STATE TAX MATTERS

Sage Law Firm assists clients across all fifty states with all manner of tax issues.

1. CALIFORNIA: Based in Southern California, Sage Law Firm regularly interfaces with California tax agencies.

Whether your problem is with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), Franchise Tax Board (FTB), Employment Development Department (EDD), or with local agencies at the county or city level, Sage Law Firm is here to help.Contact us today for a free consultation!

a. Franchise Tax Board:

The FTB is responsible for enforcing the income tax laws of California for individuals, corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and tax-exempt organizations. The FTB is notorious for extensive audits, aggressive collection action, and stringent imposition of penalties. Sage Law Firm interfaces with the FTB on a routine basis, representing our clients and negotiating favorable resolutions on their behalf. We understand the nuanced differences between the IRS and the FTB and the processes of each. Contact us today for a free consultation!

b. Employment Development Department:

The EDD may examine your personnel, payroll, and accounting records to ascertain whether the proper employment taxes were paid in relation to your employees. In audits and examinations, the EDD will investigate the status of independent contractors and potentially reclassify them as employees, resulting in increased payroll taxes, penalties, and interest. Our team is well-versed in the multi-factor tests used by the EDD and IRS and is adept at defending your classifications of independent contractors versus employees. We have represented taxpayers throughout California before the EDD; working directly with EDD representatives to minimize your involvement in the stressful process. Contact us today for a free consultation!

c. California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA): :
If you operate a retail establishment, e-commerce business,or generate taxable sales in California, you will have a duty to collect and remit sales taxes on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. The CDTFA can audit a company’s records to determine if the proper sales tax was collected and paid. Sage Law Firm has assisted clients in defending the taxability of various transactions during CDTFA audits. Where assessments have increased sales tax liabilities, we have successfully minimized penalties and interest. Contact us today for a free consultation!

2. OTHER STATES

Sage Law Firm assists clients across all fifty states. From Texas to Florida and Michigan to Delaware, our team routinely counsels clients with respect to state Income Taxes, Employment Taxes, and Sales & Use Taxes. Sage Law Firm represents clients nationwide with respect to audits, examinations, penalty abatement, liens and levies, offers in compromise, installment agreements, and more.

If you’ve reached an unfavorable resolution, Sage Law Firm attorneys can guide you through the appeals process. While it varies from state to state, our team drafts requests for administrative reviews or redeterminations to reach equitable conclusions for our clients. Sage Law Firm will represent you throughout the appeals process until a favorable resolution is achieved.

Sage Law Firm can assist you with any matter at the state or local level.Contact us today for a free consultation!

3. SALES TAX:

Sales tax laws and obligations are evolving on a continual basis. Compliance can be a moving target in today’s marketplace and determining which party must pay sales tax to which state can be overwhelmingly complex. Sage Law Firm has assisted remote sellers, traditional retailers, large national chains, and marketplace facilitators with untangling the sales tax rules and regulations as they relate to tangible personal property, digital products, fulfillment arrangements, inventory storage, and shipping expenses. The team at Sage Law Firm are experts in evaluating physical and economic nexus thresholds across all fifty states. We have assisted business of all sizes in navigating the nuances of the rapidly evolving sales tax landscape.

4. STATE AUDITS / EXAMS

Sage Law Firm steps in quickly to represent you during state tax audits so you can continue to focus on other priorities. Including income, sales, and employment tax audits, we manage and respond to investigations and examinations initiated by revenue authorities worldwide. Taking over communications with auditors, we defend the accuracy of your returns, respond timely to information requests, minimize the scope of the audit period, investigate penalty abatement opportunities, and work efficiently to negotiate a favorable resolution.

If the audit process has concluded with a less than favorable result, our attorneys will explore protest and appeal options. Though the process varies from state to state, our team will file the necessary requests to reopen negotiations and pursue a redetermination of the tax due. Appeal options are time sensitive, and Sage Law Firm is available to assist you immediately!

5. STATE APPEALS

After an unfavorable outcome in an audit or other matter at the state level, it is imperative that you understand your appeal options. Sage Law Firm has experience navigating the appeals process on a state by state basis and will explain your various appeal rights given your unique circumstances.

Our attorneys act promptly and file the necessary documents to request a redetermination of an improper tax assessment or an administrative review of an unfavorable resolution.

The team at Sage Law Firm has extensive experience representing clients throughout the appeals process. Using state tax rules and regulations, relevant case law, and legislative history, our attorneys negotiate favorable resolutions and settlements during the appeals process.

6. STATE TAX COLLECTION The state taxation authorities have a wide variety of tools to collect back taxes owed. In addition to filing liens against your property, levying your bank accounts, and seizing personal property, they can also garnish your wages and intercept refund payments. Sage Law Firm attorneys have the skills to combat all varities of enforced collection action at the state level. We will work with you and determine the best strategy for your unique circumstances, staying collection action whenever possible. Some common strategies to avoid enforced collection action include Offers In Compromise and Installment Agreements.

(a) Offer In Compromise (OIC)

An Offer InCompromise (OIC) is an agreement between a taxpayer and a taxation agency to settle a tax debt for less than what a taxpayer owes. OICs provide taxpayers an opportunity to eliminate their tax debt with a fresh start. While not available in every state, we assist clientsin submitting OICs with the highest likelihood of success.

Sage Law Firm has the necessary expertise to draft the most favorable argument when proposing an Offer In Compromise or requesting a settlement of your state tax debt. Taxing authorities will evaluate your ability to pay what you owe based on your income, assets, and living expenses. Extenuating circumstances may also be taken into account when making a determination.

Our team has the experience, knowledge, and skill to produce the best settlement results.

Contact us for a free consultation to discuss whether an OIC is a fitting resolution strategy given the facts and circumstances of your situation.

(b)Installment Agreement

An installment agreement (or payment plan) is a popular solution to pay back taxes owed to the state government. Installment Agreements offer taxpayers the ability to pay their tax liability over a period of time. Sage Law Firm will negotiate a monthly installment amount that works within your budget and is in your best interest. While under an installment agreement, no enforced collection action will occur.

We will conduct an in-depth analysis of your financial position to structure an installment agreement that will best suit your objectives. Contact us today for a free consultation!

7. STATE PENALTY ABATEMENT Our tax controversy professionals draw on years of experience to advise on strategic penalty prevention and minimization. Where penalties result from late filing, late payments, or failure to make required tax deposits, Sage Law Firm offers sound strategies to obtain penalty abatement and assist you in preventing such penalties in the future. State tax agencies may assess steep penalties against you if you fail to file your tax return on time, if your tax return is inaccurate, if you have made a valuation error on your tax return, or if you are considered a responsible person for payroll taxes. Most states, however, provide guidelines and situations where penalties and interest will be waived. Sage Law Firm has extensive experience in the abatement of all types of penalties,effectively applying the law to the unique facts and circumstances of your case. We argue your position with skill and tenacity, negotiating the most favorable result and resolution possible. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss penalty abatement. We are always available to analyze your situation and determine the best options available to you.

8. TAX PREPARATION

Sage Law Firm works closely with several seasoned CPAs and Enrolled Agents with experience in preparing all manner of tax returns. We collaborate to assist clients in establishing a position of compliance on both the federal and state level, while evaluating strategies to abate penalties and avoid enforced collection action.

9. OTHER SERVICES Sage Law Firm assists a diverse clientele in all tax and business matters. Our team has drafted demand letters, dispute letters, promissory notes and letters of intent. We have created and reviewed all varieties of contracts, terms of service, non-disclosure agreements and licensing arrangements. We have helped clients file for Fictitious Business Names, assisted in landlord tenant disputes, and workman’s compensation claims. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss how Sage Law Firm can assist you in the matters you’re facing.

FEDERAL TAX MATTERS

The Internal Revenue Service has maintained an aggressive stance when dealing with taxpayers. When you receive notice from the IRS that you have been selected for audit, have unfiled returns, unpaid taxes, or have had penalties and interest imposed, obtaining representation by an attorney with qualified credentials is an important first step.

The attorneys at Sage Law Firm have extensive experience representing clients before the IRS in all types of situations. We step in quickly and effectively to resolve matters involving individual income tax, corporate income tax, payroll tax, and the filing of exempt and international information returns.

Don’t let the IRS disrupt your life. The Sage Law Firm team will take over communications and negotiations with the IRS so you can stay focused on things that matter. Contact us for a free consultation!

1. INCOME TAX:

Sage Law Firm assists clients with all income tax matters on both the federal and state level. Whether you are an individual, a married couple, a single member LLC or a large corporation, our tax controversy specialists can help you reach a favorable resolution and establish a position of compliance going forward.

2. IRS AUDITS / EXAMINTIONS Sage Law Firm steps in quickly to represent you during IRS audits and examinations so you can continue to focus on other priorities. The IRS may initiate a correspondence audit, an office audit, or a field audit. Our attorneys have experience responding to all.Taking over communications with IRS auditors, we defend the accuracy of your returns, respond timely to information requests, minimize the scope of the audit period, investigate penalty abatement opportunities, and work efficiently to negotiate a favorable resolution. During an IRS income tax audit, the taxpayer has the burden of substantiating the income, deductions, and credits reported on the tax return. Sage Law Firm has the experience and training in the audit process to strongly represent your position and reach a swift and fair resolution. After an audit, the IRS may issue a Notice of Deficiency. If you wish to dispute the deficiency, you will have 90 days from the date of the notice to file a petition with the United States Tax Court. Sage Law Firm has filed Tax Court petitions for dozens of clients, and we have built a strong history of achieving favorable pre-trial settlements. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss the audit procedure and how we can assist throughout the entire process.

3. IRS APPEALS: After an unfavorable outcome in an IRS audit or other matter, it is imperative that you understand your appeal options. Sage Law Firm will explain your appeal rights and the timeframes within which you must act to preserve those rights. The IRS Office of Appeals has more authority to negotiate a tax settlement than revenue officers, and we resolve most tax assessments at this level. The team at Sage Law Firm, armed with a deep understanding of tax law, has extensive experience representing clients throughout the appeals process. We understand the IRS policies and procedures and have the negotiation skills to pursue a favorable resolution. If necessary, Sage Law Firm will assist you with filing a petition to bring your case to the United States Tax. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss how we can assist you in reaching a favorable outcome in your IRS Appeal.

4. IRS TAX COLLECTION The IRS has a wide variety of tools to collect taxes owed. In addition to filing liens against your property, levying your bank accounts, and seizing personal property, the IRS can also garnish your wages and intercept refund payments. Sage Law Firm attorneys have the skills to combat all varieties of IRS collection action. We will work with you and determine the best strategy for your unique circumstances and specific situation. Some common strategies include Offers In Compromise, Installment Agreements, and Currently Not Collectible Status.

(a) Offer In Compromise (OIC)

An Offer InCompromise (OIC) is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS to settle a tax debt for less than what is owed. OICs provide taxpayers an opportunity to eliminate their tax debt and begin anew with a clean slate.

Sage Law Firm has the expertise to draft persuasive Offer In Compromise requests. When determining whether or not to accept an OIC, the IRS will evaluate your ability to pay what you owe based on your income, assets, and living expenses. Extenuating circumstances may also be taken into account when making a determination.

We will help you determine the right amount to offer to maximize the likelihood that your OIC will be accepted by the IRS. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss whether an OIC is a fitting resolution strategy given the unique facts and circumstances of your situation.

Installment Agreement Currently Not Collectible IRS Penalty Abatement

(b) Installment Agreement

An installment agreement (or payment plan) is a popular solution to pay back taxes owed to the IRS, and can be structured to pay individual income tax, corporate income tax, payroll tax, and more.

Sage Law Firm will negotiate a monthly installment amount that works within your budget and is in your best interest. While under an Installment Agreement with the IRS, no enforced collection action will occur.

We will conduct an in-depth analysis of your financial position to structure an Installment Agreement that will best suit your objectives. Contact us for a free consultation

Offer in Compromise Currently Not Collectible IRS Penalty Abatement

(c) Currently Not Collectible Status:

Being placed on Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status will bar the IRS from taking collection action on your account, including levies and wage garnishments. The status change is a beneficial strategy for taxpayers who cannot afford to pay their necessary living expenses and the taxes they owe. Sage Law Firm can quickly evaluate your income and necessary living expenses, in accordance with the law, to assist you in qualifying for Currently Not Collectible status.

If CNC status is not the best option for you, Sage Law Firm will explore other strategies to resolve your outstanding tax balance. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss the best strategy in your unique situation.

5. LIENS & LEVIES

The federal and state governments can levy bank accounts, garnish wages, intercept tax refunds, and seize property to collect unpaid tax liabilities. Levies are a widely used technique to collect back taxes that can be devastating to taxpayers. Sage Law Firm will act quickly to negotiate the release of levies and pursue a favorable resolution. We work with you to explore effective roads to compliance and avoid additional enforced collection action.

Tax liens are filed to protect the government’s interests while simultaneously damaging your credit and hindering your ability to sell property or obtain lines of credit. Sage Law Firm works with the federal and state governments to diminish the impact, effect, and scope of your lien. Sage Law Firm has a unique ability to have liens removed from your credit report as if they never occurred in the first place.

Sage Law Firm will request a collection due process hearing or appeals conference to protest the levy action or lien filing. Requests must be promptly submitted to the IRS or state taxation agency, so Contact us for a free consultation

6. IRS PENALTY ABATEMENT Our tax controversy professionals draw on years of experience to advise on strategic penalty prevention and minimization. Where penalties result from late filing, late payments, or failure to make required tax deposits, Sage Law Firm offers sound strategies to obtain penalty abatement and assist you in preventing such penalties in the future. The IRS may assess steep penalties against you if you fail to timely file your tax return, if your tax return is inaccurate, if you have made a valuation error on your tax return, or if you are considered a responsible person for payroll taxes. Sage Law Firm has extensive experience in the abatement of all types of penalties,effectively applying the law to the unique facts and circumstances of your case. We argue your position with skill and tenacity, negotiating the most favorable result and resolution possible. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss penalty abatement. We are always available to analyze your situation and determine the best options available to you.

7. IRS PAYROLL TAX

Our team represents clients before the IRS and various state agencies responsible for collecting payroll taxes.

With the IRS, Sage Law Firm assists clients with Form 940 and 941 matters. Unpaid payroll taxes can result in steep trust fund recovery penalties. Failure to timely furnish Forms W-2 and W-3 can trigger a costly payroll tax audit. Our attorneys can assist you in minimizing penalties and getting you back on track going forward.

The IRS may examine the classification of workers to determine that independent contractors are properly classified. If the IRS deems workers as employees, it will result in increased payroll taxes, penalties and interest. Sage Law Firm is well-versed in the multi-factor tests used by the IRS and is adept at defending clients’ worker classifications. We will tirelessly defend the classification of your workers and minimize your involvement so you can focus on running your business.
Contact us for a free consultation!

8. TAX COURT: Sage Law Firm handles all types of tax disputes in federal and state court. We resolve most cases through the appeals process, though in certain cases a taxpayer and the IRS cannot reach an agreement. Sage Law Firm assists clients in submitting petitions to the United States Tax Court and filing the necessary documents and motions. We have a strong history of achieving favorable settlements for our clients in audit redeterminations, collection due process, and penalty disputes. The Tax Court has strict deadlines, and is barred from hearing your case if your petition is not submitted on time. If you receive a Notice of Deficiency from the IRS, for example, you have 90 days to file a petition with the US Tax Court. Contact us for a free consultation!

9. TAX PREPARATION: Sage Law Firm works closely with several seasoned CPAs and Enrolled Agents with experience in preparing all manner of tax returns. We collaborate to assist clients in establishing a position of compliance on both the federal and state level, while evaluating strategies to abate penalties and avoid enforced collection action.

10. OTHER SERVICES Sage Law Firm assists a diverse clientele in all tax and business matters. Our team has drafted demand letters, dispute letters, promissory notes and letters of intent. We have created and reviewed all variety of contracts, terms of service, non-disclosure agreements and licensing arrangements. We have helped clients file for Fictitious Business Names, assisted in landlord tenant disputes, and workman’s compensation claims. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss how Sage Law Firm can assist you in the matters you’re facing.

INTERNATIONAL TAX

Sage Law Firm has represented clients from Brazil to Portugal, Saudi Arabia to Australia, Italy to Germany, and Qatar to the U.K. Whether you seek clarification regarding United States tax laws or need assistance deciphering specific tax treaties, Sage Law Firm offers effective counsel in international tax matters.

We have assisted foreign individuals in forming entities in the United States, and have guided foreign companies in entering US markets. Sage Law Firm has the experience to accurately assess your situation and inform you of the obligations to avoid costly mistakes when dealing with another country’s tax laws.

Tax Matters