The top-rated tax relief attorneie in New Bedford, Massachusetts is d'Oliveira & Associates, p.c., rated 4.9 stars across 356 reviews. Other highly rated options include Alves Law Group, P.C., Sargent Law, P.C., Logan A. Weinkauf, P.C.. This directory lists 23 tax relief attorneies serving New Bedford.
Comparison
| # | Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | d'Oliveira & Associates, p.c. | 930 Kempton St | (508) 984-8400 |
| 2 | Alves Law Group, P.C. | 179 William St | (508) 403-9813 |
| 3 | Sargent Law, P.C. | 414 County St | (508) 993-9444 |
| 4 | Logan A. Weinkauf, P.C. | 18 N Water St | (774) 205-1984 |
| 5 | Law Offices of Tara M. George | 11 N Orchard St | (508) 996-0636 |
| 6 | Brian M. Glover, PC - Attorney at Law | 227 Union St #402 | (508) 990-4555 |
| 7 | Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes P.C. | 35 Arnold St | (508) 994-5200 |
| 8 | FURTADO LAW | 93 Spring St | (508) 992-0069 |
| 9 | Tax Lady | 2051 Acushnet Ave | (508) 676-5846 |
| 10 | Ashkar & Gomes, P.C. | 13 Centre St #2 | (508) 901-9120 |
d'Oliveira & Associates, p.c. serves clients in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and the surrounding Bristol County area. The firm focuses on tax relief attorney services, assisting individuals and businesses with disputes involving the IRS and state tax authorities. Attorneys work to reduce tax debts, negotiate penalty abatements, and resolve wage garnishments or bank levies. The practice also handles offers in compromise, which allow qualified taxpayers to settle their back taxes for less than the full amount owed, and installment agreement negotiations with tax agencies.
Alves Law Group, P.C. offers tax relief services including negotiation of tax debt settlements, penalty abatements, and installment agreements. It assists clients with IRS and state tax compliance and resolution. Its service approach involves reviewing client financial situations to develop strategies for reducing or managing tax liabilities. The firm handles tax matters for single-family homes, apartments, retail establishments, and restaurants in New Bedford, MA.
Sargent Law, P.C. serves homeowners, businesses, and property managers in New Bedford, Massachusetts, who are struggling with federal or state tax liabilities. The firm handles IRS tax relief matters, including offers in compromise and installment agreements, helping clients resolve back taxes and wage garnishments. Its practice also covers tax debt negotiation and penalty abatement for local residents. The office serves clients throughout Bristol County, including the nearby communities of Fall River and Dartmouth.
Logan A. Weinkauf, P.C. serves clients in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and the surrounding South Coast communities. The firm handles tax debt resolution, IRS negotiations, and audit representation for both individuals and small businesses. For a typical job, it starts with a thorough review of the client's tax situation and relevant documentation. Then it develops a targeted strategy to reduce the total liability or establish a manageable payment plan with taxing authorities.
The Law Offices of Tara M. George provides legal guidance on resolving tax liabilities and navigating disputes with tax authorities. Located in New Bedford, MA, the practice specializes in appeals, offers in compromise, and penalty abatement for individuals and businesses. It assists commercial operations, including local offices, warehouses, and food service establishments, with their unique tax compliance obligations.
Brian M. Glover, PC - Attorney at Law in New Bedford, MA distinguishes between one-time tax resolution services and ongoing representation for clients with recurring IRS or state tax issues. The practice guides individuals and businesses through audits, back tax payments, and penalty negotiations common for New England taxpayers. All assistance is delivered on an as-needed basis with no scheduled retainer structure for continued meetings.
Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes P.C. provides tax relief services including IRS negotiation, audit representation, and lien resolution for clients in New Bedford. The firm also handles general tax preparation and planning for individuals and small businesses throughout southeastern Massachusetts. It assists with back tax issues and unpaid tax notices from the state or federal government. During tax season, it helps clients handle unexpected audit notices or levy threats before deadlines.
Furtado Law serves residential clients in New Bedford with tax resolution services, including IRS notice responses and audit representation. The firm also handles tax relief matters for commercial businesses throughout the greater Bristol County area. Services address liens, levies, and installment agreements to help clients manage outstanding tax debt. After initial resolution, the firm offers follow-up support to ensure continued compliance between regular tax filing visits.
As tax season approaches, residents of New Bedford often face mounting concerns over unpaid obligations or audits from state and federal authorities. Tax Lady provides legal assistance to individuals and small businesses navigating these complex disputes. The firm focuses on resolving tax liens, wage garnishments, and penalty abatement through direct negotiation with the IRS and Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Clients begin with an initial review of their tax history and financial situation to determine the most appropriate path toward resolution or a payment arrangement.
Ashkar & Gomes, P.C. is known for providing tax relief representation to individuals and businesses in the New Bedford, MA area. Their services cover a range of issues including IRS tax debt resolution, audits, and back tax filings. The firm works to negotiate settlements and payment plans with taxing authorities. A specific specialty service they offer is helping clients secure offers in compromise with the Internal Revenue Service.
What Does a a Tax Relief Attorney in New Bedford Cost?
Typical costs for a tax relief attorney in Massachusetts range from $3,000 to $10,000 for straightforward cases involving installment agreements or penalty abatement requests. For more complex cases such as offers in compromise, innocent spouse relief, or tax litigation, fees can range from $7,500 to $25,000 or more depending on the number of tax years involved and the amount of tax debt. Most attorneys charge a flat fee for specific services, with payment plans available for the attorneys fees, though the tax debt itself must be paid to the IRS or Massachusetts DOR separately.
This information is general and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with a qualified tax relief attorney in New Bedford to discuss your specific situation and obtain a fee estimate based on the details of your case.
About tax relief attorneies in New Bedford
Tax relief attorneys in New Bedford, Massachusetts provide legal representation for individuals and businesses facing serious tax collection actions from the Internal Revenue Service and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. These professionals handle a wide range of issues including back taxes, IRS audits, tax liens, tax levies, wage garnishments, offers in compromise, installment agreements, and penalty abatement. The legal landscape for tax resolution in New Bedford is shaped by both federal tax law and Massachusetts state tax code, requiring an attorney who understands the specific procedures of the IRS and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Residents of New Bedford who owe back taxes often face compounding penalties and interest that can double their original tax debt within a few years if left unresolved. A tax relief attorney can intervene to stop collection actions, negotiate with tax authorities, and develop a strategy to resolve the debt in the most favorable manner possible under the law. The goal of tax relief representation is to achieve a resolution that minimizes financial harm while ensuring compliance with all tax obligations.
Federal tax issues in New Bedford typically begin when the IRS sends a series of collection notices starting with a CP14 notice for unpaid balance, followed by a CP501, CP503, and CP504 notice over a period of approximately 120 days. If the taxpayer does not respond, the IRS files a Notice of Federal Tax Lien, which attaches to all property owned by the taxpayer and severely damages credit scores. The next step in the collection process is a levy, where the IRS seizes bank accounts, garnishes wages, or takes physical assets such as vehicles or real estate. The statute of limitations on federal tax collections is 10 years from the date of assessment, after which the IRS cannot legally collect the debt. However, certain actions such as filing an offer in compromise or requesting a collection due process hearing can extend this period. Innocent spouse relief is available for New Bedford residents who filed joint returns with a spouse who understated tax liability, allowing the innocent spouse to be relieved of responsibility for the tax debt. Currently not collectible status is an option for taxpayers who can demonstrate that paying the tax debt would cause financial hardship, meaning they have insufficient income to pay basic living expenses and the tax debt.
State tax issues in New Bedford are handled by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, which has its own enforcement powers separate from the IRS. The Massachusetts DOR can file state tax liens, levy bank accounts, garnish wages, and seize assets without a court order. State-specific penalties in Massachusetts include a failure to file penalty of 1 percent per month up to 25 percent of the tax due, and a failure to pay penalty of 0.5 percent per month up to 25 percent. Massachusetts offers its own offer in compromise program for taxpayers who cannot pay their full state tax liability, though the criteria are different from the federal program. The Massachusetts DOR also has a penalty abatement program for first-time noncompliance or reasonable cause, similar to the IRS program. State tax liens in Massachusetts remain in effect for 6 years and can be renewed, making them a long-term burden on a taxpayers credit and ability to sell property. New Bedford residents dealing with state tax issues should be aware that Massachusetts has a 3-year statute of limitations for assessing additional tax and a 6-year statute of limitations for collecting assessed tax, though these periods can be extended by agreement or certain actions.
Resolution options for tax debt in New Bedford include the offer in compromise, which allows taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed. To qualify for a federal offer in compromise, the taxpayer must demonstrate that they cannot pay the full amount within the remaining collection statute of limitations, or that paying the full amount would create economic hardship. The IRS typically requires a lump sum payment of 20 percent of the offer amount with the application, or a periodic payment plan over 6 to 24 months. Installment agreements are the most common resolution option, allowing taxpayers to pay their tax debt in monthly payments over up to 72 months for the IRS and up to 60 months for Massachusetts. Penalty abatement is available for first-time penalty abatement under IRS policy, or for reasonable cause such as serious illness, natural disaster, or reliance on incorrect professional advice. Bankruptcy discharge of taxes is possible under certain conditions, including that the tax debt is at least 3 years old, the return was filed at least 2 years before filing bankruptcy, and the tax was assessed at least 240 days before filing. However, not all taxes are dischargeable in bankruptcy, and certain priority tax claims must be paid in full.
Hiring expectations for a tax relief attorney in New Bedford typically involve flat fees ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the complexity of the case. Some attorneys charge hourly rates between $300 and $600 per hour, with total costs varying based on the number of hours required to resolve the case. It is important to watch out for tax relief scams that promise to settle tax debt for pennies on the dollar or guarantee results before reviewing the taxpayers financial situation. Legitimate tax relief attorneys will conduct a thorough analysis of the taxpayers financial circumstances before recommending a specific resolution strategy. Enrolled agents are federally licensed tax practitioners who can represent taxpayers before the IRS, but they are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or represent clients in court. Certified public accountants can also represent taxpayers before the IRS but have the same limitations as enrolled agents. Attorneys have the broadest scope of representation, including the ability to file lawsuits, handle appeals, and provide legal advice on complex tax issues. When choosing a tax relief attorney in New Bedford, it is advisable to verify their license with the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers and check for any disciplinary history.
The appropriate time to hire a tax relief attorney in New Bedford is when you receive an IRS notice of intent to levy, have a revenue officer assigned to your case, or experience a bank account levy or wage garnishment. Other triggering events include receiving an audit notification from the IRS or Massachusetts DOR, having unfiled tax returns for multiple years, or receiving a Notice of Federal Tax Lien filing. Waiting too long to seek legal representation can result in the IRS or Massachusetts DOR seizing assets, freezing bank accounts, or garnishing wages without warning. Taxpayers who have unfiled returns should contact an attorney immediately because the IRS can file substitute returns on their behalf, which typically result in higher tax liabilities and no credits or deductions. An attorney can also help taxpayers who have received a notice of deficiency from the Tax Court, giving them 90 days to file a petition to challenge the IRS determination. In New Bedford, the local IRS office is located in Providence, Rhode Island, and the Massachusetts DOR has an office in Boston, so having local legal representation can streamline communication and document submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific Massachusetts laws affect tax relief cases for New Bedford residents?
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 62C governs the administration of state taxes, including the Massachusetts DORs authority to levy bank accounts and garnish wages without a court order. Massachusetts has a 6-year statute of limitations for collecting state tax debts, which is shorter than the federal 10-year period, but the state can renew liens indefinitely. Massachusetts also offers a voluntary disclosure program for taxpayers with unfiled returns, allowing them to come into compliance with reduced penalties if they apply before the DOR discovers the noncompliance.
How much does a tax relief attorney in New Bedford typically cost?
Tax relief attorneys in New Bedford generally charge flat fees between $3,000 and $10,000 for standard cases, with more complex cases involving audits or litigation costing $15,000 or more. Hourly rates range from $300 to $600 per hour, and most attorneys require a retainer of $2,500 to $5,000 upfront before beginning work. Some attorneys offer payment plans for their fees, but the IRS and Massachusetts DOR require full payment of any settlement or installment agreement before the attorney can close the case.
What is the legal process for resolving tax debt with the Massachusetts DOR?
The process begins with the Massachusetts DOR sending a Notice of Assessment and Demand for Payment, followed by a Final Notice of Intent to Levy after 30 days. Taxpayers have the right to request a Collection Due Process hearing within 30 days of the final notice, which can stop collection actions temporarily. The Massachusetts DOR typically takes 4 to 6 months to process an offer in compromise application, and installment agreements can be set up in 2 to 3 months if all required financial documentation is provided.