Taxpayer Representation and Tax Resolution
We represent you before the IRS, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and other State tax authorities to
- Protect your rights as a taxpayer
- Ensure that you pay no more than what the law requires
Why Choose Us?
Depending on the issues involved, a licensed CPA or attorney
will handle your case from start to successful resolution!
We Abide by Rules of Professional Conduct
As CPAs and tax attorneys we abide by rules of professional conduct and are subject to discipline by the licensing board.
We Understand Business
As CPAs and business advisors we understand what is involved in running a business and can effectively advocate for you. We are not simply tax return preparers.
We Are Located Near You
Negotiations with the IRS are best handled in person. Located within minutes of anywhere in the five-county Philadelphia area and within an hour of Lancaster, Reading, Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton – we can meet with you and the revenue officer in person.
We Make Our Fees Affordable
Because we are committed to providing competent and effective representation for every taxpayer, we make our fees affordable.
Tax Matters Handled
Audit Representation
When a taxpayer is selected for an audit, it is important to “nip it in the bud” before an assessment is made. By knowing the tax code and IRS audit procedures, we can ensure the best possible outcome for you. If needed, we can file an appeal with the Independent Office of Appeals which has ruled in favor of the taxpayer in many instances. Another benefit of us representing you – the IRS agent does not get a chance to intimidate or trip you up !
*Having the tax return preparer represent you in an audit is not always the best course because of the inherent conflict of interest.
IRS Collections
Once the tax has been assessed, the IRS will be aggressive in its collection efforts. However, the taxpayer has avenues of appeal at various points in the collection process. A taxpayer who is unable to immediately pay the outstanding liability has options available that will stop IRS collection efforts . If a taxpayer is facing economic hardship, the IRS may agree to temporarily close their case as currently not collectible . We can advise you as to the most appropriate course for your given situation.
Liens
Once the tax has been assessed and payment is not made pursuant to a Notice and Demand, a federal tax lien automatically attaches to the taxpayer’s property. However, this lien does not become public (and damage your credit ) until the IRS files a Notice of Federal Tax Lien. There are opportunities to hold off this public filing but time is limited. A lien can be released in certain instances. Once a Notice of Federal Tax Lien has been issued, the taxpayer has a limited time to appeal and head off a levy .
Levies
IRC §6331 permits the IRS to levy upon a taxpayer’s property and sell the property to generate proceeds to satisfy the unpaid liability. Both real and personal property including bank accounts, homes, vehicles, investments, and even retirement accounts may be levied upon. Wages may be garnished until the liability is fully paid. There are ways to head off a levy but it is crucial to act quickly once a Notice of Intent to Levy has been issued. A levy can be released in certain instances.
Offer In Compromise
A taxpayer can settle their tax debt for less than full amount through an OIC if they qualify under one of the following: doubt as to collectability, doubt as to liability, or effective tax administration. We can evaluate whether you qualify under any of these provisions and prepare an application package that will maximize the chance of your offer being approved .
Installment Agreement
If a taxpayer is able to pay the total assessed liability but needs to pay over a period of time, an Installment Agreement is a good option because it can stop the filing of a Notice of Federal Tax Lien or prevent a levy. In certain instances, the IRS may agree to a Partial Pay Installment Agreement which means that the taxpayer will end up paying less than the full amount of the liability.
Payroll Taxes/ Trust Fund Recovery Penalty
Failure to remit taxes that have been withheld from employee wages is a very serious matter with the IRS. Those held to be responsible persons are subject to a 100% penalty on the taxes withheld. A responsible person can range from a part-time bookkeeper to a partner who is not even involved in day-to-day financial matters. It is crucial to immediately seek competent representation when there are unremitted payroll withholdings.
Innocent Spouse Relief
Married individuals who file joint income tax returns are jointly and severally liable for the tax and any penalties – meaning the IRS can collect the full amount from both or either party. However, a spouse who should not be held responsible and can qualify under the Innocent Spouse Relief provision of IRC §6015 will not be held liable. We can perform the complicated analysis to see whether you qualify and initiate the process for relief.
Tax Court Petition
Sometimes, there is no recourse other than to petition the United States Tax Court. Taxpayers have this opportunity (subject to strict deadlines) after the IRS issues a Notice of Deficiency or a Notice of Determination. Although this could be a daunting prospect, attorneys with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel can be more pragmatic in settling cases than IRS appeals officers and revenue agents.
State Tax Matters
We represent taxpayers before the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and other State tax authorities in matters such as audits, collections, sales and use taxes, payroll taxes and other business taxes.
Meet Our Founder
Jay Lopez
Certified Public Accountant | Juris Doctor | Master of Laws in Taxation
Jay Lopez has been a CPA and a businessman for over 25 years. He graduated with honors from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and earned the second highest score in Pennsylvania when he took the CPA Examination. Jay worked for one of the Big Four accounting firms where he quickly rose to manager level. When his youngest child was about to start college, Jay entered Temple University’s Beasley School of Law and received his Juris Doctor and Master of Laws in Taxation degrees with distinction receiving the prestigious Faculty Award. After graduation, Jay was among the select few given a law clerkship in the United States Tax Court where he researched tax issues, advised the judge in deciding tax cases, and attended settlement conferences between IRS counsel and the taxpayer.
“The IRS aims to collect the greatest tax revenue possible. During my time at the United States Tax Court, I saw countless unfair and incorrect tax and penalty assessments. Unfortunately, too many of these assessments turn into liens, bank account levies, wage garnishments, and asset forfeitures because taxpayers fail to obtain competent professional advice and effective representation.”
“When I first entered law school, I had ideas of representing wrongly accused criminal defendants. I later realized that the IRS can devastate people’s lives almost as much as a wrongful criminal conviction. It was then that I decided to devote my time, knowledge, skills, and experience to helping every taxpayer obtain a just and fair resolution of their tax issues.”
~ JFL
What Our Customer Say
Nick Alvarez
Real Estate Agent
Alex Imming
Manager
Rebbeca
CEO
Josh Nelson
Manager
The Firm has been a valuable source for strategic legal advice for both me and my business.
Full Service Law Firm
Global Client
Please let us know how we can help you!
Hours of Operation
Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat – Sun: By Appointment
Contact Us
Text or Call: (484) 981-4050
Email: Jay@TaxRelief.LLC
Main Office
600 West Germantown Pike, Suite 400 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.