200 or $600 stimulus payments from last year. The $1,400 stimulus payments are not taxable, nor were the stimulus payments that came before. They will not adversely affect tax returns or refunds from last year or this year.

So, What Does All This Mean to Me?

With a new administration and a new Congress taking office next year, we should expect more changes to both policies and the IRS tax code. We should expect that the complexities of the law to continue to be difficult for individuals to understand and to act on without making potentially serious mistakes. Moreover, for individuals with IRS tax problems, having the guidance and representation of a widely acknowledged expert in IRS law and tax policies with years of experience and relationships with key contacts to help streamline delays is more important than ever, especially given the very difficult times that we are all facing today.

If All This Seems Confusing or Too Complicated, Please Call Us for Help

IRS tax problems or long neglected debts can be complex and overwhelming. The team at the Law Offices of John A. Sterbick may be able to help you understand your situation; We can certainly help you by discussing certain trade-offs and options concerning your situation with your debts, the IRS, and bankruptcy.

The Sterbick team does our best to give each client the best, unbiased advice that we can provide in every case. We do not automatically recommend bankruptcy; we tailor our advice to each person’s circumstances. We would never advise a client to take actions that would worsen their circumstances and increase their debts. Our goal is always to design a plan and carefully explain the plan to our client in order to help our clients work towards rebuilding a sound financial future.

Financial stress is not a healthy state, and it does not cost you anything to check out your options. Please contact my office to make an appointment for a free, confidential, personal consultation to review your circumstances together.

The IRS has Problems, but Must Never be Ignored

By John Sterbick | December 15, 2020
IRS audit letter and cash

Recently, John Sterbick attended a series of IRS tax seminars presented annually by a noted expert on the IRS as an organization and on the federal tax code that are specifically targeted to help IRS tax professionals like Mr. Sterbick remain current with the state of the agency and federal tax law. Mr. Sterbick attends these seminars each year and has done so for many consecutive years.

The first session on the first day was a report on the current state of the IRS. Like any other large business or government organization, COVID-19 safety requirements forced the IRS to temporarily interrupt and reduce services. At the same time, the IRS took steps to enable individual IRS employees to work remotely. Unfortunately, that led to a 35-day IRS shut down that put the agency behind in its responses to taxpayers and incoming material processing.

The National Tax Association (NTA) reported: “The IRS is stretched to its breaking point.” According to the NTA, the IRS recently described its backlog this way:

  • 5 million pieces of mail not sorted/processed
  • 80,000 responses to Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) audits not addressed
  • The IRS’ National Distribution Center had tens of thousands of unprocessed orders
  • Return processing inventory backlogged for months
  • Accounts Management phone lines
    • LOS: 36.8%
    • Average wait time: 32 mins
    • ACS [A/Bal Due phone lines A. LOS: 12. 8%
    • Average wait time: 93 mins
    • Within a week, LOS was 6.7%
  • The rate that the IRS processed returns processing declined by 25.8%

What Do these Statistics Mean to Me?

Within a very short period after the IRS adapted and changed policies in order to remain open during the COVID-19 crisis, significant declines in the levels of service offered by the agencies were reported. This is not a criticism; such an interruption should be expected after such a nationwide life-threatening pandemic was detected by health authorities and calls for extreme caution and new operational safety measures were issued for government, private industry, and individual citizens alike.

However, citizens received much slower responses from the IRS, including those who needed help with garnishments, establishing payment plans, evaluating offers in compromise, penalty relief, and other actions that the IRS can take to help citizens retain the income and assets that they need to live. As we shall see, the situation became even direr later.

Before COVID-19 Struck: Congress Passes the Taxpayer First Act

The Taxpayer First Act (Pub. L. No. I 16-2 5 issued on July 1, 2019) was intended to address the “broken IRS.” The Act included a reduction in personnel and “reduced” funding. The Act required the IRS to develop and implement four strategic plans:

  • Develop a comprehensive taxpayer service strategy
    • The strategy was to include taxpayer education and assistance
  • Redesign the IRS’ organizational structure
    • The goal of the new design was to create a “one-stop” experience for taxpayers
  • Develop and deliver comprehensive IRS employee training
    • Ensure that IRS employees were aware of and acted to protect taxpayer rights
  • Meet IRS information technology needs

2020 was to be the year of the Taxpayer First Act (TFA).

The fourth point – the requirement to meet IRS information technology needs – is vital to understanding the current state of the IRS and its ability to be responsive to individual taxpayers without expert representation.
IRS technology continues to lag the state of the art for years. Alarmingly, the IRS has no plan for updating/replacing old systems. Here are some of the critical technology problems facing the IRS today:

  • The IRS has no single “integrated” computer system
    • At last count, the IRS has at least 669 separate computer systems, very few of which are tied together
    • At least 231 (35%) of the IRS’ computer systems are considered “legacy systems”. According to the Inspector General of the IRS, a “legacy system” is an information system that may be based on outdated technologies but is critical to day-to-day operations
    • The IRS doesn’t know the status of at least 288 other systems in its information technology infrastructure

Critical Problems with Modernizing the IRS’ IT Infrastructure

In addition to not having accurate information about the status of all the IRS computer systems, the IRS has no idea about how much specific systems and programs cost! The IRS’ legacy systems are largely unsupported by vendors, and current IRS employees don’t have the right skills for them. Young graduates with a modern computer science education would likely neither have the skills nor the interest in starting their careers in such an obsolete environment.

Unfortunately, this is not new. IRS modernization efforts have started and stopped more than once. Given that presidential and congressional elections mean that priorities change according to the prevailing political environment, the IRS must deal with funding fluctuations that affect the execution of any long-term plan. Changes in Congressional priorities mean that IRS personnel are pulled from IT projects to deal with annual legislative changes.

What Did Congress Intend the Taxpayer First Act to Achieve?

Simply put, Congress intended to modernize and enhance the IRS’ ability to perform its functions, and that relied heavily on implementing better technology to serve taxpayers.

According to the “Integrated Modernization Business Plan” released in April 2019, the IRS was to develop and implement a six-year plan to become fully modernized in two 3-year phases. The budget estimate for the modernization program totaled $2.3—$2.7 billion over six years.

In phase 1 of the plan, the IRS was to

  • enhance data processing for information and tax returns,
  • decommission and consolidate up to 60 case management systems, and
  • develop more flexible and scalable technology platforms

In phase 2 of the plan, the IRS would

  • provide system-wide access to taxpayer account details,
  • enhance information returns processing and matching, and
  • establish “real-time” data processing

We are still dealing with COVID-19, and so is the IRS. IRS employees are stretched thin, working remotely with obsolete systems. Congress passed and continues to debate COVID-19 relief legislation that affects tax law and IRS policies. Just two pieces of legislation passed in 2019 illustrate how much change the IRS is experiencing:

  • Congress first passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Pub. L. 116-136)
  • Congress then passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Pub. L. I 16- 15 9). The CARES act contains
    • economic impact payments for individuals
    • PPP Loans for small businesses
    • relaxed Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans (SBA EIDL grants and loans)

So, What Does All This Mean to Me?

With a new administration and a new Congress taking office next year, we should expect more changes to both policies and the IRS tax code. We should expect that the complexities of the law to continue to be difficult for individuals to understand and to act on without making potentially serious mistakes. Moreover, for individuals with IRS tax problems, having the guidance and representation of a widely acknowledged expert in IRS law and tax policies with years of experience and relationships with key contacts to help streamline delays is more important than ever, especially given the very difficult times that we are all facing today.

If All This Seems Confusing or Too Complicated, Please Call Us for Help

IRS tax problems or long neglected debts can be complex and overwhelming. The team at the Law Offices of John A. Sterbick may be able to help you understand your situation; We can certainly help you by discussing certain trade-offs and options concerning your situation with your debts, the IRS, and bankruptcy.

The Sterbick team does our best to give each client the best, unbiased advice that we can provide in every case. We do not automatically recommend bankruptcy; we tailor our advice to each person’s circumstances. We would never advise a client to take actions that would worsen their circumstances and increase their debts. Our goal is always to design a plan and carefully explain the plan to our client in order to help our clients work towards rebuilding a sound financial future.

Financial stress is not a healthy state, and it does not cost you anything to check out your options. Please contact my office to make an appointment for a free, confidential, personal consultation to review your circumstances together.

Help for a Single Mom with Crippling Debt and Overdue Taxes

By John Sterbick | August 27, 2020
Help for a Single Mom with Crippling Debt and Overdue Taxes from the Law Offices of John A. Stewart

At the Law Offices of John A. Sterbick, we occasionally meet clients whose financial circumstances have deteriorated past the point of inability to stay current on their bill payments. Sometimes, clients have assumed long term debt for assets that have depreciated below the remaining balance of the loan that the client owes the lender.

Similarly, clients may incur years of federal tax debt that the IRS will demand to be paid once the IRS becomes aware that that client has delinquent tax debt. The combination of personal and IRS debt owed is often overwhelming.

The Sterbick firm is proud to specialize in complex, difficult financial circumstances that involve IRS tax debt and assets that are “upside down”.

Upside Down and Cramdown Defined

An asset is considered upside down when the asset’s current market value is lower than the remaining loan amount owed on the asset.

Generally, a cramdown provision is applied to certain secured debts, such as a car loan. The cramdown describes changes to the loan terms for the secured item that makes the loan more favorable to the debtor. An example of a loan cramdown is a reduction of the loan’s secured portion to match the current market value of the asset. The remaining loan balance will be added to the debtor’s other unsecured debt, like credit cards.

How the Sterbick Firm Helped a Client Under These Circumstances

Our client is a working single mom. Her car loan had years remaining before it would be repaid and had a high interest rate and a larger balance owed than the car was worth. She also owed the IRS years of unpaid federal tax debt.

The Sterbick team made two recommendations to address these issues. First, we advised our client that we would include a request to cramdown the auto loan to reduce the interest rate and align the balance owed with the value of the car. Next, we included her delinquent IRS tax debt into the plan so that she could repay the IRS at a zero-interest rate and discharge the previous years of federal tax debt.

Our client accepted the Sterbick team’s proposal, and we successfully implemented the plan through her bankruptcy proceeding. The Sterbick team enjoyed working with our client throughout the case. She has been very appreciative of our work on her behalf.

Here is the review that our client left on the Sterbick firm’s Google listing about our team’s work for her:

“John and his team helped me in a major financial way. They set me up with a plan that was right for me. So far, its working out great! Anytime I have questions, I can email it and response time is always same day.”

“I really appreciate Lorelei and the team.”

If All This Seems Confusing or Too Complicated,
Please Call Us for Help

IRS tax problems or long neglected debts can be complex and overwhelming. The team at the Law Offices of John A. Sterbick may be able to help you understand your situation. We can certainly help you by discussing certain trade-offs and options concerning your situation with your debts, the IRS, and bankruptcy.

The Sterbick team does our best to give each client the best, unbiased advice that we can provide in every case. We do not automatically recommend bankruptcy; we tailor our advice to each person’s circumstances. We would never advise a client to take actions that would worsen their circumstances and increase their debts. Our goal is always to design a plan and carefully explain the plan to our client in order to help our clients work towards rebuilding a sound financial future.

Financial stress is not a healthy state, and it does not cost you anything to check out your options. Please contact my office to make an appointment for a free, confidential, personal consultation to review your circumstances together.

Tomorrow is Tax Day for Tax Year 2019

By John Sterbick | July 14, 2020
Overdue taxes for Tax Year 2019

The federal income tax deadline was postponed this year from April 15th to July 15th to provide relief for individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Internal Revenue Service determined that no further delay is necessary, and Tax Day for Tax Year 2019 is …tomorrow, July 15th.

Don’t panic. It is still possible to request an extension if you’re not quite ready to file. However, the deadline for filing taxes after requesting an extension is still October 15th, as in previous years.

Here are a few added points for last-minute tax filers.

Taxpayers have up to three years to file a 1040 tax return in order to receive a refund. If you are a taxpayer who expects to receive a refund for tax year 2016, you must file your 2016 form 1040 by tomorrow, July 15th. Otherwise, it will be too late.

There is an exception for taxpayers who expect to receive a refund for tax year 2016: if the taxpayer filed an extension to file their form 1040 for the tax year 2016. In that case, the taxpayer must file their tax year 2016 form 1040 return by October 15th to receive their refund.

The IRS provides complete details on a variety of special conditions for filers at this link.

Don’t Panic. Put Our Decades of Experience And Know-How to Work for You.

If you have IRS tax problems and need expert help, please call the Law Offices of John A. Sterbick at (253) 383-0140 or click to contact us.

Payroll Tax Debt Relief

By John Sterbick | March 17, 2019
IRS 941 Form stamped "past due"

The usual payroll tax debt relief story begins like this: a small business owner misses a single payroll tax deposit, then another and another, until he reaches a point where he gets so anxious about how much he owes that he stops filing payroll tax returns. It isn’t because he wanted to: it’s because he didn’t know what else to do.

Many small businesses get into cash flow problems for all kinds of reasons. The problem that causes your cash flow shortfall can be something completely outside your control. For instance, James, a drywall sub-contractor, was given notice that the general contractor filed bankruptcy. It’s how you handle the problems – especially when payroll taxes are involved – that usually determines whether you’ll be able to remain in business.

Another example is William, a plumbing sub-contractor, who frequently hears the “retention” excuse from his general contractor. Consequently, he must wait several months to get paid. In the meantime, he must pay wages, materials etc. for his next project out of his own pocket. IRS Form 941 obligations – those listed on the employer’s quarterly federal tax return – don’t get paid. Failure to make FTD (Federal Tax Deposits) revenue means failure to pay penalties and interest will accrue. Some employers get scared and compound the problem by making an even worse mistake: they fail to file the 941 return and incur failure to file penalties which are really stiff!

If you own a small business and have IRS payroll tax problems, you’re in danger of losing your business every day. To be sure, the IRS takes an iron-fisted position on payroll tax violations. They would rather close a business and sell off its assets rather than work out a deal with the business owner. In my professional opinion, this is probably because higher management gives every IRS agent too many cases to work on at once, so the agents are forced to close many small businesses simply to keep up with the agents’ caseload.

Nancy ran a successful Servpro business for several years when she fell victim to embezzlement. The employee paid himself instead of paying the FTDs. She sold assets, laid off employees, and borrowed money to pay a chunk of the IRS debt. An installment contract was set up but unfortunately, Nancy missed a payment. The IRS agent swiftly levied her accounts receivable. She lost two vendors which eventually forced her out of business. The agent simply assumed she would keep running up liabilities. The point is that she begged for another installment agreement. However, the IRS bureaucratic agent didn’t want to take the risk of granting an installment contract that will probably result in making him look bad in the eyes of management.

To add insult to injury, the IRS pursued Nancy personally and raided her personal accounts to pay off the payroll debt. Unfortunately, she didn’t set up her business under a corporation to protect herself from third party liability.

The worst thing about business payroll taxes is that the IRS can collect them from anyone they deem responsible for not having paid them. For example, the business owner or any check signer on the business bank account can be singled out for collection activity.

They will do everything they deem appropriate to recoup payroll taxes; usually a visit to your home or workplace kick-starts the collection process. Every weapon in their arsenal can be used (levies, liens, seizure) until the taxpayer agrees to some type of repayment.

The IRS is aggressive in collecting payroll debt because they consider the failure to make FTDs as “theft.” The payroll tax withheld by the employer on behalf of the employee belongs to the employee. Employers who fail to file IRS Form 941’s and to make FTDs are risking IRS criminal prosecution.

If you’re in a deep, dark place right now because you owe unpaid payroll taxes, email us or call the Law Offices of John A. Sterbick at (253) 383-0140 right now to find out about payroll tax debt relief. You’ll sleep better tonight knowing that you have a reputable, well-tested Tacoma-based IRS tax attorney in your corner figuring out your best next move.

IRS Tax Help

By John Sterbick | July 3, 2017

If tax problems are weighing on you and threatening your financial security, you need tax resolution assistance from John Sterbick, an expert IRS tax attorney, right away. I'm here to provide you with a wide range of tax relief services, including help with individual IRS back taxes, business tax problems, and issues with delinquent taxpayers having passports denied or revoked. It’s my goal to bring you peace of mind by helping you reduce tax debts and secure protection from the IRS, so call me at (253) 383-0140 or e-mail me now to learn more about how I can help you!

John Sterbick provides an extensive list of tax resolution options, including these services:

  • Filing back taxes
  • Securing tax settlements
  • Preparing for IRS audits
  • Negotiating IRS penalty abatement
  • Resolving business tax problems
  • Representing you in tax court
  • Protecting you from criminal tax prosecution
  • Filing for expatriates
  • Securing passport reinstatement

In addition to my tax resolution expertise, my firm also provides accounting and bookkeeping services. Whenever you need help keeping your personal or business finances on track, you can count on me for superior customer service and careful attention to detail. I have over twenty years of experience as an IRS tax attorney. I am very qualified, with a proven track record of success, to provide the professional guidance you need. You can be confident if you select the Law Offices of John A. Sterbick to advise and represent you that your tax and accounting issues will be resolved quickly.

Free Estimates for Tax Resolution Services

Professional tax settlement, penalty abatement, and other tax relief services are an investment in your future. When you’re facing tax problems, the last thing you want to think about is the bill for IRS tax attorney help. Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about this when you work with John Sterbick, an expert IRS tax attorney. I'm proud to offer free estimates for my tax debt relief services. To give my clients added peace of mind, I offer flat-rate pricing for tax resolution services.

If you’re based in Federal Way, Puyallup, Olympia, Lacey, Seattle, Auburn, Kent, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, or any of the surrounding towns, you can turn to me for tax debt relief. I am proud to serve both individuals and business owners, and I can handle tax problems of all varieties. Whether your financial situation is due to unpaid taxes or your business is being threatened by an IRS audit, one phone call is all it takes to get started on resolving your tax issues.

One thing that sets John Sterbick apart from other tax lawyers is my commitment to providing clients with tax relief when they need it most. If you’re facing a tax issue that needs to be addressed immediately, you can call my 24/7 hotline for immediate, compassionate service. I offer free consultations at (253) 383-0140, so there’s nothing to lose by reaching out to me whenever you have a tax problem. No matter how severe your tax issues might seem, you can trust that I will be able to find an effective tax resolution that works for you.

When you choose John Sterbick as your IRS tax attorney, you can rest assured that your tax problem will be handled by a seasoned professional. I have over 20 years of experience dealing with personal and business tax problems, and that means I have what it takes to help you solve practically any tax issue you might have. From preparing back taxes to assistance solving payroll tax problems, I can do it all.

If you’re looking for a tax attorney or other tax specialist to resolve your IRS tax problems, contact John Sterbick today. I'm ready to help you put all of your tax problems behind you!

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Can I Stop An IRS Levy?

By John Sterbick | June 9, 2017
John A. Sterbick Attorney at Law

Yes, there are several avenues a taxpayer can take to stop an IRS levy, including a wage garnishment. These options include:

  1. Requesting a collection due process hearing (or “CDP” hearing) or an equivalent hearing. In most circumstances, the IRS cannot collect outstanding tax liabilities while a CDP hearing is pending. These hearings must be requested in a timely manner after receipt of IRS communications regarding an anticipated levy. If you have missed deadlines to file a request for a CDP hearing, you may also request an equivalent hearing, and the IRS may choose to stop a levy but is not required to do so.
  2. Entering into an installment agreement to repay your delinquent tax liabilities. Taxpayers with relatively low liabilities (under $50,000) may qualify for a streamlined installment agreement under which they may repay their liabilities without filing the more detailed financial disclosures required to request a traditional installment agreement.
  3. Filing a request for innocent spouse relief addressing the periods with delinquent liabilities.
  4. Proposing an offer in compromise in which you and the IRS agree to settle a tax debt for less than what is owed.
  5. Demonstrating your inability to repay your delinquent tax debts so that you may be placed in currently not collectible status.
  6. Filing for bankruptcy protection, which will suspend collection activity from the IRS and other creditors.

What Is The IRS Procedure For Issuing A Tax Levy To Garnish My Wages Or Seize My Property?

Before issuing a levy, the IRS will send you notices regarding the amount of tax owed, requests for payment, and a warning of the intent to levy. It is important to keep your mailing address with the IRS current so that you receive these notices. You may also receive phone calls from IRS employees warning of possible levy action. Unlike traditional creditors, the IRS does not have to go to court before it begins levying your assets and income to collect from you.

Stop Worrying and Call for Your Free Consultation Today

Please contact the Law Offices of John Sterbick right away if you are considering seeking relief through any one of the options discussed above because each alternative has unique requirements that taxpayers must meet in order to qualify for relief. For example, to qualify for an installment agreement, innocent spouse relief, or an offer in compromise, you must prepare and submit any unfiled returns for all prior tax years. Your call to John Sterbick at (253) 383-0140 can save you untold amounts of time and worry over complex tax problems that the Law Offices of John Sterbick are well versed in and ready to handle for you today.

Stop IRS Wage Garnishments

By John Sterbick | June 4, 2017
Stop IRS Wage Garnishment

Is the IRS garnishing your wages? If your wages are being garnished because you've failed to pay back taxes, getting tax help right away is the best way to limit the damage to your financial situation. The longer your wages are garnished, the less you can provide for your family, and the more stress you experience. Fortunately, you can get the help you need from John Sterbick, an expert IRS tax attorney, to stop IRS wage garnishments. I'm the professional IRS back-tax attorney you can count on to step in and help stop the IRS from taking money directly from your paycheck!

When a portion of your paycheck is lost due to IRS wage garnishment, making ends meet can be tough. This can add a great deal of stress to your daily life, and there's no reason to live with that when back tax debt relief is just a phone call away. I can negotiate with the IRS on your behalf to come up with an alternative tax resolution option, such as an installment agreement, that doesn't involve your wages being garnished. Whether you live in Tacoma or anywhere in the State of Washington, I'm your best bet for an effective solution to wage garnishment.

I'm experienced when it comes tax problem resolution, so you can count on me to deliver effective tax relief services. Call John Sterbick for a free consultation at (253) 383-0140 today, and stop losing your hard-earned money to IRS wage garnishment!

IRS Tax Return Preparation Services

By John Sterbick | June 4, 2017
IRS Tax Preparation Services

Are you worried that you’re going to make a mistake on your tax returns? Are you scared you will be penalized for filing late international tax returns? Are you overwhelmed by unfiled returns from years past? If filing your taxes gives you anxiety, you don’t have to go through the process without the help of tax preparation professionals. You can always call John Sterbick, an expert IRS tax attorney,. I serve clients in Tacoma and anywhere in Washington state. I am ready to serve both individuals and business owners who are looking for IRS tax return preparation services. Whether you’ve already missed a filing deadline, or you’re trying to plan for the future, John Sterbick, an expert IRS tax attorney, can assist you. With help from an expert IRS tax preparer, I can take the stress out of the tax preparation process. Call John Sterbick, an expert IRS tax attorney, right away for a free consultation at (253) 383-0140!

Small Mistakes on Your Tax Returns can Land You in Serious Trouble With the IRS.

You could also decrease the amount of your refund, and that’s the last thing any taxpayer wants to happen. That’s why it’s best to work with income tax preparation professionals whenever tax season rolls around. I’ll make sure that everything is filed right to minimize any payment required or maximize your tax refund, all while ensuring you’re in complete IRS compliance. Failure to file your international tax return can result in stiff penalties and even the revocation of your passport, but I am here to make sure that all of your taxes are filed correctly.

John Sterbick can help you with:

  • International filing
  • Federal returns
  • Business returns
  • Amended returns
  • Back tax returns
  • And more!

If you aren’t certain what to do with your tax return, don’t take the chance of filing it incorrectly

Instead, let a tax return preparer from my team work with you to achieve an accurate return. My attention to detail and commitment to my clients’ satisfaction means that your taxes will be prepared with care. I have over 20 years of experience providing IRS tax preparation services under my belt, and that means I have what it takes to ensure that the preparation and filing process go smoothly. Even if you are suffering from years of overdue tax returns, John Sterbick can provide you with an effective resolution.

Worry-Free Tax Help

Errors on your tax returns and failure to file can both result in major consequences. Not paying your taxes can result in criminal prosecution. Having large outstanding back tax debts can result in the State Department revoking your passport. But you don’t have to live in fear of these outcomes. Call in John Sterbick for a free consultation at (253) 383-0140, and I can help eliminate these problems. From resolving back taxes to correct tax filing to securing your passport, I will put my expertise to work to provide you with the IRS tax help you need.

Free Consultation for Tax Preparation

Some taxpayers hesitate to get help with tax preparation due to the cost. Fortunately, you can avoid these financial worries and avoid stiff penalties by turning to John Sterbick for IRS tax preparation services. I am proud to offer free consultations for personal or business tax preparation services. When you come to me for assistance, you can speak to one of our firm's expert tax preparers to determine what your costs will be up front, so there will never be any confusion about what my fees are.

If you’re interested in tax preparation service, get in touch with John Sterbick today. Mine is the name to know for effective tax return preparation in the Tacoma area!

The Law Offices of John Sterbick
John Sterbick is one of the leading IRS tax law, bankruptcy, and personal injury attorneys serving Tacoma and the State of Washington. He has been helping people successfully resolve their legal issues for more than 29 years.

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1010 South I Street
Tacoma, WA 98405

Phone: (253) 383-0140
[email protected]

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About Us

The Law Offices of John Sterbick is committed to customer satisfaction. That commitment starts with John Sterbick, and is shared by every member of the firm.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

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