The top-rated tax relief attorneie in Honolulu, Hawaii is Blake Goodman, PC, Bankruptcy & Debt Settlement Attorneys, rated 5.0 stars across 735 reviews. Other highly rated options include Greg Dunn Bankruptcy and Debt Relief Attorney, Ed Magauran AAL, Hawaii Debt Solutions. This directory lists 32 tax relief attorneies serving Honolulu.
Comparison
| # | Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blake Goodman, PC, Bankruptcy & Debt Settlement Attorneys | 900 Fort Street Mall #910 | (808) 517-5446 |
| 2 | Greg Dunn Bankruptcy and Debt Relief Attorney | 841 Bishop St Suite 2221 | (808) 524-4529 |
| 3 | Ed Magauran AAL | 1188 Bishop St STE 2610 | (808) 585-1000 |
| 4 | Hawaii Debt Solutions | 1050 Queen St | (808) 468-7000 |
| 5 | Lars Peterson Hawaii Bankruptcy Attorney | 745 Fort St #801 | (808) 589-1010 |
| 6 | RP TAX SERVICE | 930 McCully St #203 | (808) 946-7297 |
| 7 | Law Office of Keoni Souza LLC | 1188 Bishop St STE 2706 | (808) 725-3456 |
| 8 | Hawaii Tax Filings LLC | 1200 Ala Moana Blvd #380 | (808) 343-1413 |
| 9 | Tax Relief Services | 1259 S Beretania St. # 2 | (808) 589-2322 |
| 10 | HARPTA Help LLC | 1950 Young St Suite 480 | (808) 737-4412 |
Blake Goodman, PC, Bankruptcy & Debt Settlement Attorneys serves Honolulu, Hawaii, as a firm focused on tax relief matters. It assists clients with resolving outstanding liabilities owed to state and federal tax authorities. The firm navigates complex tax codes to achieve manageable payment arrangements or reduce penalties. It also addresses tax-related challenges stemming from unpaid business taxes or personal returns. Specific services it handles in this area include negotiating offers in compromise with the IRS and representing taxpayers in installment agreement formulations.
Greg Dunn Bankruptcy and Debt Relief Attorney, located in Honolulu, HI, provides tax relief services including IRS dispute resolution, tax lien negotiation, and penalty abatement assistance. The firm offers case evaluation and ongoing representation to address client tax obligations and manage repayment strategies. Its services are available for individuals with single-family homes and apartments, as well as commercial properties such as retail spaces and restaurants in need of tax debt resolution.
Homeowners and businesses in Honolulu seeking resolution with the IRS or Hawaii Department of Taxation can consult Ed Magauran AAL for tax relief services. This firm assists clients with tax negotiation, lien removal, and payment plan arrangements to reduce outstanding burdens. It addresses wage garnishments and unfiled returns for individual and commercial accounts. The practice also covers tax defense and audit representation across the broader Oahu metropolitan area, including communities from Waikiki to Pearl City.
As tax season reaches its peak in Honolulu, many residents find themselves facing notices from the IRS or the State of Hawaii. Hawaii Debt Solutions provides representation for individuals and businesses who need help resolving these tax burdens. Services include negotiating with tax authorities to reduce penalties or establish manageable payment plans. The firm focuses exclusively on tax relief in the local community. An initial assessment can be scheduled by calling their Honolulu office to review your specific tax situation.
Homeowners, landlords, and small business owners in Honolulu struggling with overdue tax debts or IRS liens contact Lars Peterson Hawaii Bankruptcy Attorney for professional tax relief counsel. Common services include negotiating penalty abatements, structuring affordable payment plans with taxing authorities, and advising on bankruptcy options when liabilities become unmanageable. The firm’s guidance aims to provide a clear path toward financial stability. Attorney schedules cover central Honolulu and also extend into the nearby communities of Kapahulu for client convenience.
RP TAX SERVICE provides residential tax relief representation in Honolulu, HI. The company also handles commercial tax disputes and audits across the greater Honolulu metropolitan area. Clients receive assistance with IRS negotiations, penalty abatement, and installment agreement preparation. Each case is reviewed thoroughly to determine an appropriate resolution strategy. Follow-up is conducted after initial filings to confirm compliance status, and repeat service is offered between regular tax cycles for ongoing support.
The Law Office of Keoni Souza LLC serves clients in Honolulu, Hawaii, and throughout the surrounding communities on the island of Oahu. The firm handles tax relief matters, including IRS and state tax controversies, audits, and offers in compromise. Keoni Souza’s practice provides representation for individuals and businesses facing tax debt or compliance issues. To address a typical case, the office begins with a thorough review of the client's financial and tax history, then develops a strategy for resolution.
Hawaii Tax Filings LLC provides tax relief attorney services for Honolulu, offering solutions for both one-time tax issues and ongoing obligations such as installment agreements or offers in compromise. Their coverage extends to clients needing resolution for back taxes, wage garnishments, or unfiled returns throughout the local Oahu area. Services address audits, abatements, penalty reductions, and defense against levy actions in these cases. This firm runs its expert consultations and representation strictly on an as-needed basis for each client’s specific situation.
Tax Relief Services offers focused guidance on resolving Internal Revenue Service disputes, including offers in compromise and penalty abatement. The Honolulu firm represents taxpayers facing liens, levies, or wage garnishments. Its attorneys also handle local state tax matters common in Hawaii’s economy. By analyzing each client’s financial situation, the practice works to negotiate manageable payment solutions with taxing authorities. For business owners or individuals navigating tax season shortfalls, the firm provides assistance during quarterly estimated payment deadlines and unexpected deficiency notices.
What Does a a Tax Relief Attorney in Honolulu Cost?
The cost of hiring a tax relief attorney in Honolulu varies widely based on the complexity of your case. Simple matters such as setting up an installment agreement or requesting a penalty abatement typically cost between $3,000 and $5,000 in flat fees. More complex cases like an offer in compromise, which requires detailed financial analysis and negotiation, range from $5,000 to $10,000. Audit representation can cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more, especially if the audit involves multiple years or business returns. Some attorneys charge hourly rates of $300 to $600, with total costs depending on the hours required, which can be difficult to estimate upfront. Many firms offer free initial consultations and may accept payment plans for their fees, though they typically require a retainer before beginning work.
This information is general and does not constitute legal advice. Tax laws and fees change frequently, and your specific situation may differ. You should consult with a qualified tax relief attorney in Honolulu to discuss your case and obtain a personalized fee estimate.
About tax relief attorneies in Honolulu
Tax relief attorneys in Honolulu provide legal representation for individuals and businesses facing serious tax problems with the Internal Revenue Service and the Hawaii Department of Taxation. These professionals handle a wide range of issues including back taxes owed to federal and state authorities, IRS audits that can last months or years, tax liens filed against property, tax levies that seize bank accounts or other assets, and wage garnishment that takes a portion of your paycheck directly. Resolution strategies such as offers in compromise allow taxpayers to settle their debt for less than the full amount owed, installment agreements create manageable monthly payment plans, and penalty abatement requests can remove or reduce costly penalties assessed by the IRS or the state. Each case is unique, and the specific facts of your financial situation, the amount owed, and the type of tax involved will determine which approach is most appropriate.
Federal tax issues often begin with a series of IRS notices that escalate in severity. The first notice typically requests payment, followed by a second notice demanding payment within 30 days, and then a Notice of Federal Tax Lien filing that becomes public record and damages your credit score. If the debt remains unpaid, the IRS can issue a levy that seizes your bank account funds, wages, or other assets without a court order. The statute of limitations on federal tax collections is 10 years from the date of assessment, meaning the IRS generally cannot collect after that period expires, though certain actions like filing for bankruptcy or entering into an installment agreement can pause or extend this clock. Innocent spouse relief is available for married taxpayers who filed jointly but should not be held responsible for a spouses tax errors or omissions, while currently not collectible status allows taxpayers to temporarily stop payments if they can prove financial hardship with no ability to pay.
State tax issues in Hawaii involve the Hawaii Department of Taxation, which has its own enforcement powers separate from the IRS. The state can file a tax lien against your real property or personal property, issue a levy against your bank account or wages, and revoke professional licenses or drivers licenses for nonpayment. Hawaii imposes its own penalties, including a 5 percent per month late payment penalty up to 25 percent, plus interest at a rate set quarterly by the state. The state offer in compromise program is more limited than the federal version, typically requiring a lump sum payment of at least 20 percent of the total liability upfront, and it is only available for certain types of taxes such as general excise tax or income tax. State tax liens in Hawaii remain in effect for up to 10 years and can be renewed, making it critical to address these issues promptly to avoid long-term damage to your financial standing.
Resolution options vary depending on your circumstances. An offer in compromise with the IRS allows you to settle your tax debt for a lump sum that reflects your reasonable collection potential, which is calculated based on your income, assets, and future earning capacity. The IRS typically requires a 20 percent down payment with the application unless you qualify for a lump sum offer paid in five or fewer installments or a periodic payment offer paid over 6 to 24 months. Installment agreements are more common and allow monthly payments over an extended period, with setup fees ranging from $31 for direct debit agreements to $225 for non-direct debit agreements, though low-income taxpayers may qualify for reduced fees. Penalty abatement is available for first-time penalty abatement if you have no prior penalties in the previous three years, or for reasonable cause such as serious illness, natural disaster, or reliance on incorrect professional advice. Bankruptcy can discharge certain tax debts if they meet specific criteria, including that the tax return was filed at least two years before filing bankruptcy, the tax was assessed at least 240 days before filing, and the tax is for a return due at least three years before filing.
When hiring a tax relief attorney in Honolulu, you should expect to pay flat fees ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the complexity of your case, with simple installment agreement cases on the lower end and offer in compromise or audit representation on the higher end. Some attorneys charge hourly rates between $300 and $600 per hour, though flat fees are more common for standard cases. Be cautious of tax relief scams where firms promise unrealistic results, demand full payment upfront, or claim they can settle your debt for pennies on the dollar without reviewing your financial details. Enrolled agents are federally licensed tax practitioners who specialize in tax resolution, CPAs have accounting expertise but may not have litigation experience, and attorneys can represent you in court and provide legal advice on bankruptcy, liens, and other legal matters. For complex cases involving significant debt or legal issues, an attorney is often the best choice due to their ability to handle litigation and negotiate with both the IRS and the Hawaii Department of Taxation.
You should hire a tax relief attorney as soon as you receive an IRS notice demanding payment, especially if the notice indicates a balance due or a pending lien. If a revenue officer has been assigned to your case, that means the IRS is actively pursuing collection and may visit your home or business. If your bank account has been levied, the IRS or state has already seized funds, and you need immediate legal intervention to stop further seizures. Wage garnishment from either the IRS or the Hawaii Department of Taxation requires prompt action to negotiate a release or payment plan. Audit notification letters should not be ignored, as failing to respond can result in default assessments and additional penalties. Unfiled returns are a serious issue because the IRS can file substitute returns on your behalf, which often result in higher tax liabilities and no deductions or credits. In all these situations, an attorney can protect your rights, negotiate with tax authorities, and help you find a resolution that fits your financial situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific Hawaii state laws affect tax relief cases in Honolulu?
Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 231 governs state tax collection, including a 10-year statute of limitations on collections similar to federal law, but the state can renew liens for additional 10-year periods. Hawaii offers a state offer in compromise program that requires a minimum 20 percent down payment and is limited to general excise tax and income tax liabilities. The state can revoke drivers licenses and professional licenses for unpaid taxes, which is a unique enforcement tool not available to the IRS.
How much does a tax relief attorney cost in Honolulu?
Flat fees for tax relief cases in Honolulu typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for standard matters like installment agreements or offers in compromise, with more complex cases such as audit representation or tax litigation costing $10,000 to $25,000 or more. Hourly rates for experienced tax attorneys range from $300 to $600 per hour, and many firms require a retainer of $2,500 to $5,000 upfront. Some attorneys offer free initial consultations, but be wary of firms demanding full payment before any work is done.
What is the typical process for a tax relief case in Hawaii?
The process begins with a consultation where the attorney reviews your tax notices, financial documents, and prior returns to assess your situation. The attorney then obtains a power of attorney to communicate with the IRS or Hawaii Department of Taxation on your behalf, which stops direct contact from collectors. The resolution phase involves negotiating an offer in compromise, installment agreement, or penalty abatement, which can take 6 to 12 months for federal cases and 3 to 6 months for state cases, depending on the complexity and responsiveness of the tax agency.