Practice Areas / Taxation

The Dunahoo Law Firm teams with an established C.P.A. firm in Des Moines to deal with tax disputes and negotiate tax settlements and payment arrangements with the Internal Revenue Service and the Iowa Department of Revenue (of which both agencies are located in Des Moines).

Although delinquent or back taxes (federal or state) generally are not dischargable in a bankruptcy (except under very limited circumstances), filing a bankruptcy still might be helpful in order for you either (1) to discharge (in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy) your other delinquent bills for such unsecured items as credit cards, medical bills, or unsecured/signature loans and thus make it easier to payoff your delinquent tax debt in monthly payments or (2) to payoff (in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy) the delinquent tax bill (and any other debts) and thus avoid garnishment or other collections methods.

Any unpaid tax matter should be resolved (at least by establishing a payment plan), before a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is filed. Anyone with a tax levy or tax-related garnishment needs to consult with an attorney immediately, as either a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy will stop tax collection immediately upon filing and may provide a reasonable opportunity for a more favorable payment schedule than through a tax-related garnishment.

The Dunahoo Law Firm does not prepare tax returns but consults with a local C.P.A. firm regarding getting any back returns filed before any tax settlement negotiations or bankruptcy filings.

[See DLF Website Forms Nos. 48-50]

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