Tax trouble rarely fixes itself.
A backlog of non-filed returns, an overwhelming balance, a lien on your property, an upcoming audit — or even an investigation for tax evasion or fraud. Any of these can turn a household or business upside down if they aren’t handled properly and quickly. Our first piece of advice is always the same: get in early, wherever you stand.
Federal & Illinois tax matters we handle
Liens & levies
Stop wage garnishments and bank levies, and work toward lien release or withdrawal.
Non-filed tax returns
Catch up on missing years accurately — before the IRS files substitute returns for you.
IRS & state audits
Representation through federal and Illinois Department of Revenue audits.
IRS & state appeals
Challenge an unfair assessment through the administrative appeals process.
Employment (941) taxes
Payroll tax problems and trust fund recovery penalties for business owners.
IRS Fresh Start
Installment agreements, Offers in Compromise and penalty relief options.
Offshore bank accounts
Guidance on foreign account reporting and getting back into compliance.
Criminal tax prosecution
Confidential defense when an investigation or charges are on the table.
The insider advantage
The tax attorneys at Thomas W. Lynch & Associates understand how the agencies confronting you actually work. Our team includes:
- An attorney who previously worked for the Internal Revenue Service in audit, collections and criminal tax enforcement — and for the Illinois Attorney General’s Office in state tax enforcement
- Attorneys and accountants with CPA training, plus a trained bookkeeper to analyze your records
- Litigation and criminal attorneys, should your matter require them
“I received a very threatening letter from the IRS over a large tax bill. Mr. Lynch put the brakes on the IRS and got me on a low payment plan.”
— Joseph B., tax clientTax problem FAQ
I haven’t filed taxes in years. What should I do?
Get in early — before the IRS files a substitute return for you, which almost always overstates what you owe. We’ll reconstruct missing years with our accounting staff, file accurate returns and negotiate the resulting balance.
Can the IRS really take my wages or bank account?
Yes. After notice, the IRS can levy wages, bank accounts and other property, and file a lien that damages your credit. Once we’re involved, we can often stop or release a levy and arrange a resolution.
What is the IRS Fresh Start program?
A set of IRS policies that make it easier for taxpayers to resolve debts through installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, lien withdrawal and penalty relief. We’ll determine which options you qualify for.
Should I talk to an IRS agent myself?
We recommend speaking with an attorney first. Communications with an attorney are privileged, and how you answer early questions — especially in an audit or investigation — can shape the outcome of your case.