The United States is a country governed by laws. Both the government and the governed must act according to the dictates of the law. However, if, as a citizen or resident, you violate any aspect of the law, the consequences can be unimaginable.

“Failing to remit your taxes is a legal breach the government greatly frowns at. If the failure continues over time, the government may attempt to seize your property. The authorities often target valuable items like bank accounts and real estate,” says tax law attorney Michael March of Whiteford Tax Defense.

This piece discusses how an attorney can help you when the government attempts to seize your property due to tax evasion:

When the Government Tries to Wield the Big Stick

The government does not act arbitrarily. Before they can attempt to seize your property due to tax evasion, it means you have failed to respond to several formal notices to pay your debt. 

When you cooperate with the authorities, they will map out a payment plan that will work for both parties without any attempt to seize your property. The government only wields the big stick when you are unresponsive and unyielding.

If there are emergencies or when the government needs the money quickly, they may bypass all the protocols and directly resort to extreme measures. It is ideal to pay your taxes promptly to avoid confrontations with the government because you cannot predict the measures they will deploy to retrieve the money from you.

Exploring the Settlement Option

When you have a tax evasion issue, your ideal approach is to engage a tax law attorney. It is a delicate issue that needs the professionalism of a reputable attorney. The lawyer can interface with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during the collection due process hearing.

Apart from securing a fair settlement for you, your lawyer’s ultimate aim is to ensure the IRS acts legally in their dealings with you.

When you engage a results-oriented attorney, they can help you negotiate a fair deal, helping you pay less than you owe. However, it is crucial to emphasize that no one can guarantee the amount the government will accept as a settlement. The hearing officer handling your case will use their discretion to determine the amount you should repay.

When you allow an officer to lead this talk, they will prioritize your utmost interests and use various techniques for a fair outcome. You must trust their decision and support them throughout the process. 

A Firm Stance Against the Government’s Accusations

There are numerous ways your tax attorney can come through for you. Beyond negotiating with government officials on the amount you should pay back, they can also counter the government’s accusations if they appear spurious or exaggerated. 

The legal professional will take advantage of the collection due process hearing to verify the IRS’s requests to ensure they conform to the law. 

If the IRS has already seized your property or is making an attempt to do so based on a wrong judgment, your lawyer can appeal it. Every judgment must follow appropriate tax law. Your attorney can review every case to identify the loopholes and how to react adequately. 

There are cases where the IRS overlaps people’s taxes with their ventures or spouses. You need an attorney to identify this error and appeal it. It will prevent you from a situation of unjustly paying what you do not owe. 

The Steps to Take After a Seizure

You can still take some decisive steps after the government has seized your property or assets. Based on the breaches the government accuses you of in taking over your property, your attorney will know how to help you respond. For instance, you may need an estate planning attorney to manage your estate after the seizure. 

Most importantly, your lawyer can help against a repeat of the ugly scenario. They will teach you how to act proactively and stay away from government sanctions. You can even engage them to help handle all tax-related issues. 

Final Remarks

When you have a tax evasion issue with the government, it is advisable to involve a local tax law attorney. You may be acting a little bit late when you wait for the government to seize your assets before involving a legal professional. 

Working with a reputable attorney can save you from many unthinkable circumstances. The lawyer will ensure the government does not trample on your rights. They will also deploy strategies to give you an excellent outcome even in the most challenging circumstances.