Best tax attorney in Houston, TX? The creditor (the company claiming that you owe them money) will usually hire a constable or a private process server to deliver the lawsuit to you. This person will attempt delivery at the last address they have on file for you (which should be the same address on the advertising letters). That begins the clock ticking on the lawsuit process, explained below. Defending a lawsuit is filled with potential pitfalls for the unwary. The help of a lawyer is advised when dealing with a debt lawsuit. Call our law firm today to schedule a free consultation. Below is some general information as to what a lawsuit on debt is and how the lawsuit will unfold, but it is no substitute for legal advice based on the specific facts of your situation. The majority of our cases are settled prior to trial or nonsuited. The results of your case will depend on factors such as the creditor, the amount owed, the Court, the lawyers working for the creditor and the paperwork that the creditor has available regarding your debt.
I hope that you find this website to be helpful and informative. Information on a website, however, is not a substitute for the knowledge and advice of an experienced bankruptcy attorney. Once you have had a chance to look over our website, please fill out the contact form or give us a call to talk more about the specifics of your situation. I will get back to you the same business day, if possible. Take your first step towards a fresh financial start! I think that customer service should be the number one priority in any business, but it is also very important important in the bankruptcy and debt settlement field. When people are struggling financially they may be stressed, nervous and scared about their situation. The prompt returning of telephone calls and e-mails is important so as to help alleviate anxiety. You can also take comfort in knowing that you will be speaking with an attorney every time you call or come in for an appointment. Dove Law Firm, PLLC is a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code as well as resolve other debt issues.
How much will I have to offer the IRS for an Offer in Compromise? The IRS has a fairly mechanical formula for determining the amount you must offer. A Houston tax attorney will help you calculate what this number is for you. How long will I have to pay the Offer In Compromise? If the IRS accepts a lump sum offer, you will need to pay 20% when you submit the offer and the balance in 5 (or fewer) monthly payments. If the IRS accepts a monthly payment plan, the first payment must be made when you submit the offer and the rest must be paid in monthly installments in no more than 24 months. As a part of your individualized plan, a Houston tax attorney will explain to you the difference between offering a lump sum OIC and a payment plan OIC. See additional details on great information.
State sales taxes: This write-off makes sense primarily for those who live in states that do not impose an income tax. You must choose between deducting state and local income taxes, or state and local sales taxes. For most citizens of income-tax-states, the income tax deduction usually is a better deal. IRS has tables for residents of states with sales taxes showing how much they can deduct. But the tables aren’t the last word. If you purchased a vehicle, boat or airplane, you get to add the state sales tax you paid to the amount shown in IRS tables for your state, to the extent the sales tax rate you paid doesn’t exceed the state’s general sales tax rate. The same goes for home building materials you purchased. These items are easy to overlook. The IRS even has a calculator to help you figure out the deduction, which varies by your state and income level. Beginning in 2018, your itemized deduction for state and local taxes is limited to $10,000 per year. You still will only be allowed to deduct either state and local sales tax or state and local income taxes, but not both.
Chapter 13 petitioners must stipulate that they haven’t had a bankruptcy petition dismissed in the 180 days before filing due to their unwillingness to appear in court. Also, anyone seeking bankruptcy protection, must undergo credit counseling from an approved agency within 180 days of filing a petition. Shortly after filing, the debtor also must propose a repayment plan. A bankruptcy judge or administrator will hold a hearing to determine whether the plan meets the requirements of the bankruptcy code and is fair. Creditors may raise objections to the plan, but the court has the final say.
Make 401(k) and HSA Contributions: People can make tax deductible contributions to traditional IRAs up to April 15 of next year. However, the door closes on Dec. 31 for 401(k) and health savings account contributions. “It’s a hard stop,” says Wendy Barlin, a Los Angeles-based CPA and author of “That’s Deductible!: Simple Tips and Tricks to Find More Business Tax Deductions.” “Whatever opportunities you have at work (for retirement savings), make sure you maximize them before the end of the year,” she says. Taxpayers with a qualified high-deductible family health insurance plan can deduct up to $7,000 in contributions to a health savings account. Individuals with self-only coverage can deduct $3,500. Those age 55 or older are eligible for an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution. Tax deductible contributions to a traditional 401(k) are capped at $19,000 for 2019. Workers age 50 and older can make an additional $6,000 in catch-up contributions.
What’s the Difference Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy? Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the two common types of bankruptcy that affect consumers. Either could help when you don’t have the means to pay all your bills, but there are important differences between the two. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe out certain debts within several months, but a court-appointed trustee can sell your nonexempt property to pay your creditors. You also must have a low income to qualify.