As a Winston-Salem resident, you are likely required to file personal tax returns with two government agencies: the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Failing to file a state or federal tax return or underreporting income, such as gift or estate taxes, can result in tax evasion charges. According to the Brookings Institution, an estimated three-quarters of all federal taxes owed go unpaid each year, leaving non-compliant taxpayers exposed to potential legal liabilities.
Beyond tax evasion, there are other pressing issues that may lead to disputes with the NCDOR or IRS, including tax fraud, which the IRS reported as amounting to $2.3 billion annually as of 2020. Other common tax concerns include:
Tax underpayments
Tax audits
Tax debts and collections
Additionally, if you own a business in Winston-Salem, NC, failing to pay payroll taxes can lead to serious legal consequences.
While the IRS and NCDOR often provide opportunities to resolve tax issues through payment plans or other arrangements, they usually require thorough documentation before entering negotiations. That’s where a tax attorney in Winston-Salem, NC, can help. The experienced Ivey McClellan legal team has assisted countless Forsyth County residents in addressing a wide range of tax law issues and can guide you through the process.
When clients seek assistance from a tax attorney in Winston-Salem, NC, they often have limited knowledge of the allegations against them. Our tax debt attorneys take the time to explain key terms and accusations you may encounter, such as:
Tax evasion: Failing to file or underreporting state or federal taxes. Examples include not declaring income or claiming excessive deductions.
Tax fraud: Deliberately evading taxes, which can lead to criminal charges. Individuals or businesses accused of willfully neglecting their tax obligations may face severe consequences.
Tax underpayment: Businesses and self-employed individuals must make quarterly tax payments. Failing to pay the correct amount can result in a 5% penalty.
Tax audit: A detailed review of your tax return by the IRS or NCDOR, often requiring additional documentation.
Tax levies: The IRS may seize property, wages, or bank accounts to settle unpaid taxes.
Tax liens: A legal claim against property to ensure tax debts are satisfied before profits are made from its sale.
Penalties for Failing to Address Tax Issues
Many clients assume that resolving tax problems amicably is impossible. While severe cases of fraud may lead to collaboration between the IRS, NCDOR, and prosecutors to pursue criminal charges, most tax debt agencies prefer to recover owed taxes rather than impose imprisonment.
Common enforcement actions include levies on bank accounts or wages and tax liens on homes or businesses. Penalties can also include substantial fines designed to recover unpaid taxes, interest, and deter future violations. These penalties can range from tens of thousands to much higher amounts, depending on the severity of the case.
How a Winston-Salem Tax Attorney Can Help
If you’ve received a notice from the IRS or NCDOR about tax issues, delaying action could lead to severe consequences. These tax agencies aggressively pursue unpaid taxes and demand compliance with state and federal tax laws.
Our experienced tax law attorneys in Winston-Salem, NC, are well-versed in addressing violations of state and federal tax codes. The Ivey McClellan legal team can guide you in providing the necessary documentation and negotiating resolutions to minimize the financial and legal repercussions of your case.