Expert Legal Defense Against Tax Authority Actions and Disputes
When the IRS or State Comes Calling, We Answer
Receiving a notice from the IRS or state taxing authorities can be intimidating for any business owner. Dealing with the IRS requires expertise that most business owners simply do not possess. The complexity of tax law, aggressive collection tactics, and potential for severe financial consequences make professional representation essential when your business faces tax disputes.
IRS and State Tax Representation for Business involves professional legal assistance to communicate, negotiate, and resolve tax issues with the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities on behalf of a business. This comprehensive service protects your business interests while navigating complex tax procedures and regulations that can threaten your company's financial stability and future operations.
Michelle Turpin P.C. offers comprehensive business IRS representation and state tax representation, backed by over 100 years of cumulative experience assisting businesses with these critical issues. Our full-service representation capabilities ensure your business receives expert guidance through every stage of tax dispute resolution, from initial contact through final settlement.
The purpose of this page is to detail the range of IRS and state tax issues our firm handles for businesses and explain the value of expert representation in protecting your business assets, rights, and future financial stability.
Why Businesses Need IRS and State Tax Representation
The Complexity Challenge
Tax law and IRS procedures present a labyrinth of regulations, deadlines, and requirements that can overwhelm even the most sophisticated business owners. The Internal Revenue Code contains thousands of pages of tax law, and IRS rules and procedures are constantly evolving. State tax laws add another layer of complexity, particularly when dealing with multiple jurisdictions or varying compliance requirements across different states.
Business owners who attempt to handle tax disputes alone often find themselves at a severe disadvantage. The IRS employs trained professionals who understand every nuance of tax law and collection procedures. Without equivalent expertise on your side, your business faces significant risks during any interaction with tax authorities.
IRS Focus on Compliance and Aggressive Collection Tactics
The IRS maintains an aggressive focus on compliance and has developed increasingly sophisticated collection tactics designed to maximize revenue collection. The agency can be ruthless in pursuing unpaid taxes, employing bank levies, wage garnishments, asset seizures, and other threats to force compliance and payment.
Business tax issues often involve substantial amounts of money, making them high-priority targets for IRS collection efforts. The agency has broad powers to disrupt business operations, freeze accounts, issue levies to vendors, and seize assets without prior court approval in many situations. These aggressive tactics can destroy a business's cash flow and operational capacity within days of implementation.
Saving Time and Reducing Stress for Business Owners
Professional representation allows business owners to focus on running their companies while experienced tax attorneys handle complex negotiations and procedural requirements. The time investment required to properly respond to IRS communications, gather documentation, and navigate bureaucratic processes can consume weeks or months of a business owner's attention.
Tax disputes create significant stress that affects decision-making and business performance. The uncertainty surrounding potential outcomes, financial exposure, and operational disruptions weighs heavily on business owners and their families. Professional representation provides peace of mind and confidence that experienced advocates are protecting the business's interests.
Ensuring Rights Are Protected During IRS Interactions
Businesses have specific rights during tax disputes that must be properly asserted and protected throughout the process. The IRS has procedural requirements and limitations that, when properly understood and utilized, can significantly improve outcomes for taxpayers. However, these rights can be waived or lost through improper handling of communications and deadlines.
Professional representation ensures that all taxpayer rights are preserved and exercised appropriately. Experienced tax attorneys understand how to challenge improper assessments, demand proper procedures, and protect businesses from overreaching collection actions that exceed the IRS's legal authority.
Maximizing the Chances of a Favorable Outcome
The difference between professional representation and self-representation often determines whether a business survives a tax dispute or faces closure. Experienced tax attorneys understand negotiation strategies, settlement options, and procedural defenses that can dramatically reduce financial exposure and operational disruption.
Professional representation frequently results in significantly better outcomes than businesses can achieve on their own. This includes reduced settlement amounts, favorable payment arrangements, penalty abatements, and protection of critical business assets necessary for continued operations.
Range of IRS Issues Handled for Businesses
Audit Defense
Our firm provides comprehensive representation during IRS and state tax audits covering income tax, payroll tax, sales tax, property tax, and other business tax obligations. Audit defense involves more than simply responding to IRS or other taxing authorities’ requests for documentation. We develop strategic approaches to limit the scope of examination, challenge improper audit techniques, and protect business interests throughout the audit process.
Business audits can expand rapidly if not properly managed, potentially encompassing multiple tax years and different types of taxes. Our experience enables us to contain audit scope, minimize disruption to business operations, and achieve favorable resolutions that protect your company's financial position. Learn more about our Business Audit Help services.
Appeals Management
When audit results are unfavorable or collection decisions are inappropriate, we handle appeals of audit results, collection decisions, Offer in Compromise denials, and other adverse determinations. The appeals process provides an independent review of IRS actions and often represents the best opportunity to achieve favorable outcomes without expensive and time-consuming litigation.
Our appeals representation involves comprehensive case development, strategic positioning, and skilled negotiation with IRS Appeals Officers who have authority to settle cases based on the hazards of litigation. We understand how to present cases effectively and achieve results that protect business interests while avoiding the costs and uncertainties of Tax Court proceedings. Discover our Tax Appeals Process expertise.
Tax Debt Resolution
Business tax debt can threaten company survival and personal financial security for business owners. We negotiate Offers in Compromise and Installment Agreements for business tax debt that provide manageable resolution paths while protecting essential business assets and cash flow.
Our debt resolution strategies consider the unique circumstances of each business, including cash flow patterns, seasonal variations, growth projections, and asset protection needs. We work to achieve sustainable payment arrangements that allow businesses to resolve tax obligations without destroying operational capacity or future growth potential.
Collection Defense
When the IRS initiates collection actions, we provide immediate protection against bank levies, wage garnishments, and property seizures that can destroy business operations within hours of implementation. Collection defense requires rapid response and sophisticated understanding of IRS procedures and taxpayer rights.
Our collection defense services include emergency release of levies and garnishments, negotiation of collection alternatives, and asset protection strategies that preserve business viability during dispute resolution. Explore our Bank Levy/Wage Garnishment defense and Property Seizures protection services.
Tax Lien Resolution
Federal and state tax liens filed against business property can significantly interfere with normal business operations. We address tax liens filed against business property and personal liability situations affecting business owners for certain taxes such as trust fund taxes and sales tax liabilities.
Our strategies address immediate lien release needs while developing comprehensive resolution plans that prevent future lien filings. Learn about our Tax Liens services.
Payroll Tax Issues
Payroll tax problems represent some of the most serious business tax issues because they involve taxes collected from employees and held in trust for the government. We handle unfiled returns, penalty abatement, and Trust Fund Recovery Penalty defense for business owners facing personal liability for payroll tax obligations.
Payroll tax issues often result in personal liability assessments against business owners, officers, and other responsible parties. Our representation protects both business interests and personal assets while developing comprehensive resolution strategies. Discover our Payroll Taxes, Trust Fund Recovery Penalty, and Penalty Abatement services.
Unfiled Tax Returns
Businesses with unfiled tax returns face escalating penalties, interest, and collection actions that worsen over time. We assist with bringing delinquent filings into compliance while minimizing penalties and protecting business interests during the compliance process.
Our unfiled return services include preparation of delinquent returns, penalty abatement strategies, and protection from substitute return assessments that often dramatically overstate actual tax obligations. We ensure that businesses achieve compliance in ways that minimize financial exposure and operational disruption.
Trust Fund Recovery Penalty Defense
The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty represents personal liability for business payroll tax obligations that can destroy personal financial security for business owners and officers. We represent individuals assessed the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty, challenging both the underlying assessment and the determination of responsible party status.
Trust Fund Recovery Penalty defense requires sophisticated understanding of corporate law, tax law, and factual development regarding business operations and decision-making authority. Our representation protects personal assets while challenging improper penalty assessments. Explore our Trust Fund Recovery Penalty services.
Michelle Turpin P.C.'s Approach to Business Representation
Comprehensive Assessment of Business Tax Problems
Our representation begins with thorough assessment of the business's specific tax problem, including review of relevant documentation, analysis of IRS positions and procedures, and evaluation of available resolution options. We understand that each business situation is unique and requires customized strategies that address specific operational needs and financial constraints.
This assessment process includes evaluation of business structure, cash flow patterns, asset positions, and operational requirements that must be considered in developing effective resolution strategies. We also review the business owner's personal situation when personal liability issues are involved.
Strategic Plan Development
Based on our comprehensive assessment, we develop strategic plans to resolve tax issues in ways that protect business interests and minimize operational disruption. Our strategic planning process considers both immediate needs and long-term business objectives to ensure that resolution strategies support continued business success.
Strategic plans include timeline development, resource allocation, and contingency planning that addresses potential complications or changing circumstances during the resolution process. We ensure that business owners understand all options and participate in strategic decisions affecting their companies.
Direct Communication with IRS Personnel
We handle all communications directly with IRS personnel on the business's behalf, ensuring that interactions are professional, strategic, and protective of business interests. Our representation shields business owners from the stress and potential mistakes that can occur during direct communications with tax authorities.
Our communication strategies are designed to achieve favorable outcomes while preserving all available options and protecting taxpayer rights throughout the process. We understand IRS procedures and personnel, enabling us to navigate bureaucratic challenges effectively.
Documentation and Submission Preparation
Tax dispute resolution requires extensive documentation and submissions that must meet specific IRS requirements and deadlines. We prepare all necessary documentation and submissions, ensuring that materials are complete, accurate, and strategically positioned to support favorable outcomes.
Our documentation preparation includes financial analysis, legal research, and strategic positioning that addresses IRS concerns while protecting business interests. We ensure that all submissions are timely and professionally presented to maximize their effectiveness.
Comprehensive Representation Through Resolution
We represent businesses throughout the entire resolution process, including audits, appeals, collection negotiations, and any necessary court proceedings. Our comprehensive approach ensures continuity and consistency in representation while adapting strategies as circumstances change.
Leveraging Team Experience Including Former IRS Experience
Our team includes attorneys with exclusive tax law experience and former IRS experience that provides unique insights into IRS procedures, priorities, and decision-making processes. This insider knowledge enables us to develop more effective strategies and achieve better outcomes for our business clients.
Team Expertise in Business Representation
Michelle Turpin - Federal Business Tax Law Focus
Michelle Turpin brings nearly 0 years of experience representing taxpayers before the IRS and state taxing authorities, with particular expertise in federal business tax law. Her comprehensive understanding of complex business tax issues enables her to develop sophisticated strategies for challenging cases involving multiple tax types and collection actions.
Michelle's experience includes representation in federal Tax Court, complex business audits, and high-stakes collection defense that protects business assets and operational capacity. Her track record of successful outcomes in difficult cases provides confidence for business owners facing serious tax challenges.
Spencer Evans - Federal and State Business Tax Law, IRS Dispute Resolution
Spencer Evans brings nearly 20 years of experience representing taxpayers before the IRS and state and local taxing authorities throughout the United States. His background as a former government tax attorney provides unique insights into how tax authorities approach business cases and develop collection strategies.
Spencer's expertise in both federal and state tax law makes him particularly effective in complex cases involving multiple jurisdictions and varying compliance requirements. His IRS dispute resolution experience enables him to navigate complex procedural challenges and achieve favorable outcomes in challenging cases. Learn more about our State Tax Issues services.
Staci Spencer - Tax Conflict Resolution Specialist
Staci Spencer serves as an Enrolled Agent with over 15 years of experience representing taxpayers before the IRS and state taxing authorities. Her expertise in tax conflict resolution provides essential support for complex business cases involving multiple issues and procedural challenges.
Staci's experience includes comprehensive federal and state tax controversy resolution, collection defense, and audit representation that protects business interests while achieving sustainable resolution outcomes.
Richard Kennedy - Of Counsel, Former IRS Experience
Richard Kennedy brings invaluable former IRS experience that provides unique insights into how the agency evaluates cases and makes collection decisions. His insider knowledge of IRS procedures and priorities enables our team to develop more effective strategies and anticipate potential challenges.
Richard's former IRS experience is particularly valuable in complex business cases where understanding agency priorities and decision-making processes can significantly impact outcomes.
Combined 100+ Years of Cumulative Experience Exclusively in Tax Law
Our team's combined experience of over 100 years exclusively in tax law provides unmatched expertise in business tax representation. This depth of experience enables us to handle the most complex cases and achieve outcomes that protect business interests while minimizing operational disruption.
Our exclusive focus on tax law means that we understand all aspects of business tax issues and can provide comprehensive representation that addresses both immediate concerns and long-term business objectives.
Why Choose Michelle Turpin P.C. for Business IRS and State Tax Representation
Proven Success with Complex Tax Cases
Our firm has established a track record of proven success with complex business tax cases involving substantial financial exposure and operational threats. We understand how to navigate challenging situations and achieve outcomes that protect business interests while minimizing financial and operational disruption.
Our success rate reflects our comprehensive approach to case development, strategic planning, and skilled negotiation that addresses IRS concerns while protecting client interests. We have successfully resolved cases involving millions of dollars in claimed tax obligations and prevented business closures that would have destroyed jobs and economic value.
Deep Understanding of IRS Procedures and Tactics
Our team's deep understanding of IRS procedures and tax law enables us to anticipate agency actions and develop proactive strategies that protect business interests. We understand how the IRS evaluates cases, makes collection decisions, and responds to different types of taxpayer approaches.
This knowledge enables us to position cases more effectively and achieve better outcomes than firms that lack our depth of experience with IRS operations and decision-making processes.
Ability to Protect Business Assets
Business asset protection requires sophisticated understanding of collection procedures, exemptions, and strategic positioning that preserves operational capacity while resolving tax obligations. Our ability to protect business assets has enabled numerous companies to survive serious tax challenges and continue operations.
We understand which assets are critical for business operations and how to structure resolution agreements that preserve these essential resources while satisfying IRS requirements for debt resolution.
Providing Confidence and Peace of Mind
Business owners facing tax disputes experience significant stress that affects decision-making and business performance. Our representation provides confidence and peace of mind that experienced advocates are protecting business interests and working toward favorable outcomes.
Our clients consistently report that professional representation allows them to focus on business operations while we handle complex tax issues. This peace of mind is essential for maintaining business performance during challenging periods.
Utah-Based Firm with Local Knowledge, Offering Nationwide Virtual Services
As a Utah-based firm, we understand local business conditions and state tax requirements that affect our clients' situations. However, our nationwide virtual services enable us to represent businesses throughout the United States while maintaining the personal attention and local knowledge that clients value.
Our combination of local knowledge and national capability provides unique advantages for businesses with operations in multiple states or complex jurisdictional issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers an IRS business audit?
IRS business audits can be triggered by various factors including large deductions relative to income, significant changes in reported income or expenses between tax years, industry-specific audit programs, and computer scoring systems that identify returns with audit potential. Random selection also occurs, though less frequently for business returns.
If I am audited for one tax type, can that trigger an audit of another tax type?
Yes, IRS audits of one tax type can trigger examination of other tax obligations. For example, an income tax audit might reveal payroll tax issues that prompt additional examination. The IRS often expands audit scope when initial examinations reveal compliance problems or when related tax obligations appear questionable.
How long does business tax representation typically take?
Business tax representation timelines vary significantly based on case complexity, IRS workload, and the specific issues involved. Simple audit responses might be resolved within a few months, while complex collection cases or appeals can extend for one to two years or longer. We provide timeline estimates based on specific case circumstances.
Should I handle IRS communications myself?
Business owners should not handle serious IRS communications without professional representation. The complexity of tax law, potential for inadvertent admissions, and risk of procedural mistakes make professional representation essential for protecting business interests. Even simple communications can have significant consequences that business owners might not anticipate.
What is the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty and how does it affect business owners?
The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty makes business owners, officers, and other responsible parties personally liable for payroll taxes that were withheld from employee wages but not paid to the IRS. This penalty can be assessed against multiple parties and includes both the employee and employer portions of FICA taxes plus withheld income taxes.
Can the IRS close my business for tax issues?
Yes, the IRS has authority to seize business assets and effectively force business closure in cases involving serious tax delinquencies. However, business closure is typically a last resort after other collection methods have failed. Professional representation can often prevent business closure through negotiated resolution agreements.
What assets can the IRS seize from my business?
The IRS can seize most business assets including bank accounts, accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, and real estate. Certain exemptions exist for tools of trade and minimal amounts necessary for basic living expenses, but business asset protection is limited compared to personal exemptions.
How do state tax issues interact with federal tax problems?
State tax issues often parallel federal tax problems and can complicate resolution efforts. States may have different procedures, settlement options, and collection powers that must be addressed separately. Some resolution strategies work for both federal and state obligations, while others require separate approaches.
Don't Deal with the IRS Alone - Call Now for Expert Business Tax Representation
When your business faces IRS or state tax challenges, every day matters. Delays can result in escalating penalties, aggressive collection actions, and operational disruptions that threaten business survival. Our experienced team of tax attorneys stands ready to protect your business interests and achieve favorable outcomes.
Call now to schedule a free consultation with an experienced tax professional who understands business tax challenges and has the expertise to protect your company's future. During your consultation, we will:
- Assess your specific business tax situation
- Explain your options and potential outcomes
- Develop a strategic plan to protect your business interests
- Answer all your questions about the representation process
Privacy and Attorney-Client Privilege Protected
All consultations are confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. We understand the sensitive nature of business tax issues and maintain strict confidentiality throughout the representation process.
Contact Information:
- Phone: (801) 685-0552
- Email: info@taxlawsolutions.com
- Office: Greater Salt Lake City area, Utah
- Services: Nationwide representation available
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Time is critical when dealing with tax authorities. Contact us immediately to ensure your business receives the expert representation it deserves.
DISCLAIMERS
Results vary by case. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each tax case involves unique circumstances that affect potential resolutions and outcomes.
This information is not tax advice. The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Specific legal advice requires consultation and case analysis.
Consultation needed for specific advice. Only through consultation and review of your specific circumstances can we provide advice regarding your particular tax situation and potential resolution options.
No attorney-client relationship created. Reading this information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Such relationships are established only through signed representation agreements following consultation.
This page represents the comprehensive expertise of Michelle Turpin P.C. in business IRS and state tax representation. Our team's combined experience of over 100 years exclusively in tax law enables us to handle the most complex business tax challenges and achieve outcomes that protect our clients' interests and business operations.
