Tax Attorney Serving Mount Laurel, NJ
Todd S. Unger represents Mount Laurel individuals and businesses facing IRS audits, unresolved tax balances, missing returns, and collection problems.
You may know exactly what went wrong, or you may have years of correspondence without a clear picture of what the IRS says you owe. Either way, begin with the tax years involved, the most recent notice, and any approaching deadline.
Start by Identifying the Actual Tax Problem
An IRS problem may involve one tax year or several. One return may never have been filed, another may have been filed but not paid, and another may have been changed after an audit. Don’t treat those issues as one unexplained balance.
Start with the most recent notice and identify the taxpayer, tax year, type of tax, amount shown, and deadline. Then work backward through the account history.
That basic organization can help determine whether the next step involves filing a return, disputing an assessment, responding to an audit, or addressing collection.
IRS Problems the Firm Handles
Mount Laurel taxpayers may need help at very different stages of an IRS matter. The appropriate response depends on whether the problem involves filing, examination, assessment, or collection.
Respond to examinations, document requests, proposed adjustments, and disputed audit findings.
Address missing returns, substitute-for-return assessments, and balances tied to filing problems.
Review levy notices, wage collection, bank-account collection, and related IRS enforcement.
Review lien filings and available procedures when federal tax liens affect property or transactions.
Establish What Has Been Filed and Assessed
When several tax years are involved, distinguish a missing return from a filed return with an unpaid balance.
IRS transcripts, copies of returns, and payment records can help establish the account history. Keep any notices showing adjustments or collection activity alongside those records.
In some nonfiling cases, the IRS prepares a substitute return. That assessment may not include deductions or credits the taxpayer could properly claim. Filing an accurate return can help establish the correct liability, but the remaining balance and any active collection issue still need attention.
IRS transcript information | IRS guidance on past-due returns
A Disputed Balance and an Unaffordable Balance Need Different Reviews
Before discussing payment terms, determine whether you agree with the amount assessed. An omitted payment, incorrect adjustment, unresolved return, or disputed audit finding may require a response addressing the balance itself.
If the tax is correct but payment is difficult, the focus shifts toward collection alternatives and the taxpayer’s financial circumstances.
A payment arrangement may be appropriate when the balance is valid but cannot be paid immediately.
An Offer in Compromise is not available simply because a taxpayer would prefer to pay less. The IRS considers eligibility and the applicable financial or legal grounds.
Already Working With an Accountant?
Let the office know who prepared the returns and who has communicated with the IRS. Relevant workpapers, prior submissions, and written explanations can help avoid starting the review from scratch.
An accountant may continue handling bookkeeping, return preparation, or other accounting work while an attorney addresses a tax dispute, collection issue, appeal, or other legal matter.
Discuss which responsibilities would remain with the accountant and which matters would fall under legal representation. An audit response, ongoing return preparation, and bookkeeping are not interchangeable services.
What to Have Ready for an Initial Review
You do not need to send your entire financial history in the first message. Start with the documents that explain the current issue.
About Todd S. Unger
Todd S. Unger, Esq. is a tax attorney whose practice focuses on federal tax controversy and disputes involving individuals and businesses.
Todd holds an LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center. His practice includes IRS audits, collection disputes, tax debt, unfiled returns, payroll and employment taxes, penalties, and business tax controversies.
Consultation Arrangements for Mount Laurel Clients
The firm’s South Jersey office is located at 1101 Route 70 West, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. Contact the office to confirm an appointment and arrival instructions before traveling.
The Cherry Hill office serves clients from Mount Laurel and other South Jersey communities. This page does not imply that the firm maintains a physical office in Mount Laurel.
Remote consultation options are also available depending on the matter. Notices, returns, transcripts, and supporting records can often be reviewed electronically.
Learn more about the Cherry Hill office or review the firm’s service areas and office information.
Mount Laurel Tax FAQs
Get Help With Your Tax Matter
To begin, provide a brief description of the issue and the next deadline. Mention an active levy, audit response date, hearing deadline, or other time-sensitive notice.
Please wait for instructions before sending tax returns, Social Security numbers, account numbers, or other sensitive records.