I don’t take credit cards. I don’t think it’s ethical, and here’s why Read more »
December 29, 2021
Why Bankruptcy Attorneys Shouldn’t Accept Credit Cards
Blog
How Bankruptcy Attorneys Can Stop Unethical Debt Collectors
In the cat-and-mouse game between debtors and creditors, it’s no surprise that there are dishonest debt collectors. Many of my bankruptcy clients are well-acquainted with debt collectors, often having been harassed by them for years before coming to me. Among the illegal collection practices these collection firms employ Read more »
December 21, 2021
Sebastian Explains Why Disclosing All Assets is Key to a Positive Bankruptcy Outcome
Sometimes my clients don’t believe me when I tell them they must disclose all their assets when going through Chapter 7 bankruptcy (or any other bankruptcy). With that in mind, maybe Sebastian, my Feline Paralegal, can explain things a bit better Read more »
December 10, 2021
Why You Should Give IRS As Much Documentation As Possible
There are hundreds of strategies for handling IRS issues. But not all strategies are as effective as others.
A car-repair owner got audited and brought his tax-return preparer (Jim) to handle the audit. The preparer said to give the IRS as little information as possible . “The IRS won’t want to go to trial, and they’ll cave in at the last minute,” he said. But something didn’t seem right Read more »
December 1, 2021
How the DOJ Can Mess Up Getting Rid of Tax Debt in Bankruptcy
Tax debt is dischargeable in bankruptcy. However, unlike many other nondischargeable debts (fraud, malicious tort, etc.), tax debt may actually remain in force with no further word from the court. Huh? The IRS or the FTB could come back five years after the discharge and start collecting on taxes Read more »
November 24, 2021
Why IRS Doesn’t Negotiate Payroll Tax Debt – EVER
Business owners with payroll tax debt often ask me why the IRS won’t lift its levy or lien. After all, these clients argue, I just need a bit of free cash to invest back into my business, to make the money to pay what I owe. If the IRS cripples my business with liens or levies, then I can’t make the money to repay them. So, why doesn’t the IRS act more like my business partner, let me continue to operate, and make the money to pay them back Read more »
November 16, 2021
What Happens at a Bankruptcy 341 Meeting of Creditors?
In chapter 7 bankruptcy, everything you own and owe is briefly transferred to a bankruptcy Trustee, who can then use your assets to pay your debts. If you have more debts than assets, then those debts are “discharged” or wiped out (there are exceptions for some debts… Read more »
November 4, 2021
Traffic Tickets Dischargeable in Ch. 13 Bankruptcy But Not Ch. 7
You file bankruptcy to get rid of debts you can’t afford to pay and to get the fresh financial start in life that you so desperately need. But not all debts can be wiped out in your bankruptcy. Read more »
October 25, 2021
Why I’m “Only” Assertive and Not Antagonistic
Here’s something I discuss on the landing page of my website, because I think it’s that important: I’m assertive but not antagonistic. Okay. So what? Some clients are so angry with the IRS they want to use me primarily for revenge, even if their case would have a better outcome if we approached the adversary calmly Read more »
October 13, 2021
The Statute of Limitations on IRS & FTB Tax Debt Collection
A potential client called me last week for help in dealing with the IRS. He owes taxes for 1992 to 1996. Had he filed the returns on time? Yes. Had he filed bankruptcy in the meantime? No. Had he filed an offer in compromise? No. Has he heard anything from the IRS in the last three years? No, but he thought that was because he had moved Read more »
October 4, 2021