Business Details
24 Years
experience
Emergency
services
IRS Tax Problem Solutions for Individuals & Businesses in Chicago
Established in 2002, The Tax Defenders specialize in resolving complex IRS tax issues for individuals and businesses nationwide. Our team of experienced tax attorneys, CPAs, and Enrolled Agents provides personalized strategies to address audits, debt settlements, payroll tax problems, and enforcement defense. With offices in Chicago and Oak Park, we combine legal expertise with a client-first approach, prioritizing transparency and empathy. Our services include Offer in Compromise negotiations, penalty abatement, lien and levy defense, and unfiled return resolution. Recognized for over 20 years of service, we focus on delivering tailored solutions while maintaining federal compliance standards. Veterans of both the U.S.Marine Corps and IRS litigation, our team brings a unique perspective to tax controversy cases. We emphasize direct communication with licensed professionals, avoiding outsourced representation. Client testimonials highlight our success in reducing tax liabilities, halting aggressive collections, and restoring financial stability. Our commitment to honest advice is demonstrated through free initial consultations and no-pressure guidance.
Services
Tax Debt Relief
IRS Audit Defense
Payroll Tax Resolution
Levy Lien Removal
Unfiled Return Compliance
Penalty Abatement
FBAR Assistance
Offer in Compromise
Enforcement Defense
Business Tax Representation
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer direct representation by licensed tax attorneys with 20+ years of IRS negotiation experience
- Our team includes CPAs and Enrolled Agents for comprehensive tax controversy expertise
- We implement proven strategies for Offer in Compromise and penalty abatement
- We provide immediate response within one hour for urgent tax issues
- Veteran-owned firm committed to ethical representation with no hidden fees
What people say
Saved $35,000 in tax debt
Resolved complex audit in weeks
No hidden fees
24-hour response guarantee
Personalized legal strategy
Services
Tax Debt Relief
Our tax attorneys help reduce and resolve outstanding IRS tax liabilities through strategic negotiation. We assess your financial situation to determine eligibility for Offer in Compromise, installment agreements, or currently not collectible status. Our team manages all IRS communications to stop wage garnishments and bank levies while developing a sustainable payment plan that protects your assets.
IRS Audit Defense
We provide expert defense for IRS and state tax audits, protecting your rights throughout the examination process. Our attorneys handle document requests, respond to IRS inquiries, and challenge unfair assessments. We work to minimize additional tax liabilities while ensuring proper audit procedures are followed, whether dealing with correspondence audits or in-person examinations by revenue officers.
Payroll Tax Resolution
Specialized solutions for businesses facing payroll tax debt and trust fund recovery penalties. We defend business owners against personal liability assessments while negotiating repayment plans. Our services include resolving Form 941 delinquencies, defending employment tax audits, and protecting assets from business-related IRS enforcement actions.
Levy Lien Removal
We help stop and reverse IRS collection actions including bank levies, wage garnishments, and property liens. Our team files immediate appeals to halt enforcement, negotiates with revenue officers, and pursues release options. We advocate for lien withdrawals, levy releases, and hardship protections to restore your financial stability.
Unfiled Return Compliance
Guidance for taxpayers with multiple years of unfiled or delinquent tax returns. We help compile necessary documentation, file missing returns, and address substitute for return issues. Our approach prioritizes compliance while identifying opportunities for penalty abatement and reduced liability through accurate historical filings.
People
Joe Hanley
President
Founder and lead attorney with 20+ years of IRS litigation experience. Former Marine Corps veteran who built the firm after resolving his own tax issues. Specializes in complex tax debt settlements and enforcement defense strategies.
Kelly Hanley
Director of Resolution
Tax attorney with extensive experience in IRS audit defense and business tax resolution. Leads client strategy development and oversees case management for corporate tax controversies and payroll tax disputes.
Teresa Wittmer
Tax Attorney
Licensed attorney specializing in tax debt negotiations and penalty abatement. Represents clients in IRS collection defense and develops tailored resolution plans for individuals facing wage garnishments and property liens.
Samantha Wisniewski
Tax Attorney
Experienced in unfiled return compliance and international tax reporting. Assists clients with FBAR requirements and offshore disclosure programs while managing domestic tax controversy cases.
Barry Nelson
CPA & Accountant
Certified Public Accountant with dual expertise in tax resolution and forensic accounting. Provides financial analysis for Offer in Compromise cases and develops payment plans that align with clients' financial realities.
Questions
What IRS resolution options do you offer?
We provide Offer in Compromise, installment agreements, penalty abatement, and currently not collectible status. Our team evaluates your specific situation to determine the most effective strategy for reducing and resolving your tax liabilities.
Can you stop wage garnishments immediately?
Our attorneys act quickly to halt wage garnishments by negotiating with the IRS. While immediate release isn't guaranteed, we typically stop collections within 7-14 business days by establishing alternative payment arrangements or proving financial hardship.
How do you handle IRS audits?
We represent you throughout the audit process, managing all IRS communication and documentation requests. Our attorneys defend your position during examinations and challenge incorrect assessments while minimizing additional tax liabilities.
Do you represent businesses with tax issues?
Yes, we specialize in business tax resolution including payroll tax debt, employment tax disputes, and corporate enforcement defense. Our services protect business owners from personal liability while resolving IRS compliance issues.
Can you help with unfiled tax returns?
We assist with multiple years of unfiled returns, handling the entire filing process while identifying opportunities for penalty reduction. We prioritize compliance while protecting clients from criminal tax evasion charges.
Are your consultations really free?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations to discuss your tax issues. During this no-obligation conversation, a licensed attorney will assess your situation and explain potential resolution options without pressure to commit.
