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.

    “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.
    “John and his team DELIVERED!”
    John and his team provide top tier services with a price point that will not set you back. The value is unmatched. I knew I found the right place after my first Zoom meeting with John. After dealing with different attorneys in different arenas, I was a skeptic before meeting John face to face. After our initial meeting all my fears were gone. John is very down to earth and very easy to talk to. I did not sense the slightest hint of ego or intimidation that I have seen with other attorneys. John and his team DELIVERED! I felt that with the guidance and information given to me by this company that I had full confidence in this solution to my challenges. Not only did i have confidence in Johns knowledge of his profession, I had full confidence that all of Johns team were there to support me with any questions or concerns. I feel a thousand pounds lighter after this experience with DRLC and i would send my closest friends and family in their direction if ever the situation arose.
    - Matthew B.
    “He basically held our hands throughout the whole process and made it much less stressful for us.”
    Mr. Colwell is an excellent attorney.  Thanks to him, my husband and I have a new start without being mired in credit card debt.  He basically held our hands throughout the whole process and made it much less stressful for us. Thank you, Mr. Colwell!
    - Chris A.
    “John C. Colwell makes every effort to get the help you need, with no catch! No hidden fees, costs, or surprises.”

    It it is a tremendous relief, there is such a business as Debt Relief Legal Clinic!! I learned about DRLC from a close friend who had to file chapter 7 some years ago. This place has 30 Years of Bankruptcy Experience and demonstrates a highly proficient and professional approach to personal debt matters. John C. Colwell makes every effort to get the help you need, with no catch! No hidden fees, costs, or surprises. He is very honest and upfront from your initial consultation, about the likelihood of the outcome of your case, and the process- which is simple and very straightforward. His fees are EXTREMELY reasonable considering the professional and efficient service provided- you can even make payments for the fees (worth every penny to walk away debt free!). As part of the process, you will learn, you are required to take a couple of online classes. The classes are designed to educate you, to manage your debt moving forward, and remaining debt-free...avoiding the trouble you got yourself into in the first place. The fact DRLC has a practice that not only eliminates or consolidates your debt (depending on your case), but guides you to to remain debt-free, shows the sign of a company with a true vested interest in your success of becoming (and staying) debt-free! You could not ask for anything more from a firm of this type. I HIGHLY recommend anyone feeling the pains or stress of being in debt to (at the very least), consider a consultation with DRLC. You will forever be grateful for a service of this type, that navigates you through a (seemingly) overwhelming process.

    - CD O.
    “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.
    “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.
    “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.
    “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