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Tax controversies can come up when you least expect it. While these issues can be as simple as failing to pay on time, many disputes result from your good faith belief that your obligation to the government is much lower than the amount on your assessment.
You have the opportunity to challenge that assessed amount with the help of a Maryland Tax Court litigation lawyer in Bethesda. Resolving these controversies can be risky without the support of legal counsel, which makes it vital that you speak with a skilled tax attorney as soon as you can.
There is a possibility that you might not agree with the assessment from the IRS or the State of Maryland. In this scenario, you have the right to dispute the amount you owe at the state or federal level. You may request an appeal with the Maryland Comptroller’s Office of Hearings and Appeals or with the IRS Independent Office of Appeals.
One of the benefits of this process is that you are not required to prepay the contested amount before you can raise your argument on appeal. When you file the paperwork, you get the chance to identify the discrepancy that has led to being overbilled by the government.
If the appeal is denied at the federal level, there is still an opportunity to resolve the issue without dealing with frustrating collection attempts. You may be able to secure an offer in compromise or pay down your debt through an installment plan.
In the State of Maryland, there are strict rules for appealing a decision. A Bethesda attorney can ensure you understand all of the regulations and guidelines for Maryland Tax Court litigation. In general, you have 30 days to request your appeal. This 30-day window of time only starts counting down once the Office of Hearings and Appeals issues its decision in a document known as a Final Notice of Determination. Once 30 days pass, you have missed out on your chance to challenge the tax assessment.
The Maryland Tax Court is made up of a group of five judges, each of whom is appointed by the governor. The law allows you to represent yourself in these proceedings, which may be suitable for smaller assessments. However, if the assessment in question is $50,000 or more, you are best served by relying on the support of legal counsel. A Bethesda attorney can handle the most complex parts of the Maryland Tax Court process, starting with the initial proceeding, and can also assist with the written petition, where you must properly explain why you believe the assessment was in error.
Errors are possible when the Comptroller of Maryland assesses a tax on you, which is why they allow for appeals. The thought of filing an appeal with a government agency over your tax bill can feel intimidating, but it is important to remember you do not have to handle it on your own. A Maryland Tax Court litigation lawyer in Bethesda can take the lead on your case if the incorrect assessment exceeds $50,000. Time is of the essence, so reach out right away for a private consultation.
Pontius Tax Law, PLLC is a tax law firm that strives to resolve sensitive tax problems through trust, dedication and value. The law firm was founded by John Pontius with offices in Washington, DC, Rockville, MD, Bethesda, MD, Fairfax, VA, and Alexandria, VA. Mr. Pontius represents individual and business clients with sensitive and serious tax matters before the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. His client base is local, national, and international.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Pontius has represented businesses and individuals with complex tax issues in the following areas: FBAR examinations, offshore and domestic disclosures, FATCA, FIRPTA, tax planning, unfiled tax returns, release of tax liens and levies, trust fund recovery penalty, IRS and state audit examinations, as well as appeals, penalty abatement, U.S. Tax Court litigation, along with defense of tax fraud and evasion. If you require assistance from a tax lawyer, contact Mr. Pontius to discuss your situation.
