Tax Matters - The Top Tax Defenders Blog

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in June 2013 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

When you are seriously negligent in paying your IRS tax debt, you put your income and assets at risk of being seized. The IRS uses this extraordinary step to collect on debts when taxpayers have failed after repeated warnings to pay what they owe. 

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

No one wants to be audited by the IRS. And while there is no guaranteed way to avoid an audit, there are actions you can take in preparing your taxes to help minimize your chances of being selected for audit.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2023 and has been updated in 2024 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

The IRS is rarely in a forgiving mood, but under the right circumstances, you might be able to earn their forgiveness for part of your tax debt.

So you're getting audited.  You're not alone. According to USA Today, roughly 2 in every 1,000 tax returns of middle-income Americans was flagged for audit in the last fiscal year (2022). Hiring representation is a smart next step.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2018 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

The IRS expects most taxpayers to file their returns on time every year. When the tax season starts in January, you have close to four months to file and submit your returns before the April 15 deadline.

We live in the age of the 1099 employee. A recent study found that an estimated 15% of employees are independent contractors. Other studies estimate that number to be ever higher. With cost savings for employers, flexibility and other personal benefits for employees, it is no surprise that hiring practices in many industries are starting to include an increasing amount of independent contractors. But as a self-employed contractor, you should understand your tax obligations and responsibilities to avoid entanglements with the IRS.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

The IRS can use a host of methods to collect on your back taxes. It can levy your assets, put a lien on your income, and use other means to recoup your government debt.

Experiencing a wage garnishment can be an unsettling and stressful situation. If you've recently received notice that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or another government agency plans to garnish your wages to collect unpaid taxes or other debts, you're not alone in feeling concerned or confused about what happens next. Wage garnishment is a significant financial challenge, and it's entirely normal to have questions and worries about the process, its implications, and how to navigate through it. Below, we'll provide you with information to help you better understand what wage garnishment entails, your rights and options, and steps you can take to address this situation and regain control of your financial well-being.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

You knew you weren’t going to make the tax filing deadline last April, so you requested an extension. But now that second deadline has come and gone. Can you file for another extension?

Marriage involves the merging of many aspects of life, including finances. While this union brings numerous benefits, it also raises questions about potential liabilities, especially when it comes to taxes. If your spouse owes money to the IRS, you might be wondering if you could be held responsible for their tax debt. At Top Tax Defenders, we're here to shed light on the subject and help you navigate the complexities of spousal tax liability.