IRS & State Collections Attorneys in Colorado

Tax Guidance & Negotiation From Proven Professionals

Facing collections from the IRS or state tax authorities can be overwhelming. Whether you’re an individual or a business owner, the stakes are high, and the consequences of not addressing tax collection actions can be severe. 

At The Harris Law Firm, we understand that tax issues are not just about numbers—they’re about your financial well-being, your business, your employees, and ultimately your personal wealth. When tax authorities come calling, nothing less than professional, pragmatic, and intelligent legal representation will do. Our firm provides that with undivided attention and an intense focus.

Our tax law team is immediately available to help. Give us a call at (303) 622-5502 or contact us online to request a consultation.

Understanding IRS and State Tax Collections

When taxes go unpaid, both the IRS and state tax authorities have the power to take aggressive collection actions. These actions can disrupt your life, jeopardize your business, and cause significant financial stress. It’s critical to understand your rights, the process, and your options for resolving these issues before they escalate further.

1. IRS Collections: The IRS has a broad range of collection tools at its disposal, including wage garnishments, bank levies, property liens, and even asset seizures. The IRS Collection Division is tasked with recovering unpaid taxes, and they will pursue individuals and businesses relentlessly until the debt is resolved.
2. State Collections: Colorado's Department of Revenue (DOR) has similar powers to the IRS when it comes to collecting unpaid state taxes. State collection efforts may include garnishments, levies, and liens, and can be just as aggressive and impactful as federal tax collections.

The Collections Process

Once the IRS or state tax authorities determine that you owe back taxes, they begin the collections process. This can involve several steps, including:

• Notices and Letters: The IRS and state authorities will send a series of notices outlining your tax debt and demanding payment. Ignoring these notices can lead to more aggressive collection efforts.
• Wage Garnishments and Bank Levies: If the debt remains unpaid, the IRS or state authorities can garnish your wages or levy your bank accounts, taking funds directly to satisfy the tax debt.
• Liens and Asset Seizures: Tax liens may be placed on your property, which can affect your ability to sell or refinance. In extreme cases, the IRS can seize assets, including real estate, vehicles, and other valuable property.

Tax Collections Defense and Resolution Strategies

When facing the IRS or state tax collections, having a knowledgeable tax attorney by your side can make all the difference in achieving a favorable resolution. 

At The Harris Law Firm, we use a range of defense and resolution strategies tailored to your specific situation. Whether you're dealing with an aggressive collections effort or simply trying to manage overwhelming tax debt, we focus on achieving outcomes that minimize financial hardship and help you get back on track. Here are some of the key strategies we employ:

Installment Agreements

For taxpayers who are unable to pay their tax debt in full, installment agreements provide an option to settle the debt over time. We help individuals and businesses negotiate manageable payment plans with the IRS or state tax authorities. This can prevent more aggressive collection actions like wage garnishments or bank levies while allowing you to make payments on a schedule that fits your financial situation.

• Streamlined Installment Agreements: These agreements are available for taxpayers with smaller debts and can often be arranged without extensive documentation or negotiation.
• Partial Payment Installment Agreements: In cases where full payment isn’t feasible, we may negotiate a partial payment plan that allows you to pay off a portion of your debt over time, with the remaining balance forgiven at the end of the term.

Offers in Compromise (OIC)

An Offer in Compromise allows taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed if they can demonstrate that paying the full amount would create a financial hardship. Our attorneys have extensive experience in determining whether a client qualifies for this process as a priority and then preparing and negotiating OICs with the IRS and state authorities. We help you build a compelling case, submit the necessary documentation, and negotiate terms that can significantly reduce your overall tax burden.

• Doubt as to Collectability: If you can prove that you’re unlikely to ever pay off your full tax debt, we may negotiate an OIC on the basis of doubt as to collectability.
• Doubt as to Liability: In situations where there is a legitimate dispute about the amount of tax owed, we can pursue an OIC based on doubt as to liability, arguing that the assessed amount is incorrect.

Penalty Abatements

Penalties and interest can quickly inflate a tax debt, making it even more difficult to resolve. However, under certain circumstances, the IRS or state tax authorities may agree to waive or reduce penalties. 

We can help you apply for penalty abatement through Codified structures such as the so called, “First Time Abatement” criteria or if you meet specific criteria, such as reasonable cause (i.e., illness, natural disaster, or reliance on incorrect advice). By reducing or eliminating penalties, we can often make it easier for you to pay off your tax debt and avoid further collections actions.

Lien Releases and Subordinations

When the IRS or state tax authorities place a lien on your property, it can impact your ability to sell or refinance assets, affecting both your personal and business finances. 

We work to secure lien releases by negotiating what are known as Certificates of Discharge, settling the debt, or demonstrating that the lien should not have been placed. In some cases, we may pursue lien subordination, which allows another creditor’s claim (like a mortgage lender) to take priority over the tax lien, facilitating loan approvals or property transactions.

Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status

If paying your tax debt would create an undue financial hardship, we may seek a "Currently Not Collectible" (CNC) status for you. This status temporarily halts all collection actions, such as wage garnishments and bank levies, giving you relief from immediate financial pressure. While CNC status doesn’t eliminate the tax debt, it provides breathing room until your financial situation improves, at which point we can explore other resolution strategies.

Tax Debt Discharge in Bankruptcy

In certain circumstances, tax debts can be discharged in bankruptcy, offering a permanent resolution to your tax problems. Not all tax debts are eligible for discharge, but if bankruptcy is a viable option for you, our attorneys can work with your Bankruptcy counsel to guide you through the process, ensuring that your tax debts are handled properly alongside other financial obligations. Although we differ to Bankruptcy counsel for we assess your tax situation specifically to advise whether  Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy may help you achieve a fresh start with the IRS and State.

Innocent Spouse and Injured Spouse Relief

For individuals who find themselves unfairly burdened by a spouse’s or ex-spouse’s tax debt, Innocent Spouse or Injured Spouse Relief may offer a way out. If you qualify, you can be relieved of responsibility for tax, interest, and penalties on a joint return filed with a spouse or ex-spouse. Our attorneys help you navigate the complex application process and advocate on your behalf.  There are relevant nuances between the type of filing and the arguments that need to be made in order to place yourself in best position success in these matters.  Securing counsel to guide you through this process is vital to a successful Appeal in this regard.

How We Help with IRS and State Collections

Navigating IRS and state tax collections requires a careful and strategic approach. Our team at The Harris Law Firm, offers comprehensive services to individuals and businesses facing collection actions, helping you resolve tax issues while protecting your financial future. Here’s how we can help:

1. Tax Negotiation and Settlements: We work with the IRS and state tax authorities to negotiate on your behalf, seeking to reduce your tax debt through programs like Offers in Compromise, installment agreements, or penalty abatement.
2. Audit Representation: If your tax problems stem from an audit, we provide expert audit representation. Our attorneys guide you through the audit process, helping you respond to requests for information, challenge improper assessments, and minimize the financial impact of the audit.
3. Protection from Collection Actions: We can take immediate action to stop wage garnishments, bank levies, and other collection efforts. Our attorneys will work to protect your assets while we negotiate a resolution to your tax debt.
4. Tax Appeals: If you disagree with the IRS or Colorado Department of Revenue’s assessment, we can help you file an appeal. Our team is experienced in navigating the appeals process and advocating for our clients to secure more favorable outcomes.
5. Innocent Spouse and Injured Spouse Relief: In certain cases, one spouse may be eligible for relief from joint tax liabilities. We can help you determine if you qualify for Innocent Spouse or Injured Spouse Relief and guide you through the application process.

Why Choose The Harris Law Firm?

The Harris Law Firm provides the level of representation individuals and businesses facing IRS and state tax collections need. Here’s why clients trust us with their most complex and high-stakes tax matters:

• Focused Experience: Our tax attorneys have in-depth knowledge of federal and state tax laws, allowing us to develop effective strategies for resolving tax debts and protecting our clients’ financial interests.
• Proactive Approach: We don’t just respond to tax problems—we help our clients proactively manage their tax obligations and avoid future issues.
• Customized Solutions: Every tax situation is unique. We tailor our solutions to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring that we address the root causes of the problem while seeking the most favorable resolution.
• Fierce Advocacy: When you’re up against the IRS or state tax authorities, you need an advocate who will fight for your rights and protect your financial future. Our attorneys are relentless in their pursuit of the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Get the Tax Help You Need. Call (303) 622-5502

If you’re facing IRS or state tax collections, don’t wait until the situation escalates further. Contact The Harris Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you resolve your tax issues and protect what matters most.

Our state and IRS tax collections lawyers serve clients throughout Colorado. Give us a call at (303) 622-5502 to discuss how we can help.