Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the more common questions we are asked.

Have you handled my type of case before?

Clearly, we always want as many facts as possible up front, but the short answer is yes to any personal or business tax delinquency or related matter.

Who will be handling my case?

It depends on the type of strategy pursued, the complexity of the facts, and the various team members’ workloads. Regardless, nothing is filed with the government unless and until it has been reviewed and approved personally by Joseph Pearman. All negotiations with the government are conducted personally by Joseph Pearman.

How much do you charge?

It depends on the type of strategy pursued, the complexity of the facts and whether the time involved will be open-ended. Most cases are billed on a one-time flat fee basis. However, some cases are extremely complex and open-ended, requiring hourly billing.

Can I handle my tax problem myself?

Yes, and during the initial consultation phase you will be told how to do so if you are interested in such information. However, dealing with the government is complex, frustrating and time-consuming. We do not recommend that taxpayers try to represent themselves.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

It depends on the type of strategy pursued. However, the short answer is somewhere between one week and 18 months.

My business has a tax delinquency issue, but since it is a corporation, I am not personally at risk, correct?

The odds are not correct. Your business is likely an S corporation. Therefore, if it has a tax delinquency, then it likely involves a “trust” tax. Trust tax delinquencies expose all individuals with control over the company purse strings, regardless of the business form, to personal liability.

Can I discharge my tax delinquencies in bankruptcy?

Maybe. Not all taxes are dischargeable, and the dischargeable taxes must satisfy what are called the timing rules. Although we do not represent taxpayers in bankruptcy, during the initial consultation phase, we do analyze the timing rules against the facts provided to determine if bankruptcy is a viable option.