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We Make Taxes Less Taxing!
AV Rated Award
Super Lawyers 10 Years
Leadership in Law
Call For A Free Case Review
TBL background imageKaren Tenenbaum, Esq.

Karen Tenenbaum New York Tax Attorney

Need IRS or NYS Tax Help? Call Us: 631-465-5000
Karen Tenenbaum, Esq.
Managing Partner
Tenenbaum Law, P.C.

“We’re Dedicated to Helping Remove the Fear
Associated with IRS (or New York State)
Tax Problems - So You Can Sleep Again At Night!"

We Provide Comprehensive, Experienced,
Tax Attorney Services in New York – for Over 25 Years!

New York Tax Attorney

New York Tax Attorney

We Provide Comprehensive,
Experienced, Tax Attorney Services
in New York – for Over 25 Years!

Karen Tenenbaum, Esq.
Karen Tenenbaum New York Tax Attorney

“We’re Dedicated to Helping Remove the Fear Associated with IRS (or New York State) Tax Problems – So You Can Sleep Again At Night!”

Karen Tenenbaum, Esq.
Managing Partner
Tenenbaum Law, P.C.

Call Us For A Free Consultation:

New York Tax Attorney

We Provide Comprehensive, Experienced,
Tax Attorney Services in New York – for Over 25 Years!

Karen Tenenbaum, Esq.
Karen Tenenbaum New York Tax Attorney

“We’re Dedicated to Helping Remove the Fear Associated with IRS (or New York State) Tax Problems – So You Can Sleep Again At Night!”

Karen Tenenbaum, Esq.
Managing Partner
Tenenbaum Law, P.C.

Call Us For A Free Consultation: 631-465-5000

What type of tax problem do you have?

Question 1 of 5
What People Are Saying…
What People Are Saying…
★★★★★ We are more than pleased with this firm. They are real pros in dealing with the IRSResponse from the ownerThank you for your kind words. We are glad we were able to assist you! willmesiwillmesi ★★★★★ Moshe Zupnick was a wonderful support and help in deciphering the complexities of tax law. His knowledge was extensive. He was able to provide an immediate and definitive recommendation on how to proceed the best way forward. This made me very confident in my decision. I highly recommemd this tax attorney.Response from the ownerThank you for your kind words, Janine. We are glad Moshe was able to assist you! Thank you for recommending Tenenbaum Law, P.C. Janine MogerJanine Moger ★★★★★ The team at LI Tax Attorneys handled my issue with the IRS quickly and completely...great technical advice delivered in a professional , caring manner.Response from the ownerWe are glad we were able to assist you. Thank you for the review, Jeff. Jeff SternJeff Stern ★★★★★ Relative had a difficult divorce and consequential tax problems with IRS. I referred them to Karen's office. The attorney assigned by Karen jumped right in, got to the right people at IRS and was able to get it resolved with no amount owed. He did all this within a month's time. My relative and her family were very grateful for the quality, responsiveness and professionalism of Tenenbaum Law, PC.Response from the ownerThank you, Larry! If you need anything in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Larry LiozLarry Lioz ★★★★★ Moshe was great. Kept me in the loop , and was great with communication.Response from the ownerThank you for your kind words, Jeffrey. We're glad that you're pleased with the services you received. Jeffrey GuarinoJeffrey Guarino ★★★★★ Congratulations Karen on a wonderful 25th anniversary party, celebrating you and your firm's continued success. Best, Michael FellerResponse from the ownerThanks, Michael. We're glad you got to join us. michael fellermichael feller ★★★★★ We found the Tenenbaum Law firm to be efficient, highly competent and very professional. They are a pleasure to work with, and instill confidence in their abilities.Response from the ownerHi Joseph! Thank you for taking the time to leave this review. We really appreciate your kind words. Joseph MevorahJoseph Mevorah ★★★★★ Moshe Zupnick I highly recommend this very knowledgeable yet unassuming - not pretentious or arrogant and very easy to talk to tax attorney. Thank you so much for your help.Response from the ownerHappy to help! Ana PoughAna Pough ★★★★★ You want a knowledgeable intelligent advocate to argue your case to the tax agencies. Karen and her team understand that applying the tax code to your specific situation is how the agencies will establish your credibility and make the tax agents want to work with you to resolve your problem.First rate!Response from the ownerWe appreciate you taking the time to leave this wonderful review. Thank you for your support. M LM L ★★★★★ Tenenbaum Law is the go-to solution for all things tax-related when you are facing an IRS issue. Their attorneys have years of experience successfully negotiating with the IRS on behalf of their clients. I’ve referred clients to Tenenbaum Law who rave about their professionalism and helpfulness. I highly recommend them. Founder and CEO, Karen Tenenbaum, is not only knowledgeable regarding tax matters but also a leader in her community. She provides mentorship and expertise on a variety of topics including how to successfully meet one’s goals. This is an all-around great firm!Response from the ownerThank you for your kind words, Belinda. We truly appreciate your recommendation. Belinda DiGiambattistaBelinda DiGiambattista ★★★★★ Karen is an amazing personable professional and her team are awesome.Response from the ownerThank you for sharing your experience. We appreciate your support. rwschwetzrwschwetz ★★★★★ Only one thing I can say about Karen Tenenbaum, she is listed in my phone as "Life Saver". Not only is she one of the loveliest most energetic kind people you will ever meet, when things are getting really frightening and you are feeling under attack, she will bring you the comfort that you need knowing that she has your back in every way. She knows her business like no other, and is a person you can absolutely count on to resolve your issue.What more can I say, if you found Karen you found the very BEST!Response from the ownerThank you, Howard. We appreciate the kind review! Howard BalabanHoward Balaban ★★★★★ I spoke to Jake Schuster over the phone and he was very kind and understanding. He took the time to really listen to my situation and was very open to help me with very good advice. I truly appreciate the time he took to listen and to help me.Response from the ownerThank you, Kerline! We are glad Jake was able to assist you. We appreciate the review. Kerline BeauchampKerline Beauchamp ★★★★★ I would highly recommend this law firm. Moshe Zupnick was very diligent, kept me updated on the status of my case, and put everything in terms that I could understand. He kept all of his promises. Hiring this law firm was a worthy investment. They got me back all of my interest and penalty that accrued.Response from the ownerThank you for taking the time to leave this review Frack, we appreciate it! Frack EnsteinFrack Enstein ★★★★★ In all of my dealings with Karen and her firm I know them to be the very best at what they do. From sales tax resolution services to handling IRS audits, you are in very good hands with Karen and her team. Super responsive, friendly and effective results-- you simply can't beat that combo! Thank you Karen for being a powerful resource in my corner and to any of my clients who may require your services. I will not keep you a secret! =)Response from the ownerThank you for your kind words, Rob. We work hard to provide the best services possible! Rob PechaRob Pecha ★★★★★ Moshe Zupnick was very knowledgeable and very professional! He was always available with answers to solve my issue!!!Response from the ownerThank you for your review, Monica. We are glad you were happy with our services. Monica BenaharonMonica Benaharon ★★★★★ These guys are the BEST!!!! Spent over a decade trying to solve a NYS tax problem with 3 different accountants and 2 law firms. Then I found Tenenbaum Law, P.C. Within 3 months they completely solved the problem. They got an immediate stay on collections and amazingly got all my monies refunded with interest. Special thanks to Moshe Z. and his staff. Very professional and attentive to my specific issues. If you have a tax issue I highly recommend Tenenbaum Law. You can be assured they will be 110% focused on your problem and fight for your rights.Response from the ownerThank you for taking the time to write this review, Antori. We’re glad that we were able to help you resolve your tax problem. Antori PanccoAntori Pancco ★★★★★ How do you say thank you enough for getting your life back? I cannot say enough about the team at at Tenenbaum their professionalism, patience, understanding made this experience easier on myself and my family. As soon as I walk out of our first consultation I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders, I just felt that everything would work out and I would get my life back on track. I couldn’t sleep at night knowing I had tax issues. Once I handed it off to them they did all the leg work my stress level went back to normal. And I can now say my issues are behind me thanks to Tenenbaum Law, I would recommend them to anyone,Response from the ownerThank you for your kind words and for recommending us, Ed. We are glad we were able to assist you! Ed ContessaEd Contessa ★★★★★ What a great law firm as they were professional, helpful and courteous. They did what they said they would X10. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a law firm to help them with a tax issue.Response from the ownerWe are glad we were able to assist you, John. Thank you for trusting Tenenbaum Law with your case. John BohataJohn Bohata ★★★★★ Karen is one of the best attorneys I met. Karen and her team are definitely the best choice you should consider when you have tax problems.Response from the ownerThank you, Elaine. We appreciate the kind review. Elaine YueElaine Yue ★★★★★ I have used this firm on more than one occasion. I own a CPA firm and send all my legal tax disputes to them. It's been a great asset to us thus far.Jason R. Volini, MST, CPAResponse from the ownerThanks for trusting us with your clients. It's a pleasure to work with you to resolve your clients' tax problems. Jason VoliniJason Volini ★★★★★ Karen is a professional, and expert. Clients love her!Response from the ownerThank you, Christine. Christine MalafiChristine Malafi ★★★★★ Tenenbaum Law is the go-to place for tax controversies, residency matters and other tax issues. They serve the general population as well as the clients of CPA's and attorneys. You can count on the best possible outcome when you use their services.Response from the ownerThank you, Craig. Tenenbaum Law is always here to help! Craig MorrisCraig Morris ★★★★★ I have worked with Karen's firm for decades and they are professional, very dilligent and compentent. If you have tax issues, you can rely on their services to help you fix your problems.Response from the ownerHi Edward! Thank you for taking the time to leave this review. We appreciate your kind words. Edward Torres, CPAEdward Torres, CPA ★★★★★ Karen and her team are top notch. Anyone that I referred to her firm was happy with their outcome and the professionalism and expertise extended. I would not hesitate to recommend Tenenbaum Law for anyone facing IRS or New York State tax problems.Response from the ownerThank you for the referrals, Carolyn. We appreciate the continued support. Carolyn KerschCarolyn Kersch ★★★★★ Moshe was extremely helpful in solving my IRS situation. Thank you for being extremely professional and courteous!Response from the ownerWe’re glad that you were happy with Moshe’s representation of your case. Thank you for taking the time to write this review. Bruce BoydBruce Boyd ★★★★★ Great Resource! They are highly professional and helpful! Karen & her Team totally know their stuff!Response from the ownerThank you, Riva. We appreciate the kind review. Riva SchwartzRiva Schwartz ★★★★★ Thank you Jake and Karen for assisting us in resolving a tax fine that we received. You helped us argue the case and correct a previous mistake from another accountant and we were able to save thousands!Response from the ownerThank you Juan, we're happy we could help! Juan carlos LandazuriJuan carlos Landazuri ★★★★★ I am an attorney and, in that capacity, I able to observe the manner in which other law firms represent their clients. I hired Moshe Zupnick from Tenenbaum Law and I can say he is by far one of the best professionals I have ever witnessed practicing. He is extremely knowledgeable on US and NYS tax law and procedures. He is very responsive to emails and calls. He is proactive in providing advice on matters that I never perceived as potential concerns. Furthermore, he and his firm are utterly meticulous in their billing practices. I expected my initial retainer to be completely drawn down in the first few months of their representation. Yet, nearly a year later, I was shocked to learn that substantial balance of my retainer remained unused. This in itself is an absolute rare gem of integrity. I highly recommend Moshe and his Firm to anyone seeking tax counsel.Response from the ownerThank you for your kind words, Marco. We are happy you were pleased with our services. Marco MaterassiMarco Materassi ★★★★★ On two occassions I reach out to this Law firm to explain my concerns and tax issue. On both occasions a highly skilled Attorney promptly answered my questions and gave their best recommendations. I ended up not listening to them and did not do anything. The results were not in my favor and will now pay substantially more. I highly recommend this firm for their courteous manner in trying to help. I made a very big mistake by not retaining services.Response from the ownerWe are glad our attorneys were able to assist you, Robert. Thank you for the kind review. R&B Healthcare ServicesR&B Healthcare Services ★★★★★ Karen's firm is extremely knowledgeable and incredibly helpful!Response from the ownerThank you! We appreciate your kind words. N RivN Riv ★★★★★ My experience with Tenenbaum Law, P.C. was very positive, resulting in all penalties and interest assessed by the IRS waived.The case was pending for years but when Tenenbaum took over, it was resolved in 2 years. Working with Ms Marisa Friedrich was not only productive but I was treated professionally and as a valuable clientResponse from the ownerThank you for your kind words, Sue. We are happy you were pleased with our services. Sue cheungSue cheung ★★★★★ I highly recommend Tenenbaum Law. After a difficult divorce and overwhelming medical bills I reached out to Tenenbaum Law for assistance with my case. I worked with Hannah Boruchov and Moshe Zupnick, both of whom were kind, knowledgeable, diligent and ethical. My case was resolved swiftly and to my complete satisfaction and I am grateful to them both and Tenenbaum law. I can recommend them without hesitation.Response from the ownerThank you for taking the time to write this review. We’re glad you were happy with our representation of your case. danielle robertsdanielle roberts ★★★★★ After paying a lot of money too 2 different law firms to help me with a huge 7 figure NYS sales tax balance and getting no relief, I came across Tenenbaum Law from researching the top tax attorneys online, and I called them, as a last ditch attempt to see If anyone could help me. I spoke with Karen Tenenbaum, and after only 15 minutes, I felt very comfortable they not only understood the stress i was under, but they also understood the urgency of my situation. Soon after, they had a strategy meeting with me, and went through a pile of documentation I had provided. Karen and her team got to work. Her team went above and beyond, in search of any and all documentation to help prove our case. After 5 months of hard work, and never giving up, they were successful in getting NYS to re-examine my situation and the NYS agreed. Today there is a zero balance, and I can’t put into words the appreciation I have for the entire team, Karen, Kelly, Moshe, Keith, and Renee.Thank you for really caring about the people you represent. You have allowed me to smile again.God Bless All Of You!JPSuffolk CtyResponse from the ownerThank you, Johnny! It’s wonderful to hear you’ve had a great experience. We really appreciate your kind words about our firm and employees. Duct Tape JohnnyDuct Tape Johnny ★★★★★ Great attorney - I recommended Karen to a client of mine who owned a restaurant and had serious tax issues. Karen and her firm acted very quickly to resolve the issues so that he was able to re-open his restaurant and get back to work. I always recommend Karen and her firm to any of my clients who have tax problems.Response from the ownerThank you so much for recommending us, Shari. We're glad we could help. Shari SugarmanShari Sugarman ★★★★★ I highly recommend Tenenbaum Law for individuals and businesses facing IRS and New York State tax issues. Karen Tenenbaum is very knowledgeable when it comes to the ever-changing tax laws, and a frequent speaker and educator on tax matters in her community. I admire Karen and her firm for their professionalism and expertise in the field.Response from the ownerHi Jennifer! Thank you for taking the time to leave this review. We appreciate your kind words. Jennifer ConaJennifer Cona ★★★★★ Karen Tenenbaum has a stellar reputation on things related to NYS, IRS, and tax law. We have referred people to Karen over the years and have had great feedback that she is helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive. Hers is an area of law where people are stressed when they need her, and she works hard so they can stay calm. We share many of the same professional contacts and the common thread is summarized as “she knows her stuff”!Response from the ownerThank you! We are always happy to help. Sharyn O'MaraSharyn O'Mara ★★★★★ I had a great consultation with an attorney from this firm who took time to understand my legal and personal concerns and consulted with other professional in order to give me thorough advice on how to proceed. They are human and they care!Response from the ownerThank you, we’re glad we could help. Eric and Laura BruceEric and Laura Bruce ★★★★★ Karen is the best. Her law firm can resolve any tax issue you may have. Her firm's fine reputation is widely known.When she throws an event it's first class. Happy to be invited and able to come.Response from the ownerThank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the events. HARLAN KAHNHARLAN KAHN ★★★★★ Tannenbaum tax attorneys very professional, organized and friendly. Moshe zupnick took care of business. Since the minute I met him! He was a gentleman and worked very hard on my case. he’s an asset to the firm!!! I am so pleased that I had met Moshe, I thought I was doomed! and he gave me 100% ! he also made it more comfortable for me and assured me that he will work very hard!! he handled my case with such professionalism, and did an unbelievable job!! I highly recommend!!! thank you again tannenbaum!!Response from the ownerThank you for taking the time to write this review, Sal. We’re glad that we were able to help you resolve your tax problem. Sal GigliaSal Giglia ★★★★★ Tenenbaum Law Firm was recommended to us for a sales tax liability incurred from a family-owned business and we had the pleasure to work with Moshe Zupnick. He always responded to our questions and concerns and was efficient and professional in presenting our Offer in Compromise to the state. He was easy to work with, very helpful and someone I highly recommend.Response from the ownerWe’re glad that you were happy with Moshe’s representation of your case. Thank you for taking the time to write this review. Joanne G.Joanne G. ★★★★★ My family recently worked with this firm to help minimize a tax burden that was created prior to our inheritance of an estate.We worked with an attorney named Moshe Zupnick at this firm and we are very pleased with his service. Moshe was very accurate from day one in regard to what he thought the final outcome would be. He did not mislead us with overly optimistic expectations but did deliver a result that helped to ease our tax burden significantly.Response from the ownerThank you for taking the time to write this review, Dan. We’re glad that you were happy with Moshe’s representation of your case. Dan DillulioDan Dillulio ★★★★★ I really can't say enough good things about Moshe Zupnick and the whole team at Tenenbaum. Moshe was my main contact and he was so knowledgeable, helpful and kind. I had some pretty complex tax issues involving both personal and business taxes, and was dealing with a mess (mainly of my own making) but Moshe helped me work through all of it with ease. He is very savvy about the in's and out's of tax law - he told me about all my options and the various potential outcomes of each, and he did so in a way that I could understand, which I really appreciated. Having a tax problem is stressful, and I feel like the US tax codes are ridiculously confusing - I never would of attempted to resolve my issues on my own, but I was scared of going to some of these places that offer tax help because I didn't know if I could trust them - so I feel really lucky to have found this firm. Moshe really did clear up my problems surprisingly quickly - and he never made me feel dumb for asking questions (or for have made the mess in the first place). I would recommend them to anyone who needs legal advice/ help with tax issues.Response from the ownerThank you for taking the time to write this thorough review, Veronica. We are glad that your were happy with Moshe's insights and representation of your case. We truly appreciate this recommendation! VeronicaVeronicajs_loader
Harlan Kahn

I have been working with this law firm for more than 10 years. As a CPA I refer difficult cases to them and I also call for assistance with some of my in house cases. They are extremely good at negotiating with the IRS & NYS. I have and will continue to recommend them for tax resolution.

Harlan Kahn, CPA
Lawrence Israeloff

In addition to being among the region’s top attorneys in her field, Karen is a pleasure to work with and know. She is professional and experienced, and I never hesitate to recommend her to taxpayers who need assistance with federal or state tax disputes

Lawrence Israeloff, Esq., JD, LLM, CPA, CFP
Leslie Faifer

I absolutely recommend Karen Tenenbaum for tax attorney services. I recommend her to all of my clients. She is the right person helping my clients with their tax issues.

Leslie Fajfer, CPA, Outsourcing Your Books LLC

“I would like to express my sincerest appreciation and gratitude to resolve my outstanding, 14 yr, Tax battle … Thank you for helping me restore my dignity. I finally can set my shame aside. I am beyond grateful and so very happy I took a chance to hope with you and Tenenbaum Law. Everyone has been wonderful.”

Client
Aaron Futterman

When we have encountered clients that have had tax controversies, federal and state, Karen Tenenbaum is our go-to firm. She and her staff are awesome. I can’t recommend them highly enough.

Aaron E. Futterman, CPA, ESQ., Futterman Lanza & Pasculli LLP
Pamela Spencer

I know Karen, she has a wonderful reputation as being a tax attorney. She was an achiever for the Long Island Center for Business and Professional Women.

Pamela Spencer, CrossCountry Mortgage
Henry Montag

I’ve done business with Karen for the last 15, 20 years. She’s really one of the pillars of this community, in terms of her skills, her talent, her contacts, and her relationships. I highly recommend her to anyone that’s doing business in the financial services community.

Henry Montag, TOLI Center East
Tenenbaum Law, P.C.

Tenenbaum Law goes above and beyond, providing extraordinary assistance to anyone dealing with a tax dispute. Dealing with the IRS or NYS Department of Taxation and Finance can be very stressful and often confusing but Karen and her team are extremely knowledgeable and proficient when it comes to effective advocacy. I would not hesitate to recommend Tenenbaum Law to anyone seeking tax resolution assistance.

Vincent W. Ansanelli III, Esq., Ansanelli Law Group, LLP
As seen in/on:
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Smart CEO Future 50 Award Winner
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Need IRS or NYS Tax Help?

Need IRS or NYS Tax Help?

Need IRS or NYS Tax Help?

Our experienced New York tax attorneys have focused on the resolution of tax issues for over 25 years. Our firm offers comprehensive services to businesses and individuals with respect to their Federal and New York State tax matters…

If You Owe More than $20,000, Contact Us to Schedule a Free, Confidential, Case Review with a Member of Our Legal Team.
Contact Us to Schedule a Free, Confidential Case Review with a Member of Our Legal Team.
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Experienced New York Tax Attorneys

Experienced New York Tax Attorneys

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New York Residency Audit

New York Residency Audit

Surviving a New York Residency Audit eBook

Do you have more than one home? Learn how to avoid tax problems.

Do you have more than one home? Learn how to avoid tax problems.

IRS Offer in Compromise

IRS Offer in Compromise

IRS Offer in Compromise eBook

Can’t afford to pay the IRS? Find out if an Offer in Compromise can help. 

New York Sales Tax

New York Sales Tax

New York State Sales Tax Audit eBook

Are you confused by sales tax laws? Get the facts to protect your business.

Providing New York State (and IRS) Tax Attorney Services for Over 25 Years

These are some of the most common tax problems we help to resolve.

If you cannot afford to pay your taxes, one solution may be an IRS Offer in Compromise (“OIC”). An OIC is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS to settle the taxpayer’s liability for less than the full amount owed. The chief benefit of an OIC is that your tax debt is reduced to an amount you can pay while the rest of the liability is essentially forgiven enabling you to get a fresh start without worrying about the IRS coming after you.

Unfortunately, it is not easy to qualify for an Offer in Compromise. There are only three grounds: (1) doubt as to liability, (2) doubt as to collectability and (3) effective tax administration. However, most taxpayers base their OIC on “doubt as to the collectability” of the tax debt. It requires proving that your assets and income are less than the full amount of your tax liability. Generally, the IRS will not accept an OIC unless the amount offered is equal to or greater than the reasonable collection potential (RCP) of the taxpayer. The RCP factors in amounts that can be realized from the liquidation of your assets, money that could be collected from third-parties, and your current and future income less specified amounts allowed for reasonable living expenses.

In determining your future ability to pay, the IRS must consider your overall general situation including such factors as age, health, marital status, number and age of dependents, education or occupational training, work experience, and present and future employment status.
The OIC approval process can be time-consuming and complicated with the IRS usually conducting an intensive review of a taxpayer’s finances. We have extensive experience with Offers in Compromise and only submit one when a taxpayer’s financial information appears to support it. We do not waste a taxpayer’s time and money if we do not believe an offer will be accepted.

If you owe taxes and want to find out if an OIC is an option for you, contact us for a free consultation.

New York sales tax applies to retail sales of certain tangible personal property and services when delivered in the state. Typical examples of sales where tax must be paid include clothing, furniture, appliances, restaurant food and drinks and hotel rooms. If your business is obligated to collect and pay sales tax to the state, you may be subject to an audit to verify your tax return or because you failed to file a return.

NYS sales tax audits can be stressful. New York law requires that you keep certain records of business transactions. If your recordkeeping doesn’t meet government standards, there are significant consequences. First, you may be hit with a penalty for failure to maintain adequate records. Next, the auditor is allowed to estimate what you owe based on “reasonable” indirect methods. That could leave you with a higher tax bill than what you reported plus you’ll owe additional penalties and interest on any unpaid amount. Poor recordkeeping also makes it difficult for you to challenge the results of an audit.

If you don’t pay your taxes, New York has the power to collect the money by levying your bank account, garnishing your wages and seizing and selling your business and its assets. You could also be subject to criminal penalties and have your Certificate of Authority revoked. Sales taxes are also trust fund taxes. This means owners, operators, and even investors can be held personally liable for the sales tax debts of the business. The state could go after your personal bank accounts and property. You could also lose your driver’s license if you owe more than $10,000 or more, including penalties and interest.

We represent taxpayers with New York State sales tax problems. If you are not already being audited, we may be able to assist you in qualifying for New York’s Voluntary Disclosure and Compliance Program. If you have received notice of an audit or the State is taking collection action against you, we can help you reach a reasonable resolution with the State as efficiently as possible.

Contact us for a free consultation.

If you have a home in New York and another outside of it, it is essential that you understand New York residency rules to avoid a potential residency audit and a big tax bill. New York conducts residency audits to establish whether a taxpayer accurately filed a New York personal income tax return as a nonresident, part-year resident, or resident. Your residency is important because it affects how much you owe New York in taxes.

New York residents must pay state income tax on all income, regardless of where it is earned, while nonresidents pay tax only on New York source income, such as wages. Since New York has a high income tax rate, if you are found to be a resident of New York when you claimed to be a resident of a different state, you could end up owing significant back taxes, plus penalties and interest on the unpaid amount.

Residency audits most often arise when people move out of New York but decide to keep a residence in the State. Individuals underestimate what it takes to change their residency for tax purposes or they don’t realize that there are two tests for residency – the domicile test and the statutory residency test. Even if you pass one of them, the other one could land you in trouble.

The residency rules are complex and audits are difficult and personally intrusive. The State can look at your credit card and bank statements, cell phone and EZ Pass records, ATM receipts, passport records, and data from security or swipe cards to determine how much time you spent in New York.

We represent taxpayers who are subject to New York State and New York City residency audits helping them present a strong case to avoid liability or obtain the best settlement possible. 

If you have received a residency questionnaire or audit notice, contact us for a free consultation.

Finding out that you owe back taxes is hard enough, but discovering that substantial penalties have been added to your tax bill can be overwhelming. The IRS imposes penalties when taxpayers fail to pay taxes when due, fail to timely file a tax return, have substantial inaccuracies in tax filings or have otherwise not complied with tax laws. Fortunately, penalties may be eliminated or reduced. IRS penalty abatement allows for the forgiveness of penalties and penalty interest that you have accumulated on your tax debt. If you meet the requirements for penalty abatement, you are still obligated to pay the underlying tax liability and any accrued interest but you will be absolved of abated penalties.

IRS penalty abatement is available in the following situations:

  • Reasonable Cause. You must have a sound reason for failing to meet your tax obligation, such as natural disaster, inability to obtain records, death, serious illness, or other reason that would establish that you used all ordinary business care and prudence to meet your tax obligation but were unable to do so.
  • Administrative Waiver and First Time Penalty Abatement. Generally, this applies if you did not have a previous obligation to file or you have not been subject to a penalty for the three preceding tax years.
  • Statutory Exception. The tax law provides for specific exceptions including if the taxpayer received incorrect written advice from the IRS.

These reasons are not automatic and require that you submit specific documentation demonstrating that you have met the grounds for relief.

Penalties may be challenged at any stage of the penalty assessment process, so if you have been assessed significant penalties, it may not be too late to get help. We can evaluate whether an IRS penalty abatement request is appropriate for you and craft a persuasive submission to ensure that the IRS considers all of the facts and circumstances in your favor.

Contact us for a free consultation.

Once the IRS determines that you owe money, it will contact you to pay your bill. If you don’t pay up or enter into a settlement agreement, the agency will begin taking legal action to collect on your debt. The IRS has an arsenal of tools to use in collection efforts. These include liens, levies, wage garnishment and passport revocation.

A federal tax lien is the government’s legal claim against a taxpayer’s property. It attaches to real estate, personal property, financial assets and business property, including accounts receivable. A lien is public and shows up on your credit report for seven years even if the liability is paid in full. It can make it difficult for you to sell your property or obtain financing.

A levy permits the legal taking of the taxpayer’s property to satisfy a tax debt. The IRS can levy your bank account as well as seize and sell your real estate and personal property. The agency can also issue levies to third parties holding your property or owing you money, such as your customers. You could also have your wages garnished.

If you owe over $54,000, your passport can also be revoked.

These IRS collection tactics have serious consequences so you need to act quickly if you want to stop enforcement. You will receive notice before the IRS takes action so it is best to respond before a lien attaches or your property is seized. If enforcement has begun, there are several remedies available to qualified taxpayers. You may be able to appeal the filing of a lien or obtain a release, discharge, withdrawal or subordination. There are also ways to challenge a levy as well as grounds for obtaining a release of a levy. 

Unfortunately, it is not easy to eliminate a lien, levy, or other enforcement action. The rules are complex and it is crucial to present a compelling case. If you are facing collection action, we can help you avoid losing your property, reduce the impact of a seizure and resolve your tax matter.

Contact us for a free consultation.

IRS TAX HELP

Our attorneys represent your interests in IRS audits or tax collection disputes.

NYS TAX HELP

We can help resolve your NYS income tax, sales tax, residency, or other tax problems.

COVID-19 TAX HELP

Our firm can advise you if you cannot pay your taxes because of COVID-19.

IRS TAX HELP

Our attorneys represent your interests in IRS audits or tax collection disputes.

NYS TAX HELP

We can help resolve your NYS income tax, sales tax, residency, or other tax problems.

COVID-19 TAX HELP

Our firm can advise you if you cannot pay your taxes because of COVID-19.

IRS and NYS Tax Articles

Tenenbaum Law, P.C.
WE PROVIDE THE EXPERIENCE YOU NEED

Navigating Complex IRS & NYS Tax Matters With You

A tax audit is an intrusive legal matter that can affect your financial and emotional welfare. Our experienced IRS and New York tax attorneys strive to minimize the impact this issue has on your life, your livelihood, and your business’s reputation.

We draw on decades of combined legal experience to navigate complex legal matters and help you find a resolution to your tax issues.

Contact Us to Schedule a Free, Confidential Case Review with a Member of Our Legal Team.
Contact Us to Schedule a Free, Confidential Case Review with a Member of Our Legal Team.
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Tenenbaum Law, P.C.
WE PROVIDE THE EXPERIENCE YOU NEED

Navigating Complex IRS & NYS Tax Matters With You

A tax audit is an intrusive legal matter that can affect your financial and emotional welfare. Our experienced IRS and New York tax attorneys strive to minimize the impact this issue has on your life, your livelihood, and your business’s reputation.

We draw on decades of combined legal experience to navigate complex legal matters and help you find a resolution to your tax issues.

Contact Us to Schedule a Free, Confidential Case Review with a Member of Our Legal Team.
Contact Us to Schedule a Free, Confidential Case Review with a Member of Our Legal Team.
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