Tax Matters - The Top Tax Defenders Blog

If you’ve received a notice from the IRS or realized you owe back taxes, you're not alone—and you’re not out of options. Every year, millions of Americans find themselves behind on their taxes for a variety of reasons, from financial hardship to simple oversight.

Whether the IRS has contacted you or you’ve discovered the debt on your own, the most important thing is to act quickly. The longer you wait, the more interest, penalties, and stress you accumulate. This guide will walk you through 10 critical steps to take now if you owe back taxes, and how to minimize damage to your finances and peace of mind.

If you've recently been hit with a wage garnishment—or you're worried one might be coming—you're not alone. Wage garnishment can feel overwhelming, but understanding your rights and options is the first step toward regaining control. Below, we answer some more of the most common questions people ask when facing wage garnishment. (Also see part 1 of our wage garnishment FAQs.)

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2014 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Having a baby is an exciting life event, but it also comes with significant expenses—many of which start during pregnancy. The good news is that certain pregnancy-related medical costs may be tax-deductible, helping you ease the financial burden. However, not all expenses qualify. Understanding which maternity costs you can and can’t deduct will help you keep better records and maximize your potential tax savings.

At any given time, about 1% of US workers are probably experiencing a wage garnishment. Wage garnishment can feel like a heavy weight on your shoulders, especially if you're trying to regain financial stability. Many people wonder if switching jobs will put an end to their wage garnishment or if there are other ways to stop it. Let’s break it down into simple terms so you can understand your options and take action.

As the calendar winds down and the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on your financial health. Tax planning is a vital part of securing your financial future, and strategic tax planning can unlock significant benefits. Whether you're an individual taxpayer or a business owner, taking the right steps now can lead to substantial savings and peace of mind.

If you’re dealing with tax issues, you may have heard the term “tax levy” mentioned as one of the possible actions the IRS can take to collect unpaid taxes. But what exactly is a tax levy, and what types should you be aware of? Let’s walk through the basics so you’ll know what to expect and, more importantly, how to protect yourself.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2012 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

If you're facing an IRS wage garnishment, you're not alone. A recent study by Northwestern and MIT estimates that 1% of workers, or 1 in 100, may be experiencing a wage garnishment during any given pay period. It's important for you to understand what is true and what is false about wage garnishments so that you can take whatever steps are necessary to stop wage garnishments. If you know the truth, you are one step closer to being able to stop IRS wage garnishments. Here are 11 common myths...

If you find yourself facing possible criminal tax charges, you will almost definitely need to seek help from criminal tax attorneys who have a thorough understanding of tax law and can review the particular details of your case to see what can be done to help you. Tax crimes are federal crimes that can carry heavy financial penalties, jail time and other negative consequences. We'll look at some possible strategies to take in addressing your criminal tax charges and walk through the process so you know what to expect and what you can do to get the best possible outcome.