Tax Attorney New York, NY
J. David Tax Law resolves federal and state tax debt for individuals and businesses. Every case is handled by a New York-licensed tax attorney, and the firm is backed by an A+ BBB rating with over $800 million saved for taxpayers.
Contact a Tax Attorney Near You Today For a Free Tax Debt Consultation!
Qualify For Free A Tax Debt Consultation Today!
Who Collects Tax Debt in New York?
New York Tax Attorneys for Federal, State, and City Tax Debt
New York taxpayers answer to three tax authorities: the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for federal taxes, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (NYS DTF) for state and New York City personal income taxes, and the New York City Department of Finance for city business taxes. Each operates under its own laws, deadlines, and collection procedures. For example, the IRS has 10 years from assessment to collect a tax debt, while a New York State tax warrant remains enforceable for 20 years from filing. J. David Tax Law represents taxpayers before the IRS in all 50 states and before New York’s tax agencies through New York-licensed attorneys.
Read More
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Federal Taxes
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) collects federal income tax, payroll tax, and self-employment tax. The IRS enforces unpaid tax debt through federal tax liens, bank levies, wage garnishments, and for seriously delinquent debt, passport certification to the State Department, which can deny or revoke your passport. Federal resolution programs include installment agreements, the Offer in Compromise program, Currently Not Collectible status, and penalty abatement. Our tax attorneys handle every IRS notice, filing, and negotiation on your behalf.
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (NYS DTF): State Taxes
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (NYS DTF) administers state personal income tax, sales and use tax, corporation franchise tax, and withholding tax. It also collects New York City personal income tax through state returns. The NYS DTF enforces unpaid debt through tax warrants, income executions taking 10% of gross wages, bank levies, and driver's license suspension once tax debt reaches $10,000. State resolution options include Installment Payment Agreements, the New York State Offer in Compromise program, and penalty abatement. The NYS DTF also runs residency audits applying the domicile test and the 183-day statutory residency rule. Our New York-licensed attorneys respond to NYS DTF notices and negotiate directly with the state.
New York City Department of Finance: City Business Taxes
The New York City Department of Finance administers the city's business taxes, including the Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT), the Business Corporation Tax, and the Commercial Rent Tax in Manhattan. City business taxes are separate from federal and state obligations, so a business in the five boroughs can owe three separate authorities (city, state, and federal) at the same time. We resolve city tax debt alongside IRS and NYS DTF balances in one coordinated plan.
Why Taxpayers Trust Our New York City Tax Attorneys
Over $800 Million Saved for Taxpayers
Taxpayers trust J. David Tax Law’s New York City tax attorneys for reasons you can verify: more than $800 million saved for clients, more than 100 five-star Google reviews for the firm’s New York office, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and documented case results. That track record is backed by over 40 years of combined attorney experience building resolution strategies around each client’s specific financial situation.
Read More
Over 40 Years of Combined Tax Law Experience
Our tax attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience in federal and New York State tax law. That experience covers IRS audits, collection defense, Tax Court litigation, IRS criminal investigations, and NYS DTF residency audits. Only a licensed tax attorney will handle your case.
A Resolution Strategy Built From Your Financials
Our tax debt lawyers build each resolution strategy from your financial record, not from a template. The analysis starts with your income and assets, from which we calculate your Reasonable Collection Potential, the figure the IRS uses to accept or reject an Offer in Compromise. That review determines whether your case fits a settlement, a payment plan, or hardship status, and it covers enforcement issues such as IRS wage garnishments, tax liens, and Trust Fund Recovery Penalties.
Case Result: Nearly $1 Million NY Residency Assessment Eliminated
A J. David Tax Law client living overseas was assessed nearly $1 million by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance after a residency audit flagged him as a New York resident. The flag traced to a single record: an E*TRADE account address that had not been updated since 2008. Our attorneys documented his non-resident status, filed the required non-resident returns, worked the case with NY Audit Group 15, and resolved overseas documentation issues, including a citizenship renunciation. The state granted full relief, and the client's U.S. assets remained protected. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
A+ BBB Rating and Independently Verified Reviews
J. David Tax Law holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and more than 100 5-star Google reviews for our New York office. Each rating links to its source, so you can verify them you call. The consultation is free, with no obligation.
Payroll Tax Debt Help for New York Businesses
940 and 941 Tax Debt, Trust Fund Recovery Penalties, and Worker Classification Disputes
Payroll tax debt builds when a business fails to deposit withheld income tax, FICA, and the employer’s share of employment taxes. The IRS treats the withheld portion as trust funds, and the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty makes owners, officers, and other responsible individuals personally liable for the full amount. Our payroll tax attorneys defend New York businesses in 940 and 941 tax debt cases, Trust Fund Recovery Penalty investigations, payroll tax audits, and worker classification disputes.
The IRS builds personal liability through the Form 4180 interview, which establishes who controlled the company’s finances and payments. Our attorneys represent clients in that interview and contest responsible-person determinations before they become personal assessments. New York State pursues the same personal liability for unpaid state withholding tax, so a payroll tax case in New York often involves both the IRS and the NYS DTF at the same time.
Call (646) 718-5037 for a free payroll tax consultation.
Our tax relief services cover every stage of a tax debt case: settlement programs, enforcement defense, audit and dispute representation, specialized matters, and filing compliance. As a law firm, not a tax resolution company, J. David Tax Law has a licensed tax attorney negotiating every case with the IRS or the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. For clients who owe significant federal back taxes, we offer comprehensive Fresh Start representation to help you negotiate manageable payment plans or settlements.
Offer In Compromise
Fresh Start Program
Currently Not Collectible
Penalty & Interest Relief
First Time Penalty Abatement
IRS Payment Plan
IRS Appeals
IRS Asset Seizure
IRS Debt Negotiation
Tax Levy
Tax Lien
Resolve liens before they damage your credit or financial standing.
Wage Garnishment
Tax Audit
Facing an audit? Our team will represent you and guide through the process.
IRS Criminal Investigations
Protect yourself during an IRS Criminal Investigation with our experienced legal support.
Innocent Spouse Relief
IRS Passport Revocation Or Denial
Tax Litigation
Unpaid Taxes
Payroll Tax (940 & 941 Payroll Tax)
Independently Rated Tax Attorneys
J. David Tax Law’s attorneys hold verified profiles on legal directories including Justia, Super Lawyers, Avvo, and Martindale-Hubbell. Firm founder Jonathan Sooriash is rated 10.0 on Justia and holds Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent® peer rating. Each badge below links to the firm’s live profile on that site, and the firm’s full list of recognitions is found on our Awards and Recognition page.
Client Stories: Four Tax Debt Cases Resolved
How Our Tax Resolution Process Works
J. David Tax Law resolves tax debt in four steps: Free Consultation, Investigation, Tax Resolution, and Freedom. The same process applies whether your case is with the IRS, the NYS DTF, or both. Every step is handled by a tax attorney, and the full process is outlined on our process page.
Free Consultation
Connect with us for a free consultation to assess your tax situation and explore personalized solutions with one of our expert tax advocates.
Investigation
We begin with in-depth investigation into your tax matters, analyzing every detail of your financial history and tax records.
Tax Resolution
With the information gathered, we develop a personalized tax resolution strategy that addresses your unique IRS tax issues.
Freedom
In the final phase, our experienced New York State tax attorneys work tirelessly to resolve your tax issues efficiently, allowing you to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Free Consultation
Connect with us for a free consultation to assess your tax situation and explore personalized solutions with one of our expert tax advocates.
Investigation
We begin with in-depth investigation into your tax matters, analyzing every detail of your financial history and tax records.
Tax Resolution
With the information gathered, we develop a personalized tax resolution strategy that addresses your unique IRS tax issues.
Freedom
In the final phase, our experienced New York State tax attorneys work tirelessly to resolve your tax issues efficiently, allowing you to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
IRS and NYS Audit Representation for Individuals and Businesses
Correspondence, Office, and Field Audit Defense
Tax audit representation means a licensed attorney answers the audit for you: once you file IRS Form 2848, Power of Attorney, the IRS contacts your attorney instead of you directly. J. David Tax Law defends individuals and businesses across all three IRS audit formats (correspondence, office, and field), and in NYS DTF desk and residency audits. Audit outcomes carry strict deadlines: an IRS 30-day letter opens the appeals window, while a 90-day Notice of Deficiency sets the final date to petition the U.S. Tax Court. The table below shows what representation covers and what is at stake for each client type.
Client Type | Representation Covers | What’s at Stake |
Individuals | • Correspondence, office, and field audit defense | • A 20% accuracy-related penalty on understatements |
Businesses | • Field audit defense and Information Document Request management | • Trust Fund Recovery Penalty liability for owners and officers |
- Correspondence, office, and field audit defense
- Power of attorney, so the IRS contacts your attorney, not you
- IRS appeals and audit reconsideration
- Amended returns and unfiled return corrections
- A 20% accuracy-related penalty on understatements
- Audit expansion into additional tax years
- Assessment by default when deadlines pass
- NYS DTF follow-on audits using the IRS results
- Field audit defense and Information Document Request management
- Payroll and employment tax audit support
- Worker classification examinations
- Representation during IRS enforcement actions
- Trust Fund Recovery Penalty liability for owners and officers
- Expansion into payroll and sales tax accounts
- Referral to IRS Criminal Investigation in fraud cases
- Records demands that disrupt operations
Why People Trust
J. David Tax Law®
Meet Our New York Tax Attorneys
James Clarke and Lisa Goldschmidt are the firm’s tax attorneys licensed in New York. Both represent individuals and businesses before the IRS and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, covering audits, collections, and residency cases for clients across all five boroughs, Long Island, and Westchester County. Firm founder Jonathan Sooriash supports New York cases as part of the firm’s national practice.
Six Values Guide How Our Attorneys Handle Every Case
Communicate Effectively
Our tax attorneys keep clients fully informed throughout the process, empowering them to make confident decisions on their tax matters.
Accountability
We stand by our promises, delivering accurate legal advice and strong representation to resolve your tax issues effectively.
Act with Integrity
Integrity is the cornerstone of our practice. We prioritize our clients' interests, ensuring trust at every step of their legal process.
Collaborative Teamwork
Our tax lawyers collaborate, combining their extensive and diverse expertise to provide comprehensive solutions for complex tax matters.
Compassion
We approach each case with compassion, advocating for fair treatment and working to minimize our clients' financial burdens.
Inspire Growth
We embrace new challenges, continuously growing to deliver the best tax resolution services for our clients.
Communicate Effectively
Our tax attorneys keep clients fully informed throughout the process, empowering them to make confident decisions on their tax matters.
Accountability
We stand by our promises, delivering accurate legal advice and strong representation to resolve your tax issues effectively.
Act with Integrity
Integrity is the cornerstone of our practice. We prioritize our clients' interests, ensuring trust at every step of their legal process.
Collaborative Teamwork
Our tax lawyers collaborate, combining their extensive and diverse expertise to provide comprehensive solutions for complex tax matters.
Compassion
We approach each case with compassion, advocating for fair treatment and working to minimize our clients' financial burdens.
Inspire Growth
Our IRS tax lawyers embrace new challenges, continuously growing to deliver the best tax resolution services for our clients.
Why should I hire a tax attorney instead of handling my tax debt myself?
A tax attorney gives you two protections other tax professionals can’t offer: attorney-client privilege, which keeps your communications confidential even if a case turns criminal, and full representation rights, so the IRS and the NYS DTF deal with your attorney instead of you. A tax attorney also tracks the deadlines that decide cases, including appeal windows, statutes of limitations on collections, and Tax Court petition dates. To see how attorneys differ from CPAs and enrolled agents, read our guide to the difference between a tax attorney, CPA, and enrolled agent in NYC.
What options does New York State offer to resolve state tax debt?
New York State offers five resolution paths: Installment Payment Agreements, the New York State Offer in Compromise, financial hardship status that pauses collection, penalty abatement, and New York’s own innocent spouse relief. The New York State Offer in Compromise program is more limited than its federal counterpart, and each option has its own qualification rules. Our New York-licensed attorneys match your case to the program your financials support.
When does the IRS file a tax lien?
The federal tax lien arises automatically when the IRS assesses a tax, sends a demand for payment, and the balance goes unpaid. The IRS generally files a public Notice of Federal Tax Lien when the balance reaches $10,000, attaching the government’s claim to your property and appears in title and credit searches. The lien releases within 30 days of full payment, and the IRS can withdraw it earlier in limited cases, including for direct debit installment agreements on balances of $25,000 or less. Our tax lien attorneys handle release, withdrawal, subordination, and discharge requests.
How fast do IRS penalties and interest grow on unpaid taxes?
The failure-to-pay penalty runs at 0.5% of the unpaid tax per month, up to 25%, and the failure-to-file penalty accrues at 5% per month, up to 25%, which is why filing on time matters even when you cannot pay. Interest accrues in addition to both, set quarterly at the federal short-term rate plus 3% and compounded daily. Penalty abatement can remove penalties for reasonable cause or under first-time abatement rules, but interest on the tax itself only stops accruing when the balance is paid in full.
What should I do if I receive an IRS or NYS audit notice?
1. Respond before the deadline printed on the notice. A missed deadline lets the agency assess the tax by default.
2. Gather the returns and records for the years listed in the notice before contacting the auditor.
3. Avoid speaking with the auditor directly. Your statements will become part of the examination record.
4. Contact a tax attorney and sign IRS Form 2848, or Form POA-1 for a New York State audit, so the agency can communicate directly with your attorney instead of with you.
How long can the IRS and New York State collect back taxes?
The IRS has 10 years from the date of assessment to collect a tax debt, which is a period called the Collection Statute Expiration Date. New York State has 20 years to enforce a tax warrant, twice the federal collection period. The two clocks run independently, and certain events, including bankruptcy and a pending offer in compromise, pause the federal clock and extend the deadline.
Can New York State suspend my driver's license because of tax debt?
Yes. After sending you a notice that gives you 60 days to resolve the balance of your tax debt, New York State refers license suspension cases to the DMV when your past-due tax debt reaches $10,000. Commercial driver’s licenses are exempt, along with taxpayers already under wage garnishment, paying court-ordered child support, or receiving certain public assistance. Paying the balance or entering a payment agreement stops the suspension, and our attorneys handle both.
Are lottery winnings taxable in New York?
Yes. Lottery winnings are ordinary income, and New York taxes them at the highest combined rate in the country: the lottery withholds 24% in federal tax on prizes over $5,000, New York State taxes winnings at rates up to 10.9%, and New York City residents pay an additional 3.876%. A large prize also lands in the 37% federal bracket, so the 24% withholding rarely covers the final bill. Our attorneys can resolve the tax debt left by underwithheld lottery winnings.
From the Tax Debt Learning Center
Recent guides from our attorneys on New York tax problems:
How Much Does a Tax Attorney Cost in New York?
Can a Tax Attorney Negotiate with the IRS?
How Long Does the IRS Offer in Compromise Take? A Timeline to Prepare for Success.
How the IRS Calculates Interest on Tax Penalties
Will the Trump Tax Plan Forgive IRS Debt? Don’t Count On It.
Facing New York State Tax Debt? How to Resolve It With Legal Help
Contact A Tax Lawyer Near You Today!
