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FAQ

Lapekas Law was founded to help people get peace of mind from their IRS problems through competent, fair, transparent, and personable representation. The first step is to help someone understand what their problem is, by explaining the law as it applies to their situation, and what the IRS can–or cannot–do. We believe that no one should pay the IRS more than they owe or more than they can afford to pay. Taxpayers have rights. We fight for them.

Although every case is different and depends on a number of factors, below is a list of frequently asked questions to give you an idea of what to expect. If you are facing a tax problem yourself, you may Schedule a Consultation and we are happy to assist you.

What do I need to do before my initial consultation with Lapekas Law?
Before your initial consultation, there are a few things you should get together. First, complete and submit the intake form. Then, gather any notices you have received from the IRS. We can discuss what these notices mean during the consultation. They will also help us understand your current status with the IRS, and help us consider what our first step should be towards resolving your issue.
I'm Being Audited By The IRS. What Do I Do?
Every year, the IRS selects a number of returns and checks them for inconsistencies or other errors. It’s important to note that while the process can be stressful, they aren’t necessarily doing it because they suspect you of any wrongdoing. You may have been chosen at random and the IRS may only be making sure your information is reported correctly.

If you are being audited or want to appeal the results of a recent audit, we can help you gain peace of mind that the results of the audit are correct and you are treated fairly. Lapekas Law will communicate with the IRS on your behalf, and if applicable, present facts and legal authority to reduce the amount of tax the IRS says you owe, negotiate settlements or payment arrangements, and potentially identify situations where the IRS owes you money!

Are Tax Lawyer Fees Tax Deductible?
The fees you pay to Lapekas Law might be tax deductible. The Internal Revenue Code allows you to deduct legal fees paid in connection with the determination, collection, or refund of any tax of a business. Expenses for resolving nonbusiness tax issues are miscellaneous itemized deductions and are no longer deductible. However, every situation is different, and we encourage you to consult with us or another tax professional before claiming the expense on your return.
Is It True That The IRS Will Forgive My Tax Debt After 10 Years?
Yes and no. Generally, the IRS has 10 years to collect a tax debt. After that, the law prohibits the IRS from collecting the debt. However, there are numerous exceptions. One of the most important things anyone representing you on a tax matter should consider is (1) when the 10-year clock started ticking; (2) what actions have occurred that stopped the clock from running; and (3) whether the it is in your best interest to take certain actions in light of the statute of limitations. It is not uncommon for representatives to unknowingly give the IRS numerous additional years to collect taxes because the representative failed to recognize the consequence of their actions on the collection statute of limitations. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to hire someone who is familiar with both IRS policies and procedures and the law. Failing to file a return, requesting an installment agreement or Offer in Compromise, or requesting a Collection Due Process Hearing are some of the actions that either prevent or stop the 10-year clock from running. Accordingly, before taking any action towards resolving your tax issues, the long-term consequences must be considered.  
Do I Really Need A Tax Lawyer?

Our founding attorney, Karen J. Lapekas, served as a Senior Attorney for the IRS Office of Chief Counsel in Miami, Florida. There, she saw countless cases where people lost cases against the IRS because they represented themselves (and were not familiar with the law) or received incompetent representation from “tax relief companies” they found on T.V. Unlike those companies, we don’t believe in taking every case or making unrealistic promises. Before we take a case, we discuss your potential options, including whether you may be able to resolve the issue on your own!