Attorney Lakeland.com

Hacked! When You Need an Attorney in Lakeland

If you've got a computer virus, and know who put it there, you may be able to file charges and recoup some of your loss. A Lakeland attorney can help you determine if you have a case.

The Personal Criminal

If you're being harassed, stalked or abused, you have options. Many women stay in an abusive relationship simply because they don't understand they don't need to be trapped. Don't be a victim call us to find an attorney in Lakeland who can help.

Finding Your Way Out

When you fill out our contact form you will be called by one of our caring professional representatives. You'll be provided with all the information you need to choose the Lakeland attorney best able to meet your needs. There's never any obligation to speak with us and, if you prefer, you can email us. Just send us a note to info@attorneylakeland.com.

Simply because you are a victim of crime doesn't mean you need to be a victim for life.

Bank Levy and Wage Garnishment

Before the IRS can levy on your assets or garnish your wages or any other source of income, the IRS must issue a "Final Notice Of Intent To Levy And Notice Of Your Right To A Hearing" to the taxpayer allowing up to 30 days from the date of the Final Notice to pay in full or to find another solution. Ignoring these notices or doing nothing will only make matters worse. Once the 30 days has passed, the IRS does not have to give any further notice before seizing your wages and other assets.

The IRS locates taxpayer assets through various databases and determines which of those assets are best for liquidation. Tax levies often cause devastating and irreversible problems. An IRS bank or wage levy can leave a person without any money to pay basic living expenses. It is a crisis situation that requires prompt attention from an experienced tax attorney.

We can analyze your situation to find the best course of action for you and avoid seizure of your assets and a garnishment of your wages. Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. A criminal tax attorney will contact you to discuss your situation.

Employment Taxes

Business are responsible for collecting several types of payroll taxes including social security taxes, railroad retirement taxes, or collected excise taxes. If your company or business failed either to file returns or deposit payroll taxes timely, the IRS can levy business assets such as business equipment, automobiles, bank accounts, and accounts receivables. A greater problem for most people is that the Employment Taxes and the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) allows the IRS to hold a responsible person liable for the uncollected payroll taxes of a business. The IRS considers nonpayment of payroll taxes to be a serious problem and will often pursue aggressive collection activities as a result.

Business owners can be held individually responsible for unpaid employment tax, penalties and interest. In some cases, the IRS seeks to name employees who are not business owners as "responsible persons" and subject them to the same liability. An employment tax issue can threaten the solvency of your business and your individual assets. You must act quickly after you are named as a "responsible person" to avoid liability that could accrue in addition to your business liability.

The passage of time is a critical factor in an employment tax case and the failure to take quick action can limit your options.

Please allow us to review the specifics of your situation and determine the best options for you, individually, and for your business. Do not face the IRS on your own in this situation.

Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. A tax attorney will contact you to discuss your situation

Innocent Spouse Relief

When individuals file a joint tax return, each spouse is equally liable for all tax, penalties and interest that come about from that particular year. The IRS or states can legally go after both spouses or just one spouse for the entire tax amount that is due even if the couple is divorced and the divorce decree states that one individual is responsible for the taxes owed.

The IRS created innocent spouse relief because it realizes that there are times when it would be unfair to hold both joint filers equally liable for the tax liability that was created. There are three forms of spouse relief that will allow one spouse to get out of paying their spouse or ex-spouses tax. If an individual does not qualify for one, it is possible that they will qualify for another type of relief.

You may be eligible for Innocent Spouse Relief if you signed a joint tax return without knowing its contents or under the belief the tax was paid, were unaware that your spouse failed to report income or exaggerated deductions, if your signature was forged on a joint tax return, if your spouse earned income through gambling or illegal sources or you were separated, divorced or living apart during the tax year in issue. Innocent Spouse relief can mean a clean credit rating, no tax liens and levies, and wages and bank accounts free from the tax collector.

Innocent Spouse Relief requires the timely and proper filing of a request together with a persuasive presentation of the basis for the request. Through thorough preparation and proper procedure, we can help you obtain Innocent Spouse Relief.

Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. A tax attorney will contact you to discuss your situation.

Unfiled Tax Returns

If you fail to file a Federal tax return when you are required to or you have unfiled tax returns you can face penalties, interest, and other financially debilitating actions by the IRS. The IRS estimates that approximately 12 million taxpayers fail to file their federal income tax returns each year. The IRS has targeted non-filers as one of its highest priorities. In recent years, the IRS has developed technology designed to identify and locate taxpayers who are not filing tax returns and IRS has become more successful in identifying and pursuing non-filers. Because willful failure to file a tax return, and evasion are crimes carrying serious criminal penalties, if you have unfiled tax returns, representation by an attorney will provide you with the protection of the attorney-client privilege and place you in the best position to address and avoid potential criminal charges.

Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. A criminal tax attorney will contact you to discuss your situation.

IRS Installment Payment Plans

The most common outcome of an IRS tax settlement is an installment plan. Under this arrangement, you make monthly payments of a specific amount until you pay off your back tax debt. Payment plans stop IRS collection actions and also help those who cannot afford to pay off outstanding tax debt in one lump sum or in a few large payments without economic hardship. To qualify for an IRS payment plan you must be current and compliant with all tax filings and payments. This includes making current Federal Tax Deposits as a business and estimated tax payments (or sufficient withholding) as an individual.

The IRS also determines whether tax payments would cause someone to experience economic hardship through a very detailed financial review. These include salary and other income, bank and credit accounts, cash value of life insurance, property, vehicles, furniture, jewelry artwork collectors' items and more.

Even if you agree to a Payment Agreement, the IRS may still file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien to secure the government's interest until you make a final payment. However, the IRS cannot levy against your property (1) while your request for a Payment Agreement is under consideration, (2) while your agreement is in effect, (3) for 30 days after your request for an agreement has been rejected, or (4) for any period while an appeal of the rejection is being evaluated by the IRS.

An experienced tax attorney will analyze your information and present it to the IRS in a way most favorable to you. Proper preparation and experienced negotiation is essential for success with the IRS. Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. A tax attorney will contact you to discuss your situation.

IRS Penalties and Interest

IRS penalties and interest can be greater than the total amount of the original tax and the IRS will pursue collection actions against you for penalties and interest just as vigorously as they pursue collection of tax owed. The IRS can file tax liens and your wages and bank accounts can be levied.

If you owe tax and don't file on time, the IRS may assess penalties. Penalties are in addition to both the tax due and the interest on the past due tax. The Late Filing penalty is usually 5% of the tax owed for each month, or part of a month, that your return is late up to five months (25%). There is also a Late Payment penalty if you file on time but don't pay all amounts due on time, The Late Payment penalty is one–half of one percent (0.5%) of the actual tax owed for each month, or part of a month, that the tax remains unpaid from the due date, until the tax is paid in full. There is no maximum limit to the Late Payment Penalty. Additionally, the IRS charges interest on late or unpaid taxes. Interest starts running from the due date of the return, and ends with the receipt of payment by the IRS.

The Internal Revenue Code authorizes the abatement of penalties imposed by the IRS for failure to file tax returns or for failure to pay tax and other penalties, if the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. IRS forgiveness of penalties is wholly dependent on the circumstances causing the late filing or late payment and is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Let us pursue abatement of your penalties to get a reduction in the amount you owe. There are many circumstances which may result in removal of tax penalties. The outcome of each case can vary depending upon how your case is presented. Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. A criminal tax attorney will contact you to discuss your situation.

Tax Lien Release

Once the IRS files a notice of federal tax lien the effects of the lien will remain intact until you get back into compliance with the IRS. A Tax Lien is a public record that indicates you owe taxes. A Tax Lien is filed with the county clerk where you operate your business or where you live. The Tax Lien attaches to your personal property and real estate, making the transfer of clear title impossible without satisfaction of the Tax Lien. It can also make purchasing and selling property difficult, if not impossible. A Tax Lien will lower your credit rating and can prevent you from getting a loan to buy a car, house, or anything else requiring credit. Depending on your unique situation, a Tax Lien can be released, subordinated, removed, or discharged without full payment of the underlying tax. Since each case is different, review by an experienced tax attorney is recommended.

Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. A tax attorney will contact you to discuss your situation.

Tax Debt Settlement - Offer in Compromise

An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is an agreement between qualified people and the IRS that allows a taxpayer to settle their tax debt for less than full payment. If you have proven to the IRS that you are unable to pay your liability in full, or through other payment arrangements such as installments, the IRS may accept a Offer in Compromise. If accepted by the IRS, you may be able to settle your IRS tax debt for pennies on the dollar.

To qualify for an Offer in Compromise, you must prove that you do not have the resources to pay the tax, or you don't owe the tax, or that collecting from you would be unreasonable or unfair. While we all generally believe that collecting the tax from you would be unreasonable or unfair, the proof required is somewhat greater.

Many of the Offers in Compromise submitted get rejected by the IRS. The IRS procedures and guidelines have become increasingly complex and success rates for those seeking relief without legal representation have decreased. Settlement with the IRS is based on many factors and personal circumstances such as medical condition, financial circumstances, or improper assessment of tax. Engaging a tax attorney to assist you in submitting an Offer in Compromise and negotiating a settlement on your behalf will definitely improve your chance of success. After carefully analyzing your financial situation, we will identify the most advantageous approach and build your case to negotiate with the greatest chance of success.

Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. A tax attorney will contact you to discuss your situation.

State Tax Problems

States Department of Revenue encourage taxpayers to resolve their state tax obligations as quickly as possible and vigorously pursue collection of tax owed to them. State tax agencies have the authority to file liens on your property, garnish your wages, and assess penalties and interest. All of which can affect your credit rating. Most state tax agencies often hire collection agencies to demand immediate payment.

For those individuals or businesses not able to resolve the obligation immediately, arranging an installment agreement or monthly payment plan online can be a reasonable payment option. Installment agreements allow for the full payment of the tax debt in smaller, more manageable amounts. Installment agreements generally require equal monthly payments. The amount of an installment payment will be based on the amount owed and on the taxpayer's ability to pay that amount within a reasonable timeframe.

Many states now have Offer in Compromise programs to settle any sales tax, use tax, withholding tax, corporate income tax and individual income tax liabilities. The offer must include a proposal to pay a sum of money. Most states have laws that provide three reasons as a basis for an Offer in Compromise: doubt as to collectiblity, doubt as to liability, or to promote effective tax administration.

Fortunately, all taxpayers have a right to representation before the states Department of Revenue; no one has to face a state audit alone. We are experts in dealing with the state taxing authorities. If you retain our services, you can be confident you will receive the best representation possible. Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. A criminal tax attorney will contact you to discuss your situation.

Tax Audit

There is an advantage to bringing a tax attorney to an audit. Tax attorneys are not intimidated by IRS agents or state taxing agencies. To the contrary, often times an IRS agent will back down during an audit when a tax attorney is involved, rather than an accountant or an enrolled agent, because the IRS and state taxing agencies know that a tax attorney may appeal their assessments and also has the ability to take them to court. Every citizen has rights which need to be protected and a tax attorney is best equipped to protect your rights.

During an IRS audit, the legal burden of proof is on you to prove that income, deductible expenses, and the calculation of tax are accurate. A mistake in the presentation and substantiation of any of these factors can result a greater tax liability, with penalties and interest added to the additional unpaid tax. If you have received an audit notice, let the knowledge of a tax attorney work for you. We will present your best case to the IRS and save you time, frustration, and money.

Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. A criminal tax attorney will contact you to discuss your situation.

Criminal Tax Defense

The Krouse Law Firm represents individuals and corporations under investigation or indictment for criminal tax violations and related federal and state criminal offenses. We work with attorneys and forensic accountants who specialize in IRS controversies and related civil and criminal tax litigation. 

Increasingly, federal, state, and local governments are relying upon the criminal justice system as a means of regulatory enforcement. We have experience in representing companies and individuals who are the subject of governmental investigations including administrative, grand jury, and forfeiture proceedings. An IRS criminal investigation, conducted by the IRS criminal-investigation division ("IRS-CID"), is different from an IRS civil audit. During a routine IRS audit, the IRS is merely determining whether you reported your tax correctly. During a criminal investigation, the IRS is building a case to put a person in jail for tax fraud. The IRS-CID aggressively pursues tax evasion crimes, tax fraud crimes, false-tax return filers, non-filers, taxpayers involved in abusive tax shelters, and taxpayers who fail to report tax on income from foreign and off-shore bank accounts.

If you have reason to believe you are under suspicion for a criminal tax violation, or if you have been questioned by the IRS or charged in connection with a tax crime, we strongly urge you to retain a tax attorney. Do not wait until your files are seized, your assets frozen and you are arrested. Let us help protect your liberty and your family's assets.

Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. A criminal tax attorney will contact you to discuss your situation.

Debt Settlement

Debt settlement, also called debt negotiation, is a process where a borrower and creditor negotiate with one another to resolve debts the borrower owes. By working with an attorney, people usually find that their debts are settled faster and the amounts that they owe are often reduced by more than if they were negotiating themselves. We negotiate with creditors to reduce overall debts in exchange for a lump sum payment and a successful settlement occurs when the creditor agrees to forgive a percentage of total account balance. Only unsecured debts not secured by real assets like homes or autos can be settled. Unsecured debts include medical bills and credit card debts - not student loans, auto financing or mortgages.

Debt settlement allows the debtor to avoid the stigma and intrusive court-mandated controls of bankruptcy while still lowering, sometimes by more than 50%, their debt balances. In the process, the creditor regains trust that the debtor intends to pay back what he can of the debts / loans and not file bankruptcy, in which case, the creditor risks losing all monies owed.

Debt settlement is an effective step that a person can take when they are serious about resolving their debts and are hoping to avoid filing for bankruptcy. We can effectively help you settle your debt by working directly with your creditors to negotiate a repayment amount that is less than the total you currently owe.

Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. An attorney will contact you to discuss your situation

Debt Collection Defense

If you are being sued by a credit card company or debt collection company the Krouse Law Firm can help you. Our firm represents consumers just like you to challenge the suit. Sometimes "debt buyers" file lawsuits against a consumer. These are companies who claim to have purchased a debt from the original creditor or even from other debt buyers. Whatever entity that files the lawsuit against you must comply with strict rules and procedures in court in proving that you actually owe the debt. The original creditor, debt collector or debt buyer must actually prove this, based upon the strict standards imposed in civil court.

Debt collection defense is an important part of our practice. Our lawyers are fully committed to protecting our clients' rights in the face of lawsuits filed by creditors. Let us defend your rights and help you reach a positive case outcome for your debt collection lawsuit. With our legal experience and knowledge in this field, we are able to effectively assert our clients' rights and interests. We will strive to develop a defense strategy that addresses your unique needs.

When you have been sued over a debt, time is very important. We will look at your entire financial situation to determine what is the best course of action for you. Sometimes fighting the lawsuit makes the most sense, sometimes settling the debt or even filing bankruptcy is your best alternative. 

Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. An attorney will contact you to discuss your situation

Bankruptcy

Not every individual in financial distress needs to file for bankruptcy to reorganize their finances. However, for many, bankruptcy can provide a fresh start. Bankruptcy claims are filed in the Federal Bankruptcy Court as a solution to insolvency. There are various types of bankruptcy. Our qualified and experienced attorneys will review your finances, assets, debts and delinquencies and will determine the best course of action to resolve your financial issues.

Several of the most well known types of bankruptcies are Chapter 7, chapter 11, and Chapter 13, bankruptcies. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is filed by an individual. A trustee is assigned to the case to assist in determining which assets will be liquidated and which are exempt and may not be used to pay the creditors. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the future income of the individual is used to pay all, or part of the debts, within a 3-5 year time period. Under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court, the Debtor's finances are re-organized and a payment schedule is devised.

The Krouse Law Firm represents debtors in bankruptcy proceedings. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your financial issues and bankruptcy questions through a free, no obligation consultation. Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. An attorney will contact you to discuss your situation.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Not every individual in financial distress needs to file for bankruptcy to reorganize their finances. However, for many, bankruptcy can provide a fresh start. Bankruptcy claims are filed in the Federal Bankruptcy Court as a solution to insolvency. There are various types of bankruptcy. Our qualified and experienced attorneys will review your finances, assets, debts and delinquencies and will determine the best course of action to resolve your financial issues.

Several of the most well known types of bankruptcies are Chapter 7, chapter 11, and Chapter 13, bankruptcies. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is filed by an individual. A trustee is assigned to the case to assist in determining which assets will be liquidated and which are exempt and may not be used to pay the creditors. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the future income of the individual is used to pay all, or part of the debts, within a 3-5 year time period. Under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court, the Debtor's finances are re-organized and a payment schedule is devised.

Taxes in Bankruptcy

Discharging tax debts in bankruptcy can be a fantastic solution for ridding yourself of your IRS tax problem. There are very intricate and time sensitive calculations that must be made before determining whether or not it is a complete solution for an IRS tax problem or not. Many lawyers are unaware that taxes can be discharged in bankruptcy, so it is very important that you obtain the assistance of highly seasoned professional to determine whether or not the time frames in your particular case have been met to obtain your discharge.

There are three timing factors which enter into play when considering a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

1. The first of the timing factors is that the returns most have been due, including extensions, for at least three years.
2. The second factor is the returns, if filed late, must have been filed for at least two years.
3. The third, and last, factor is that the tax liability must have been assessed for at least 240 days.

There are variety of circumstances which enter into play, that can alter or change these time limitations periods. We can analyze whether or not bankruptcy might be a good solution for your IRS problem.The Krouse Law Firm represents debtors in bankruptcy proceedings. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your financial issues and bankruptcy questions through a free, no obligation consultation. Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. An attorney will contact you to discuss your situation.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

When you're deeply in debt, climbing your way out seems impossible. You want to pay back what you owe, but mounting financial pressures and the cost of ordinary living make paying off debts extremely difficult. In these cases filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be the assistance you need to start paying back debts and restore your good credit. Chapter 13 isn't for everyone, and there are numerous factors to consider. No matter your situation, we can help you resolve your debt.

In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the future income of the individual is used to pay all, or part of the debts, within a 3-5 year time period. Under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court, the Debtor's finances are re-organized and a payment schedule is devised. The Krouse Law Firm takes pride in helping individuals file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy and establish viable, affordable, repayment plans for the debts owed. We can help you recover from your debt so that you can Get Back To Life and what is important to you.

The Krouse Law Firm represents debtors in bankruptcy proceedings. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your financial issues and bankruptcy questions through a free, no obligation consultation. Please call our office to arrange an initial free consultation. To schedule a free consultation, please call us or fill out our Contact Form. An attorney will contact you to discuss your situation.