When and How To Get Professional Help With Your Tax Dispute
Most Tax Court petitioners represent themselves, and many do fine. But some situations call for professional help. Here's how to decide—and where to find it.
Latest
How To File an Amended Return (Form 1040-X)
Made a mistake on your tax return? Here's how to fix it with Form 1040-X—and how amended returns connect to Tax Court and the refund suit path.
Understanding Your IRS Balance: How Penalties and Interest Add Up
A $15,000 tax deficiency can nearly double with penalties and interest. Here's how to break down every component of your IRS balance and verify the math.
How Interest Works on Your IRS Tax Debt
IRS interest is compounded daily from the day your return was due. Here's how it's calculated, why it doesn't stop during Tax Court, and what you can do about it.
Common Tax Court Motions and How To Respond
The IRS filed a motion in your Tax Court case. Here's what each type means, how to respond, and what happens if you don't.
Tax Court vs. District Court vs. Court of Federal Claims
Three federal courts hear tax disputes, but they work very differently. Here's how to decide which one is right for your situation.
What Happens After Your Tax Court Decision
The Tax Court issued its opinion. Here's what happens next—from the Rule 155 computation to appeals, finality, and IRS collection.
How To Handle Discovery and Pretrial Preparation in Tax Court
Your case is at issue. Here's how to handle IRS discovery requests, negotiate stipulations, and prepare your pretrial memorandum.
What To Expect at Your IRS Appeals Conference
You requested IRS Appeals. Here's how to prepare for the conference, what the Appeals Officer will ask, and how to negotiate a settlement.
How To Respond to an IRS Audit
The IRS is auditing your return. Here's what to expect, what your rights are, and what to do at every step.
How To Resolve Your IRS Tax Debt
You owe the IRS and can't pay in full. Here's how installment agreements, offers in compromise, and currently not collectible status work.
What To Expect at Your Tax Court Trial
Settlement talks failed. Your trial date is approaching. Here's exactly what happens in the courtroom—from calendar call to the judge's decision.
Guides
How To Request Innocent Spouse Relief
Filed a joint return and your spouse caused the tax problem? You may qualify for innocent spouse relief. Here's how the three types work.
Guides
How To Prepare Your Evidence for Tax Court
You bear the burden of proof. Here's what evidence you need, how to organize it, and what happens when records are missing.
Guides
How To Settle Your Tax Court Case
Most Tax Court cases settle before trial. Here's how settlement works, how to evaluate an offer, and what you're signing when you agree.
Guides
How To Request an IRS Appeals Conference
The IRS proposed changes after your audit. Before accepting or going to Tax Court, you have one more option: the IRS Independent Office of Appeals.
Guides
How To Get and Read Your IRS Transcripts
IRS transcripts show your tax history in the IRS's own words. Here's how to get them, what they show, and which ones require a representative.
Guides
Common IRS Notices and Letters: What They Mean and What To Do
A quick-reference guide to the IRS notices and letters you're most likely to receive—and what each one means for your next step.
Guides
How To Request IRS Penalty Abatement
The IRS can waive failure-to-file, failure-to-pay, and accuracy penalties. Here's how to request abatement yourself—by phone or Form 843.
Guides
What Happens After You File Your Tax Court Petition
You filed your petition and have a docket number. Here's what happens next—from the IRS Answer through settlement or trial.
Guides
How To Find and Use a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC)
LITCs provide free Tax Court representation if your income is below 250% of the poverty line and your dispute is under $50,000. Here's how to find one.
Guides
How To File Your Tax Court Petition: A Step-by-Step Guide
A complete walkthrough of filing your Tax Court petition through DAWSON or by mail—forms, fees, deadlines, and mistakes to avoid.
Guides
Collection Due Process Hearings: Your Right To Challenge IRS Liens and Levies
If the IRS files a lien or threatens to levy your property, you have 30 days to request a hearing that pauses collection and opens alternatives. Here's how CDP hearings work.
Cases
Fifth Circuit Rejects IRS 'Passive Investor' Test for Limited Partners
The first appellate decision on who qualifies as a 'limited partner' for self-employment tax purposes—and it's a taxpayer win.