Tax Debts

San Diego Tax Debt Relief Attorneys

Comprehensive & Effective Legal Representation

At Debt Relief Legal Clinic, our team of reliable Tax Debt Relief lawyers is familiar with the IRS tax code and the various programs that individuals and businesses can take advantage of if they are struggling with tax debt. Our tax lawyers can help you navigate the process and apply for programs that can save you a substantial amount of money.

When you choose one of our San Diego tax attorneys to represent you through the bankruptcy process, we will review your financial situation to determine which tax debt relief programs you are eligible for. Whether you owe individual back taxes to the IRS or have delinquent taxes that are causing financial difficulties for your business, our legal professionals will gladly use our extensive resources to assist with settling your tax debt.

Offer in Compromise

An Offer in Compromise is usually the best option for most taxpayers who find themselves in debt. The Offer in Compromise program allows qualified individuals with unpaid tax debts to negotiate a settled amount that is less than the total amount owed to clear the debt. If the IRS believes repaying the tax debt would cause significant hardship or if they doubt you will be able to pay back your debt or the accuracy of your tax liability, then an Offer in Compromise might be offered instead of litigation.

The IRS must review all of your expenses, income, assets, and other liabilities to determine if you can pay your current debt liability. Before you can be granted an offer in compromise, you must meet certain conditions set by the IRS. For one, you must remain current in filing and paying taxes or withholding taxes for the current year. You also must remain current on filing and paying taxes for the next five years.

Call Debt Relief Legal Clinic at (619) 639-9228 or contact us online to get in touch with one of our tax lawyers in San Diego, CA and schedule your free consultation today!

Can I Discharge My Back Taxes in Bankruptcy?

Depending on the type of tax debt you have, it might be possible to get it discharged through bankruptcy. However, taxes you willfully attempted to evade and penalties for tax fraud aren’t dischargeable in bankruptcy. Income taxes are dischargeable in bankruptcy if you meet the following three conditions:

  • The taxes being discharged are at least three years past due
  • You filed a tax return for the tax you owe
  • The taxes must have been assessed within 240 days before the bankruptcy filing

Discharging tax debts through bankruptcy can be quite complicated, which why you should consult with a San Diego tax lawyer to discuss all of your options so you can make informed decisions.

FAQ: TAX Debt

Question #1: What should I do if I can’t pay my tax debt?

A: You should immediately reach out to an experienced tax lawyer to discuss possible payment alternatives and whether you qualify for tax debt relief.

Question #2: Do tax liens expire?

A: Yes. There is a 10-year statute of limitations for which the IRS can collect back taxes. After this period expires, the IRS is barred from continuing collection activities. The 10-year period begins as soon as the IRS discovers you owe taxes.

Question #3: Does the IRS have to inform me if they levy my bank account?

A No. The IRS can levy your checking account or savings account by simply notifying your bank that they are seizing the funds in the accounts.

Speak to a San Diego Tax Attorney About Your Options

If you have overwhelming debt owed to the IRS, then please don’t hesitate to reach out to Debt Relief Legal Clinic today so we can help you get a fresh start. When you choose our firm to represent you, we make it our top priority to help you navigate each phase of the legal process so you have peace of mind.

Call one of our tax attorneys in San Diego at (619) 639-9228 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today!

Why Choose Debt Relief Legal Clinic?

  • Certified Bankruptcy Specialist
    Attorney John C. Colwell has been recognized by the State Bar of California as one of 12 certified legal specialists in San Diego County for Bankruptcy Law.
  • Experienced
    Our attorney has over 35 years of experience and has dedicated the firm to consumer bankruptcy.
  • Bilingual
    Our legal team is bilingual and serve our clients in English and Spanish.
  • Immediate Past President of NACBA
    John C. Colwell has been a member of NACBA for 25 years and is the Immediate Past President.
  • Personal Approach
    We are a family-oriented business, committed to helping you get relief from debt.
  • Affordable

    We offer free consultations and take online payments for your convenience.

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Debt Relief Legal Clinic, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “Mr. Colwell goes the extra mile for his clients! I really appreciated his time and extra time for a zoom meeting during covid-19 pandemic to answer my additional questions prior to discharge!”

    Mr. John Colwell and his team helped me get through chapter 7 without a glitch! I'm so thankful for the support I received over the past year. I had lots of life changes this past year and I knew what I needed to do financially and who to call. I met Mr. Colwell in 2002 when I needed support and a chapter 7. He also helped my husband with his chapter 13. I was so happy he was still in downtown SD all these years later and available to meet with me when I was ready. Mr. Colwell goes the extra mile for his clients! I really appreciated his time and extra time for a zoom mtg. during covid-19 pandemic to answer my additional questions prior to discharge! Financial Freedom is an awesome feeling! I'm looking forward to what comes next in life!! Won't be making the same mistakes. Live and learn! I recommend it! Thank you so much! Stay safe!   

    - Lori Kalman Adkins
    “I would wholeheartedly recommend this business to any of my family and friends.”
    I decided to use this company for help with my business needs. The assistant Vanessa was extremely helpful and easy to work with! I would wholeheartedly recommend this business to any of my family and friends.
    - Vera L.
    “John Colwell and Daniel Wiedecker handled our bankruptcy very professionally and we are very pleased with their legal services.”
    John Colwell and Daniel Wiedecker handled our bankruptcy very professionally and we are very pleased with their legal services, attention to our questions and knowledge in their field of law.  We would recommend anyone to this law firm.  They are specialists and you are in good hands with this talented group of professionals.
    - Allie F.
    “I wish I could give him more than 5 stars.”
    John Colwell is a great attorney. I had a difficult case but he was able to get it done. This has changed my life. I wish I could give him more than 5 stars.
    - Terry D.
    “Even better, he seems to honestly care about the law he practices, and the people that these laws affect.”
    I can only give a review of the half-hour I spent with Mr. Colwell, but it was a half-hour very well spent. He seems like a stand-up guy with a lot of integrity. I went into his office fully expecting to be filing bankruptcy, but instead, he talked me out of it. I was prepared to defend a hard sell, and I didn't get that at all, it was a relaxed conversation, like two people chatting over a beer. It's obvious he knows what he's talking about and is able to put the law into language that even a layperson like me can understand. Even better, he seems to honestly care about the law he practices, and the people that these laws affect. While his services weren't right for my situation, I will definitely be recommending him to anyone who might end up needing a bankruptcy lawyer.
    - Jeffrey B.
    “It is truly a "bankruptcy miracle", and you can have one, too. I can't say enough about DRLC!”
    Unfortunately, I had to file BK 13; but luckily, I found Debt Relief Legal Clinic. It was recommended by a friend who was worried about me because I originally filed pro se (without an attorney). I can't even imagine what would have happened if I had continued pro se. (Well, actually I do know: the case would've been dismissed immediately, and I would've been screwed) But the brilliance of this team has kept my case alive for over a year now, and I can't thank them enough! It is truly a "bankruptcy miracle", and you can have one, too. I can't say enough about DRLC, but let me put it simply, You're CRAZY if you use anyone else or represent yourself! ;)
    - Nadine B.
    “We went to DRLC and from start to finish they were our rock. They made everything seem so easy and go so smoothly.”
    Last year after my husband lost his job and we found ourselves in a bit of a financial mess. We went to DRLC and from start to finish they were our rock. They made everything seem so easy and go so smoothly. From the ladies in the office to the lawyers in the back, a special shout out to Daniel Weidecker. He was there for us, went to bat for us when there was a complication and the end result was handled exactly as they said. So if you find yourself needing to get out of debt don't hesitate and call DRLC, they are amazing.
    - Denice M.
    “He was very helpful in explaining the difference between my options”
    Daniel Wiedecker was extremely helpful. I had a unique situation in that I had two choices at the time of my appointment. One choice would cost me some legal fees the other choice none. He was very helpful in explaining the difference between my options. I will return to utilize his services when my situation changes.
    - Steve M.