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Easter & DeVore – Knoxville’s Trusted IRS Tax Attorneys

IRS Tax Attorney in Knoxville, TN

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Dealing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can be a daunting experience for many people. The agency’s vast resources, complex regulations, and strict procedures make even simple inquiries feel like a high-pressure situation. Whether you’ve received an audit notice, are behind on your taxes, or face collection actions, having experienced legal counsel on your side is crucial. An attorney acts not only as an advisor but also as a protector and advocate, ensuring that your rights are safeguarded from the initial notification to the final resolution.

At Easter & Devore, our Knoxville, Tennessee-based team helps individuals and businesses navigate a wide range of issues related to the IRS. Our goal is to efficiently resolve your tax issues while safeguarding your rights and future financial security.

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    IRS Tax Disputes and Controversies

    IRS disputes can arise from a variety of reasons, including audits, underreporting of income, inaccurate deductions, and missed filings. If the IRS identifies an issue, they may launch a formal investigation or send letters requesting payment or additional information.

    If you don’t respond or address the issue, penalties and interest may accumulate quickly. However, it’s important to note that a notice of dispute is not a final decision. It’s an opportunity to negotiate and present your case. Many disputes arise from misunderstandings, incomplete information, or different interpretations of the law, which can be resolved through proper communication and advocacy.

    Our attorney works to resolve these disputes by:

    • Reviewing your IRS notices and tax history to identify the core legal and factual issues at stake.
    • Communicating with IRS agents on your behalf, creating a professional buffer that prevents miscommunication and ensures all dialogue is strategically focused.
    • Presenting documentation and arguments to correct or clarify your filings in a compelling manner, often through formal written protests or in-person conferences.
    • Negotiating settlements or payment arrangements that reflect your true tax liability and financial capacity.

    We handle a wide range of tax-related matters, from simple discrepancies in tax returns to more complex cases involving multiple tax years, businesses, or significant liabilities where the risk of penalties or fraud is present.

    • 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 Audits and Examinations

    An IRS audit is a formal review of your tax return to ensure accuracy and compliance with tax laws. Audits can be conducted by mail or in person, and can focus on specific deductions, income sources, or overall tax reporting. The type of audit can signal its seriousness, with a field audit being the most comprehensive and carrying the greatest risk.

    If you are selected for an audit, it is essential to respond promptly and provide proper documentation. More importantly, you should be strategic about what information you provide and how you present it. The auditor’s role is to identify additional tax liabilities, while your attorney’s role is clearly to define the scope of the audit and to defend your company’s position.

    We assist clients by:

    • Gathering and organizing financial records in a clear, responsive manner without volunteering unrelated information that could expand the audit.
    • Representing you in all meetings or correspondence with the IRS, ensuring you are not asked inappropriate or leading questions.
    • Preparing legal arguments to challenge proposed adjustments, citing relevant tax code sections, regulations, and case law.
    • Negotiating audit outcomes to minimize additional liability, reduce or eliminate penalties, and agree on manageable payment terms if additional tax is owed.

    Having a lawyer during an audit can help protect your rights, limit the scope of the investigation, and significantly reduce the risk of expensive penalties or referral to the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS.

    IRS Collection Actions

    When back taxes go unpaid, the IRS can initiate collection actions to recover the debt. These actions may include:

    • Wage Garnishments: A continuous levy that can take a large percentage of your disposable income.
    • Bank Account Levies: A one-time seizure of all funds in your accounts, which can cause checks to bounce and direct deposits to be taken.
    • Tax Liens on Your Property: A public claim against your assets that severely damages your credit and hinders selling or refinancing.
    • Seizure of Assets: The actual taking and sale of real estate, vehicles, or business equipment.

    The key is to take action before these events occur. If a notice of levy or lien arrives, immediate legal assistance is essential. Our firm intervenes promptly to stop or prevent these events by negotiating directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Collection Division or the designated Revenue Officer. We explore all available options for relief, such as filing a Collection Due Process (CDP) appeal to temporarily halt collection and presenting your case to an independent appeals officer, negotiating installment agreements, offering compromises, and requesting hardship status.

    Resolving IRS Tax Debt

    We help clients resolve their outstanding tax debts through a variety of programs. We understand that a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective in complex tax cases. Each case is unique and our attorneys work closely with you to conduct a thorough financial analysis and determine the best course of action for your situation. Our strategies may include:

    • Negotiating Installment Agreements that allow for manageable monthly payments, from streamlined plans for smaller debts to detailed financial statement agreements for larger liabilities.
    • Preparing and Submitting Offers in Compromise to settle debt for less than the full amount owed, a rigorous process where we build a compelling case based on your doubt as to collectibility or effective tax administration.
    • Securing Currently Not Collectible Status for individuals facing genuine financial hardship, providing a temporary but vital suspension of collection efforts.
    • Pursuing Penalty Abatement for qualifying situations by establishing “reasonable cause” or utilizing the IRS’s First-Time Abate administrative waiver.

    We also advise on the strategic use of bankruptcy, where it may be appropriate. It can help to discharge certain older income tax debts and provide a permanent legal solution that is not available through IRS administrative channels alone.

    • 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 as Your Knoxville IRS Tax Attorney?

    The stakes in IRS matters are too high to rely on general advice. Our firm specializes in tax disputes and resolution. We have a deep understanding of the internal processes of the IRS, the points of leverage in negotiations, and the legal precedents that could affect your case.

    We are not accountants or preparers; we are lawyers who use the law to protect your interests. When you engage our services, we take on the responsibility of dealing with the IRS on your behalf, providing clarity, strategic guidance, and peace of mind throughout the process.

    Learn More About Tax Law

    Contact Easter & DeVore

    If you are facing challenges with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in Knoxville, Tennessee, Easter & DeVore can help. Time is of the essence in tax matters as delays can limit options and cause financial harm. Whether you are under audit, owe taxes or need assistance navigating IRS procedures, our team is ready to assist.

    Contact us today for a confidential and in-depth consultation. We will review your notices, explain your rights and options, and create a proactive plan to address your IRS issue and protect your financial well-being.

    Common IRS Tax FAQ

    What’s the first step when I get an IRS letter or notice?

    Do not panic, but do not ignore it. IRS notices have strict deadlines. Contact us immediately. We will interpret the notice, explain your exposure, and handle all communications. Early legal involvement is the best way to prevent a small issue from escalating into a major problem.

    What’s the difference between an IRS audit and a collection action?

    An audit is an examination of your past tax return(s) to verify accuracy, which can lead to additional taxes, penalties, and interest. A collection action (like a levy or lien) occurs after a debt is assessed and unpaid, aiming to forcibly collect the money owed. We defend you in audits and halt aggressive collections.

    Can an attorney really stop an IRS wage garnishment or bank levy?

    Yes. By law, the IRS must stop most enforced collection if you are actively pursuing a legitimate resolution, such as an Installment Agreement or Offer in Compromise. We immediately contact the IRS to release levies while we negotiate a permanent solution for your debt.

    How do I know if I qualify for an Offer in Compromise with the IRS?

    Eligibility hinges on proving the IRS cannot collect the full debt from your current and future assets and income. The IRS uses a strict formula. We analyze your finances in detail to determine if you meet the criteria and, if so, prepare a compelling, evidence-backed application to maximize your chance of acceptance.

    Should I go to an IRS audit alone?

    We strongly advise against it. Anything you say can be used to expand the audit’s scope. We represent you, ensuring questions are answered properly, your rights are protected, and the auditor’s findings are legally justified. Our goal is to contain the audit and minimize any additional liability.

    Are IRS penalties negotiable?

    Often, yes. The IRS may abate (remove) penalties for “reasonable cause,” such as reliance on a tax professional’s error, serious illness, or natural disaster. We identify valid grounds and formally request penalty abatement, which can significantly reduce your total debt.

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