Tax Problems Services

Tax issues with the IRS or state agencies can feel overwhelming, but they are often resolvable with the right guidance and a clear plan of action.


At Byrd and Massey, we assist our clients in addressing a variety of tax issues, including IRS notices, unpaid balances, penalty concerns, and other compliance matters. Our goal is to help you understand your options and work toward a practical resolution.


Tax problems generally do not resolve on their own, and addressing them early can help limit additional penalties and interest. Taking timely action is an important step toward regaining control of your situation.


Our focus is on helping you make informed decisions throughout the year so you can approach taxes with greater clarity and confidence.


Proactive planning helps clients reduce surprises at tax time and make better long-term financial decisions. Our role is to help you understand your options and apply strategies appropriately within the tax code.

IRS Audit Representation

Receiving an IRS audit notice can be stressful and time-consuming, especially when you're unsure what is required or how to respond. An audit typically involves reviewing specific items on your tax return and providing documentation to support the information reported.


At Byrd and Massey, we represent our clients during IRS and state tax audits, helping you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.


Our role is to communicate directly with the IRS on your behalf, respond to information requests, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. In most cases, this means you do not need to speak with the IRS directly.


We assist you in gathering and organizing the necessary documentation and work to present your information in a clear and accurate manner. Our goal is to help make the audit process as efficient and manageable as possible while minimizing disruption to your business or personal life.



By having a representative involved, many clients find the process less stressful and more structured, with clear communication and professional guidance at every step.

Non-Filed Tax Returns

Unfiled tax returns can become increasingly complicated over time. The IRS and state agencies may eventually file returns on your behalf using available information, which may not include deductions or credits you could otherwise claim.


Addressing unfiled returns proactively is an important step toward regaining compliance and reducing potential penalties and interest. In many cases, taking action sooner can help provide more options and a clearer path forward.


We assist clients in preparing and filing prior-year tax returns and bringing their tax filings up to date. Once returns are completed, we review your overall tax situation and help you understand any balances due and available resolution options.


Our goal is to help you move from uncertainty to compliance with a structured, practical plan.

Back Taxes Owed

Owing back taxes can happen for many reasons—unexpected financial changes, cash flow challenges, or simply not being able to pay the full amount when your return was filed. Over time, unpaid balances can grow due to interest and penalties, making the situation feel more overwhelming.


The IRS will continue to assess interest and penalties on any unpaid tax balance until it is resolved. If left unaddressed, notices and collection actions may follow.

The important thing to know is that you have options. You do not need to resolve everything at once, and in many cases, the full balance does not need to be paid immediately.


We help clients review their outstanding tax balances and evaluate available resolution options. Depending on your situation, this may include installment agreements, penalty relief considerations, or other IRS-approved arrangements.


Our goal is to help you move from uncertainty to a clear, manageable plan for resolving your tax debt.

Payroll Tax Problems

Payroll tax issues are among the most serious tax matters a business can face because they involve both employer taxes and employee withholding amounts that must be remitted to the IRS and state agencies.


When payroll taxes are not filed or paid on time, penalties and interest can accumulate quickly, significantly increasing the total amount owed. In some cases, the IRS may also initiate collection actions to address outstanding liabilities.


If your business is behind on payroll taxes, it is important to address the situation as early as possible. Prompt action can help preserve more resolution options and prevent the issue from escalating further.


We assist our small business owners in reviewing payroll tax liabilities, filing missing returns when needed, and working toward resolution with the IRS and state agencies. Our goal is to help you stabilize the situation and develop a practical plan to move forward.


Because payroll tax matters can be complex, many business owners find it helpful to work with a representative who understands the process and can communicate directly with tax authorities on their behalf.

IRS Tax Liens

A federal tax lien is a legal claim the IRS may file when taxes are unpaid. It helps the government secure its interest in your property, including real estate, business assets, and other financial holdings.


Once a lien is filed, it becomes part of the public record and may be reported to credit bureaus. This can affect your ability to obtain financing, refinance existing debt, or complete certain financial transactions until the issue is resolved.


Tax liens can involve individuals, jointly filed returns, or business entities, depending on where the tax liability exists.


The good news is that tax liens are not permanent. In many cases, they can be resolved through payment arrangements, settlements, or other IRS-approved solutions, and may be released once the underlying tax issue is addressed.


We help our clients understand the implications of a federal tax lien and work toward practical resolution options that align with their financial situation and goals.


What You Can Do Next


If you are dealing with a federal tax lien, there are several potential steps that may help improve your situation depending on your circumstances:


  • Review your tax balance to confirm what is owed and how it was assessed
  • Establish an IRS installment agreement to resolve the balance over time
  • Explore whether you may qualify for a lien release, subordination, or withdrawal in certain situations
  • Consider options to resolve the underlying tax debt, which is typically required before a lien can be removed
  • Address any unfiled tax returns that may be contributing to the issue


Each situation is different, and the best path forward depends on your financial position, filing history, and IRS account status.


At Byrd and Massey, we help you evaluate your options and work toward a resolution strategy that is realistic and manageable for your situation.

IRS Levies

An IRS levy is a legal action that allows the government to collect unpaid tax debts directly from wages, bank accounts, or other assets after prior attempts to resolve the balance have not been successful.


Levies may affect items such as bank accounts, wages, business income, and in some cases other financial assets. Once in place, a levy can create immediate financial disruption and make it difficult to manage everyday expenses.


A wage levy (or garnishment) may result in a portion of your paycheck being directed to the IRS until the tax debt is addressed. This can significantly impact your take-home pay and financial stability.


In some situations, the IRS may also levy bank accounts or other assets as part of the collection process.


The important thing to know is that levies can often be addressed. In many cases, they may be released or stopped once communication is established and a resolution plan is in place.


At Byrd and Massey, we work with our clients to respond quickly to levy actions, communicate with the IRS on your behalf, and pursue options to resolve the underlying tax issue. Our goal is to help restore access to your income and move toward a manageable resolution.

IRS Wage Garnishment

An IRS wage garnishment occurs when the IRS directs your employer to withhold a portion of your paycheck and send it directly toward your unpaid tax debt. This typically happens after a Notice of Intent to Levy has been issued, and no resolution has been reached within the required timeframe.


Once a wage garnishment is in place, your employer is legally required to comply with the IRS instructions and withhold the specified amount from each paycheck. This process continues until the tax liability is resolved or other arrangements are made with the IRS.


A garnishment can significantly impact your take-home pay and make it difficult to manage regular living expenses.


The good news is that wage garnishments can often be addressed. In many cases, they may be released or replaced with a more manageable payment arrangement once communication is established with the IRS.


At Byrd and Massey, we help clients respond to wage garnishments, communicate with the IRS, and evaluate resolution options such as installment agreements or other approved payment arrangements. Our goal is to help stop the garnishment when possible and establish a sustainable path forward.

IRS Payment Plan

If you are unable to pay your tax balance in full, the IRS offers installment agreements that allow eligible taxpayers to pay their debt over time through monthly payments.


A payment plan may provide a structured way to resolve tax debt while remaining in compliance with IRS requirements, as long as the agreement is maintained according to its terms.


It is important to understand that interest and penalties typically continue to accrue on any unpaid balance until the debt is fully paid.

Offer In Compromise

The IRS Offer in Compromise (OIC) program allows certain taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed when they qualify based on their financial situation.


Eligibility is generally based on the taxpayer’s ability to pay, income, expenses, asset equity, and overall collection potential. The IRS reviews detailed financial information to determine whether an offer is appropriate under its guidelines.


In some cases, taxpayers may be approved to settle their tax liability for less than the full balance, including penalties and interest. However, acceptance is not guaranteed, and most applicants do not qualify.


The IRS evaluates each case individually and requires full financial disclosure as part of the application process.


At Byrd and Massey, we help our clients understand how the Offer in Compromise program works and whether it may be a potential option based on their financial circumstances. We assist in reviewing the requirements and determining whether pursuing an offer is appropriate.


Our goal is to help you understand realistic resolution options so you can make informed decisions about your tax situation.

Bankruptcy and Tax Debt

In certain situations, some tax debts may be dischargeable through bankruptcy. However, the ability to eliminate income tax liabilities depends on specific legal requirements and the facts of each case.


Not all tax debt qualifies for discharge, and strict rules must be met regarding the type of tax, the timing of the return filing, and other eligibility factors. As a result, bankruptcy is not a solution that applies to every situation involving back taxes.


Careful financial and tax analysis is important before considering this option. Understanding how bankruptcy laws interact with tax obligations can help determine whether it may be a viable part of an overall resolution strategy.

Innocent Spouse Relief

In certain situations, a taxpayer may qualify for relief from tax, interest, and penalties resulting from a joint tax return filed with a current or former spouse.


Innocent Spouse Relief is designed to provide potential relief when one spouse was unaware of, or should not reasonably be held responsible for, certain errors or understatements on a jointly filed return.


Eligibility depends on the specific facts and circumstances, including the nature of the tax issue and the level of knowledge or involvement of each spouse.



The IRS evaluates these requests carefully, and approval is not automatic.

Obtain Your IRS Account Transcript

Your IRS account transcript is a record of your tax account activity, including tax returns filed, payments made, assessments, and any notices or adjustments processed by the IRS.


This information can be helpful when reviewing your overall tax situation or understanding how a balance was calculated.


Taxpayers can request their IRS transcript directly through the IRS using an online account. Access requires identity verification through the IRS system (such as ID.me) or other IRS-approved authentication methods.


Because IRS transcripts contain technical codes and detailed account information, they can be difficult to interpret without experience. Understanding what the entries mean is often an important part of evaluating your tax situation and identifying next steps.


At Byrd and Massey, we review IRS transcripts that clients provide as part of a broader analysis of their tax matters.


Our goal is to help you understand what the IRS is reporting so you can make informed decisions about how to move forward.