Bankruptcy
Will Bankruptcy Eliminate My Taxes?
Irvine, California Tax Debt Attorney
(949) 474-1820
Yes, bankruptcy can wipe out some tax debts. However, not all taxes can be discharged, and if a bankruptcy lawyer does not understand taxation law it can have disastrous effects on your finances.
As an experienced California tax debt attorney, I have advised many small business owners and individuals about Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy. I offer 20 years of exclusive practice in tax law, and hold an LL.M. (master's degree) in Taxation. The Law Offices of Scott Kauffman represents clients in Irvine, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach and all of Ocean County.
Bankruptcy May Be the Answer, But Be Careful
If you are considering filing for Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy to escape from overwhelming tax debts, make sure you get solid tax legal advice! About once a month some poor taxpayer comes to my office who just filed for bankruptcy, only to find they still owe back taxes.
My Role in Your Bankruptcy
I am not a bankruptcy lawyer, and I do not fill out your application or file it with the court. I do review your finances and tax returns and advise you about which of your tax debts can be discharged. I issue a written legal opinion that you can take to a lawyer who handles bankruptcies.
One client who came to me too late could have discharged $70,000 in tax debts if she had waited just 45 more days to file her bankruptcy. Because she got bad advice from a previous lawyer not well versed in tax law, she is stuck with this tax nightmare for eight years!
In general, recent taxes cannot be written off in bankruptcy. Older tax debts are dischargeable if it has been at least:
(a) three years since the due date of the tax return
(b) and two years since the return was actually filed.
There is no upper limit on the amount of taxes discharges, as long as these conditions are met.
Don't let this happen to you! You work hard for your dollars. Retain a California tax debt attorney who will advise you if bankruptcy will work for you -- and then make it work for you.
Orange County Bankruptcy Lawyer
California Tax Debt Attorney
Based in Irvine, California, Orange County tax attorney Scott Kauffman provides tax law assistance throughout California, including Orange County, the Inland Empire, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County including the cities of Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Costa Mesa, Anaheim and Santa Ana. The firm also provides advice and representation to out-of-state clients with tax problems in California.
