San Jose, California, Tax Law Attorney
With proper advice and guidance, many potential tax problems can be avoided. Failure to take action risks substantial tax penalties and interest, compounding the tax debt and state and federal enforced collections. Some tax liabilities to the State of California have no statute of limitations.
We Help Solve Tax Problems with the IRS, FTB, BOE, and EDD.
John D. Teter Law Offices, located in San Jose, has over 27 years of experience solving tax problems for individuals, business owners, and financial officers throughout California and across the United States. Our firm has extensive experience working with a number of tax agencies, including:
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — income tax and payroll
- California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) — income tax
- California State Board of Equalization (BOE) — sales and use tax
- California State Employment Development Department (EDD) — payroll tax and employee classification
We can help provide solutions to tax conflicts concerning failures to file, failures to pay, state and federal tax liens, wage garnishments, property seizures, levies, and governmental actions against individuals and companies with unpaid income taxes, payroll taxes, and sales taxes. Clients can have the stress of tax problems disappear when they contact our Bay Area office. Attorney John D. Teter understands that both people and the government are fallible — mistakes are made. He will try to relieve some of your anxiety by dealing with the tax authorities on your behalf.
Options for Dealing with Past Due Taxes
To be in complete tax compliance, you have to file tax returns and pay your taxes on time. However, in the event a person has been unable to do this, there are still courses of action available:
- Pay the past due taxes
- Pay all or part over time through an installment agreement
- Qualify as "currently not collectible"
- Resolve through an "offer in compromise"
- File for bankruptcy
Offers in Compromise
An offer in compromise is the settlement of a tax debt for less than the full payment owed. It consists of payment of the amount of money equivalent to what the IRS or state agency would receive if it liquidated your assets and garnished your nonexempt wages for 5 years. For federal offers, the IRS now requires the taxpayer to include a nonrefundable down payment with the offer of lump sum payment, although payments over a number of years are also permitted.
Attorney John D. Teter handles each tax case on an individual basis. He tailors offers in compromise to suit the client's unique needs and goals. When an offer in compromise is involved, Mr. Teter will carefully monitor and assist the taxpayer from the current situation through full processing of the offer to and including examination and acceptance of the offer. Using his knowledge and experience, Mr. Teter can advise clients if an offer in compromise is appropriate or feasible in their situation, or if other options should be explored. The result of our thorough preparation and hard work is a high success rate of acceptance of the offers in compromise prepared by our firm.
In a tax audit, you must provide evidence to show that the information reported on your tax return is correct and that claimed tax benefits are applicable. If the auditor disallows your deductions or determines there is more tax due, the deficiency can be submitted to the IRS Appeals Division to see whether claims can be reconciled and a resolution achieved. This office has extensive experience in resolving tax matters with the IRS Appeals Division. If this proves unsuccessful, the last step available without payment of the tax is a petition to the United States Tax Court; John D. Teter has been admitted to practice before that court since 1988.
- In addition to audits, offers in compromise, and other tax issues, we also represent clients in matters pertaining to foreign investment reporting of offshore bank accounts and other international monetary investments and interests.
John D. Teter Law Offices will clearly explain your rights and your legal options. We will handle your tax problem with discretion and compassion as we work toward a viable resolution. Contact a lawyer at the John D. Teter Law Offices today to help with your tax problems.
Short Sales / Foreclosures / Cancellation of Debt
Our firm provides consultations and advice concerning cancellation of debt (COD) income from short sales and foreclosures as well as alternatives such as loan modification, refinance, deed in lieu, or bankruptcy.
Proposition 13 / Reassessment
The valuable protection provided by Proposition 13 can be lost by poorly planned transfers of real property. Our firm can help clients recognize Proposition 13 issues and avoid loss of benefits in sales, funding trusts, and other transactions. Good advice can help protect against the avoidable loss incurred by reassessment if Proposition 13 protection is lost.
John D. Teter Law Offices
1361 S. Winchester
Suite 113
San Jose, CA 95128
Phone: (408) 866-1810
Fax: (408) 866-1850
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