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Easter & DeVore – Knoxville’s Trusted Tax Law Attorneys

Tax Law Attorney in Knoxville, TN

A person’s hands filling out tax forms with a pen and using a black calculator.

Tax issues can quickly become overwhelming without professional legal guidance. A single letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Tennessee Department of Revenue (TDOR) can lead to a cascade of penalties, interest, and stress. At Easter & DeVore, we understand that these problems can be deeply personal and threaten your livelihood, business, and peace of mind.

We represent individuals and businesses in Knoxville, Tennessee, in a wide range of tax matters. Whether you’re dealing with the IRS or TDOR, facing serious accusations such as tax evasion or fraud, or just need help with your taxes, our team is here to help you find effective solutions and protect your financial future.

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    Tax Debt Resolution

    If you owe money to the IRS or the Tax Department of Ontario (TDOR), it’s important to take action before the penalties and interest continue to accumulate. Ignoring the issue is not a good idea, as the tax authorities have powerful tools to collect debts, such as wage garnishment, bank levy, and property lien. However, there are also several formal options available for resolving the debt, each with specific eligibility criteria.

    Easter & DeVore assists clients with a variety of tax debt resolution strategies, including:

    • Negotiating Installment Agreements to make manageable monthly payments that fit within your budget and halt enforced collection actions.
    • Preparing and Submitting Offers in Compromise that allow you to settle your debt for less than the full amount owed, based on your ability to pay, equity in assets, and future income potential.
    • Requesting Currently Not Collectible Status for those experiencing genuine financial hardship, providing a temporary pause on collections.
    • Pursuing Penalty Abatement for qualifying cases, often by establishing “reasonable cause” or leveraging First-Time Abatement policies.
    • Advising on the Strategic Use of Bankruptcy where applicable, as certain tax debts may be dischargeable.

    We conduct a thorough analysis of your financial situation, including assets, income, expenses, and future earning potential, to create a detailed financial profile for the tax authorities. We then assist you in negotiating directly with the tax authorities to achieve the best possible outcome while protecting you from aggressive collection methods.

    • This firm is awesome! I had a pretty serious problem with the irs and back taxes. They took the lead and walked me through a long process and exceeded my expectations all the way around! I could not be happier with the outcome! They were super professional and easy to communicate with! I would recommend them to everyone that is in serious IRS trouble!

      Some


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    IRS and TDOR Audits and Investigations

    Receiving a notice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Tax Division of the Department of Treasury (TDOR) can be intimidating. These are formal processes where everything you say or submit becomes part of your permanent tax record. It is important to have an attorney as a representative, as they can create a critical buffer between you and the IRS/TDOR. All communication flows through your attorney, ensuring that you do not make any damaging admissions or provide unnecessary information.

    Our attorneys represent clients during all stages of tax audits, including office audits, correspondence audits, and more intensive field audits. They ensure that your rights are protected and help you review the issues that are being examined. They also help you gather the necessary documentation and communicate with tax agents on your behalf.

    In cases where errors or discrepancies are identified, we assist our clients in responding appropriately and work to resolve disputes without unnecessary penalties. Our goal is to limit the scope of the audit and prevent it from extending into other tax years or issues. We negotiate the most favorable resolution based on the facts and applicable laws. Whether the matter involves undeclared income, misclassified deductions, employment status concerns (contractor versus employee), or other compliance issues, we are ready to guide you through the entire process from initial notification to final resolution.

    Tax Evasion and Tax Fraud Defense

    Tax evasion and tax fraud are serious federal and state crimes that can lead to significant fines and even prison sentences. These crimes involve intentional actions such as underreporting income, overstating deductions, not filing returns, or using fake documents. The government’s main focus is on “willfulness,” which means intentionally breaking a legal obligation. To defend yourself, it’s important to show that you didn’t intend to break the law and that you relied on professional advice or had a misunderstanding.

    At Easter & DeVore, we provide strong legal defense for clients who are under investigation or facing tax-related charges. We act immediately to protect their rights, often working with the IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) and state authorities at an early stage to influence the course of the case before charges are officially filed.

    We thoroughly examine the details of each case, challenging unjust or excessive charges and working to minimize or eliminate potential penalties. In cases where actions were taken as a result of misunderstandings or unintentional errors, we build a strategy aimed at demonstrating the absence of criminal intent. In more serious cases, we negotiate pre-indictment agreements or, if necessary, provide robust representation in court. Our goal is to ensure that our clients’ rights are protected and that they receive fair treatment throughout the legal process.

    Resolving Payroll and Business Tax Issues

    Business owners face unique challenges when it comes to tax compliance, especially regarding payroll taxes and sales taxes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Tax Department of the State (TDOR) closely monitor employers to ensure correct and timely filing and payment of taxes. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in severe penalties, including personal liability for “trust fund recovery penalties” (TFRP). In extreme cases, the IRS can hold individuals, such as officers and check-signers, personally responsible for unpaid taxes, which can be a devastating financial burden.

    Our firm helps small businesses, self-employed individuals, and corporations to resolve existing tax issues and ensure future compliance. We address critical issues such as:

    • Trust Fund Recovery Penalties (TFRPs): Protecting against personal liability assessments.
    • Sales Tax Audits: Addressing nexus issues, exempt sales, and ensuring proper collection and remittance for Tennessee businesses.
    • Garnishment and Levies: Acting swiftly to remove liens from business bank accounts and receivables in order to preserve cash flow.
    • Employment Tax Compliance: Correcting misclassifications and negotiating settlements for unpaid employment taxes.

    Whether you are facing collection actions, garnishments, or liens, we can work with you to find a solution that protects your business and financial well-being. We also provide proactive advice on implementing compliant accounting and tax withholding systems to help prevent future issues.

    • Sarah is the lawyer I worked with. Ms. Easter was phenomenal. I had no idea what I would need to do in order to get everything done or even where to start. She helped me along the way by making everything simple on my end. She is a great lawyer and will do right by you.

      Coby

    Why Choose Easter & DeVore for Your Knoxville Tax Issue?

    Tax law is a complex field that involves intricate procedural rules and extensive negotiations. Our lawyers have specialized experience dealing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Tax Division of the Office of the Receiver (TDOR). We understand their internal processes, deadlines, and negotiation strategies. We are not accountants but rather advocates who use legal strategies to protect your rights and reduce your liabilities.

    Our aim is to achieve a favorable outcome by understanding your situation and possible outcomes at each stage. Throughout the process, we maintain clear communication with you to ensure you are fully aware of all options and potential outcomes. Our goal is to provide the best solution while minimizing risks or liabilities.

    How Long Does the IRS Have to Collect Back Taxes?

    Contact Easter & DeVore

    If you are facing a tax dispute, audit, or criminal investigation in the Knoxville, TN area, Easter & DeVore are ready to help. We bring in-depth knowledge of federal and state tax laws to every case and provide tailored strategies to protect your rights and resolve your tax issues. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.

    Common Tax Law FAQ

    What’s the first thing I should do if I receive an IRS or state tax notice?

    Do not ignore it. The notice will have a deadline, and inaction can lead to liens, levies, and increased penalties. Contact us immediately. We will review the notice, explain your obligations, and handle all communication to protect your rights from the start.

    I owe a large tax debt I can’t pay. What are my options?

    Several solutions exist, including an Installment Agreement (monthly payment plan), an Offer in Compromise (settling for less than owed), or having your account declared Currently Not Collectible. We analyze your finances to pursue the most advantageous path for permanent resolution.

    What’s the difference between a simple mistake and tax fraud?

    A mistake or negligence typically leads to penalties and interest. Tax fraud is a criminal charge alleging willful intent to evade taxes, such as hiding income or fabricating deductions. If you’re under investigation, securing legal counsel immediately is critical to building a defense against intent.

    Can you help if I’m being audited?

    Absolutely. Never face an audit alone. We guide you through the entire process: preparing requested documents, advising on what to say, and communicating directly with auditors. Our goal is to limit the audit’s scope, ensure it’s conducted fairly, and prevent it from escalating.

    What are the consequences of not paying payroll taxes?

    The IRS treats unpaid payroll taxes very seriously. Beyond business penalties, the agency can pursue the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP), making owners and responsible individuals personally liable. We act quickly to resolve these debts and protect you from personal financial ruin.

    What is an Offer in Compromise, and do I qualify?

    An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is an agreement to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount. The IRS/TDOR only accepts them if they doubt the debt’s collectibility or your liability. We rigorously evaluate your eligibility and prepare a compelling OIC application on your behalf.

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