Tax Controversy & Resolution
Attorney in Boulder, Colorado
Practice Areas
Dealing with taxes can be highly confusing, often requiring you to file intricate forms that are free from any mistakes. The process is daunting, but fortunately, you have options for tax assistance. Whether you're an individual or business owner struggling with taxes, an attorney can get you back on track.
At Howard O. Bernstein, P.C., our attorney provides comprehensive services in the field of taxation, tax controversy, and resolution. We are equipped to assist individuals, families, and businesses with a broad range of tax-related matters, providing personalized guidance to help clients make informed decisions while adhering to tax law guidelines.
Located in Boulder, Colorado, we serve clients throughout Nederland, Longmont, Broomfield, North Glen, and the Denver metro area. Contact us today to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation.
Common Tax Controversy Matters
Filing taxes is rarely straightforward, and various circumstances can potentially cause issues if not properly addressed. In Colorado, some of the most common tax controversy matters our clients encounter include, but are not limited to, the following.
IRS audits: A formal review conducted by the Internal Revenue Service to verify the accuracy of tax returns and assess proper tax liability.
Tax liens and levies: Actions taken by the IRS to secure or collect unpaid taxes, including placing a legal claim on a property or seizing assets.
Penalties and interest disputes: Challenges involving the imposition of penalties or accrued interest on late or unpaid taxes.
Underreported income: Issues arising when the IRS identifies discrepancies between reported income and third-party records.
Unfiled tax returns: Situations where individuals or businesses have failed to file required tax returns, potentially triggering enforcement actions.
Offer in compromise (OIC): A resolution method allowing taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed when facing financial hardship.
Foreign income reporting: Disputes involving compliance with tax obligations related to foreign assets, income, or accounts.
Payroll tax issues: Controversies involving mismanagement of payroll tax obligations, including failure to deposit or file accurate returns.
If you or someone you know has experienced any of these tax situations, consulting with an attorney can help resolve your case. Contact us today at Howard O. Bernstein, P.C. for experienced assistance.
Need Help with Taxes?
Our Tax Planning and Advisory Services
Our goal is to look after the best interests of our clients by offering sophisticated tax planning strategies designed to minimize tax liabilities and optimize their financial outcomes. Some of our primary services include the following.
Assisting with trust and third-party succession planning devices
Structuring family limited partnerships, LLCs, and other business entities for tax efficiency
Advising on valuation, vesting of interests, and marital share assessments
Our goal is to work collaboratively with our clients to develop tailored solutions that align with their unique personal or business goals.
Tax Controversy Representation
If you're facing disputes with the IRS or other tax authorities, our experienced attorneys can provide strategic representation. We handle a wide array of tax controversy matters, including:
Resolving individual and corporate tax audits
Representing clients in administrative appeals before the IRS
Negotiating installment agreements and offers in compromise
Assisting with penalty abatement and defense against tax penalties
Litigating tax controversies in federal and state courts
We are committed to protecting your rights and pursuing favorable resolutions in even during the most complex and challenging tax disputes.
Assistance with Tax Payments and Deductions
Our attorneys have extensive experience advising clients on the tax implications of financial arrangements and assisting with critical decisions regarding payments. Our specific services for tax payments and deductions include the following.
Drafting and reviewing qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs)
Advising on the deductibility of payments for the paying spouse and the taxability of payments for the receiving spouse
Making sure your filings comply with tax laws related to property transfers during divorce or business restructuring
Through our dedication to providing clear and well-grounded tax advice, we aim to simplify tax compliance and empower our clients to make informed decisions.
Tax Controversy & Resolution FAQ
At Howard O. Bernstein, P.C., we often receive various questions from our clients regarding state and federal taxation. Here, we provide answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Are alimony payments tax-deductible?
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), alimony payments are no longer tax-deductible for the paying spouse nor taxable for the receiving spouse for divorce agreements finalized after December 31, 2018. However, any alimony agreements established before this date may still follow the previous rules unless otherwise modified.
How are property transfers handled during a divorce for tax purposes?
Property transfers that are part of a divorce settlement are generally non-taxable. This means that neither party will recognize a gain or loss on the transfer; however, the recipient assumes the same tax basis as the original owner.
Do I have to pay taxes on child support?
Child support payments are not deductible for the payer or taxable to the recipient. They are considered a personal expense by the paying party and are excluded from the recipient’s taxable income.
Can I claim my children as dependents after a divorce?
Only one parent can claim a child as a dependent for tax purposes in a given year. Typically, the custodial parent (the one with whom the child resides for the majority of the year) is granted this right unless otherwise specified in a divorce agreement.
What tax issues should I consider when dividing retirement accounts?
Dividing retirement accounts in a divorce requires careful planning. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is often necessary to avoid tax penalties when splitting employer-sponsored plans, while IRA transfers must adhere to specific IRS guidelines for non-taxable treatment.
Let Us Be Your Partner for Taxation & Resolution Matters
Taxation can present some of the most complex legal challenges for both individuals and businesses. Whether you need proactive tax planning or determined representation in a tax dispute, our attorney at Howard O. Bernstein, P.C., has the resources to guide you through every step.
Located in Boulder, Colorado, we serve clients throughout Nederland, Longmont, Broomfield, North Glen, and the Denver metro area. Contact us today to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation to learn how we can assist you in addressing your taxation needs.
