We Fix IRS Problems.
Call Today, End Tax Trouble.
Looking for experienced, top-rated help with a tax problem? You’re in the right place.
- Call us today to speak with a licensed tax professional.
- We handle back taxes, audits, and appeals. Personal and business.
- Veteran Owned Since 2002. Over 19,000 cases handled.
- Licensed CPAs, Attorneys, and Enrolled Agents. BBB A+ Rated.
“The Tax Defenders are a great firm to work with; very professional. Their staff from the admin to the attorneys are very knowledgeable and responsive.”
— Jim S., BBB Review
“The Tax Defenders are a great firm to work with; very professional. Their staff from the admin to the attorneys are very knowledgeable and responsive.”
— Jim S., BBB Review
Big-Firm Talent. Small-Firm Service.
Our licensed professionals handle every case personally — you’re not dialing a call center and won’t be handed off to a “case manager.”
- Former IRS Counsel
- Ex-National Law Firm Attorney
- Ex-State Enforcement Attorney
- Former Big Four CPA
- Tax Court Experience
- A team with a depth of IRS expertise
- Strategies personalized to your situation
- Real people who care about the outcome of your case
- Full support and help with your taxes once your case is successfully concluded
Meet the Team
Every attorney, CPA, and Enrolled Agent on our team is licensed and in good standing.
“Incredibly knowledgeable, kind, patient and did not sugar coat the reality of the tax world. I hung up having a clearer picture of what my legal rights are and truly felt like I had an ally I could reach out to.”
“From the first call I knew I was in good hands! Kelly and her team took the time to clearly explain every detail, provided trusted legal advice and made resolving my business’s case go from overwhelming to feeling easy and stress free.”
What Happens When You Call
No high-pressure sales. No commissioned reps. Just licensed professionals who answer your questions accurately.
When you call, you speak with an owner, attorney, CPA, or Enrolled Agent — not a commissioned salesperson. We are licensed professionals who can answer your questions accurately.
We ask about your tax debt, IRS enforcement actions, income, expenses, and any special circumstances. The IRS has specific programs for specific situations. We need the full picture.
Which IRS programs you qualify for, realistic outcomes (not “pennies on the dollar” promises), timeline to fully fixing things, and our fees if we think hiring is a good idea.
Hire us immediately, think about it, get a second opinion, or handle it yourself. If we don’t think we can help, we’ll tell you why.
“Joe Hanley took the time to give me clear, thoughtful advice without trying to upsell or charge me, and genuinely seemed focused on helping me understand the best course of action. I truly appreciate his honesty and professionalism.”
— Angela R, Chicago, ILReady to talk to a licensed professional about your tax situation?
Tax Disputes and Negotiation Is All We Do.
We help individuals and businesses fix their IRS problems, quickly resolving any immediate issues and put them on a path to a cleaner tax future.
Back Taxes & IRS Debt
Owe the IRS from multiple years? Whether it is $50K or $5M, we negotiate Offers in Compromise, installment agreements, Currently Not Collectible status, and penalty abatement based on what the IRS guidelines actually allow.
“Reduced my $150K liability to $1,538 OIC — saved $134,712 total.”
IRS Levies, Liens & Garnishments
IRS seizing your bank account or garnishing your wages? This is urgent and we treat it that way. We can often stop levies within 24–72 hours, then negotiate long-term resolution.
“They reversed a $103,836 bank levy in 72 hours and saved my business.”
Payroll Tax & Business Tax Problems
Payroll tax debt is the IRS’s top priority. Trust Fund Recovery Penalties, Revenue Officer visits, personal liability — these cases require an attorney who understands the stakes.
“My $1.8M tax liability was resolved without destroying my practice.”
Unfiled Tax Returns
Haven’t filed in years? The IRS may have filed Substitute for Returns that overstate what you owe. We prepare and file your actual returns first — often significantly reducing the total liability — then negotiate the remaining debt.
Tax Audit Representation
Facing an IRS audit? You don’t have to go in alone. Our tax attorneys and CPAs represent you directly, manage document requests, and defend your position to minimize adjustments and protect what you’ve reported.
Revenue Officer Cases
If the IRS assigned a Revenue Officer, you are past automated collection. ROs have the power to seize assets, close your business, and hold you personally liable. You need an attorney who has been across the table from Revenue Officers hundreds of times.
Chicago Based. Clients Nationwide.
We’ve been based in Chicago since 2002, with real local offices in the Loop, Oak Park, and Naperville. In-person meetings available by appointment.
We are a national practice and have clients from all over the country, as you can see in the image. Like the modern way, cases are handled remotely — typically via phone, email, and secure document upload. But we are happy to jump on a video call too!
We have grown to have team members in Missouri, Tennessee, New Jersey, Florida, California, and more.
Our Process & Timeline
These are averages and depend on client and IRS response. Technical corrections, audit reconsideration, appeals, amended returns, and Tax Court petitions follow their own timeline.
Agreement signed, Power of Attorney filed, financial documents collected, IRS transcripts requested, collections hold submitted, strategy developed through client interview.
Draft and send initial proposal to the IRS, confirm receipt, file all time-critical and supporting forms.
Ongoing contact and monitoring, prepare next-phase documents, negotiate points of difference, adjust strategy as the case develops.
Resolution approved or terms negotiated, agreement finalized in writing with all terms documented, payment begins or case closed with complete documentation.
The IRS is backlogged with millions of cases, financial verification takes time, appeals add to the timeline, tax deadlines can’t be rushed, and complex cases require multiple rounds of negotiation.
Client Testimonials
“Kelly put my mind at ease immediately. The Tax Defenders saved us more than ten times what their fee was. The result was better than what they promised. I’m in disbelief that our problem is over.”
“These people REALLY care! He took time without rushing me through it, going over all possible solutions and even told me not to hire him because I didn’t need him at this point but to reach back out.”
“As a tax preparer myself, I hold tax resolution firms to a very high standard and The Tax Defenders absolutely delivered. Their knowledge of IRS procedures, payment plans, and compliance strategies is impressive. Professional, responsive, and detail-oriented.”
“I would recommend TTD 1000%. What I went through was scary, and I can now sleep well at night. I only wish I called them sooner. Professional, courteous, and they get the job done.”
“Joe is sharp, patient and explains things in a way that make you feel confident instead of overwhelmed. He took the time to understand my situation, laid out every option clearly, and handled the entire process with real expertise.”
“Provides both comfort and professional service in handling sensitive IRS matters. Joe Hanley and his team go above and beyond, offering honest opinions — something many attorneys wouldn’t do for free.”
“They helped me resolve a complicated tax matter in less than a week for a fraction of what I paid at other firms. I could tell they care about their clients. I cannot give enough praise to this firm.”
“I can’t say enough great things about The Tax Defenders. We were relieved with the support and the empathy for our situation. I can honestly say they go above and beyond for you and your family.”
“Their team is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cares about their clients. From day one, they helped us navigate complex tax issues with confidence and clarity.”
“I recently had a complex tax issue when I received a notice from the IRS and I couldn’t be more relieved after working with The Tax Defenders. Their team supported me through every step over several months.”
“I highly recommend The Tax Defenders to anyone that is having tax issues. It was like we could breathe again after calling The Tax Defenders, they are very professional and know what to do.”
“When I called The Tax Defenders, Joe and his team acted quickly and were able to respond inside 24 hours. If you want responsive and ethical representation, look no further than The Tax Defenders.”
“Thank you so much for making my anxiety and IRS nightmares go away. I greatly appreciate everything you’ve done for me and to help me sleep better at night.”
“I recently needed some IRS assistance and Ashley from Tax Defenders came to my rescue. Ashley explained everything thoroughly and we discussed all available options together. I would highly recommend Tax Defenders to anyone needing IRS issues resolved.”
“Thank you so much Ashley Schoot, for making my anxiety and IRS nightmares go away. I greatly appreciate everything you’ve done for me to help me sleep better at night.”
“I 100% recommend the attorneys at The Tax Defenders. Very professional and extremely responsive to our questions. They helped us resolve a complicated tax issue quickly.”
“One of the better decisions in my life was hiring The Tax Defenders. They took so much stress off my plate and were always so quick to respond, even with the smallest question. If you have any issues with your taxes, I wouldn’t consider going to any other firm.”
Client Success Stories
These are real results for real clients helped by our team. They’re typical of the cases we handle, but every situation is different. The right strategy varies depending on filing status, balances owed, enforcement activity and timing. What we can promise is that we’ll bring the same experience and skill to your case and fight for the best result available to you.
An Iowa contractor could not afford the $2,014 monthly payment the IRS officer demanded. Kelly got expenses allowed under IRS rules which lowered his payment to $206/month.
An accountant hired us after the IRS demanded $5,500 per month payments on his $150,302 liability. We got him into Currently Not Collectible.
Kelly negotiated a $0 settlement with a Revenue Officer to resolve a self-employed Arkansas dad’s $186,653 debt. The full liability will expire, saving the full amount for the taxpayer.
Samantha fully reversed a $103,836 bank levy for a small business owner with multiple retail locations. The follow-on effort put the debt in Currently Not Collectible status, allowing the client to rebuild his business cashflow.
A freelancer from California was approved for Currently Not Collectible status. Savings of $44,747.
Barry represented a client in an IRS audit with small business expense examination. Result: no changes from original return.
Our team negotiated a direct debit installment agreement to partially pay a total of $14,580 of an original $46,387.
Samantha successfully petitioned and got $167,455 in penalties removed for a Wisconsin small business owner.
A Texas couple was granted a $154.50/month installment agreement despite a $49,281 debt. Resulting savings over $45,300.
Samantha obtained a Currently Not Collectible status, saving $82,615 for an Illinois bartender, allowing him to keep his home and its equity with IRS approval.
Ashley put a client into an affordable $206/month installment agreement on a debt of $234,211.
Kelly established a $400/month installment agreement for an Illinois client on $223,772 debt.
Samantha gained CNC approved on $51,059 debt for a working Arkansas client.
An installment agreement of $500/month was arranged for an Iowa single mother with $2.4 million debt which was incurred due to a bad business transaction.
In a true team effort and after months of negotiation, an Indiana couple was approved for a $2,100 Offer in Compromise in satisfaction of a $391,444 IRS tax debt.
Samantha’s petition resulted in a full penalty abatement, reducing a six-figure business debt by $245,670.
A California couple was approved for a $500 Offer in Compromise on their $173,995 debt after we appealed an IRS valuation, saving them $173,495.
Kelly obtained a full settlement for a divorced attorney by placing her $107,659 debt in Currently Not Collectible status.
Rick negotiated with a Chicago-area Revenue Officer to establish a Partial Payment Installment Agreement, protecting a client’s retirement savings fully.
Ashley set up a streamlined agreement for an insurance broker, restoring their license with the State of Illinois.
Kelly established a $400/month installment agreement for an Illinois doctor on $223,772 debt. The IRS had been demanding over $2,000 a month.
Barry successfully handled an audit reexamination for a Montana restaurant owner who owed over $123,000 to the State after his initial audit went poorly. Barry’s efforts reduced the liability by over $100,000 by getting income and expense adjustments accepted in keeping with audit rules.
A truck driver from Texas was granted an Offer in Compromise in the amount of $1,538. This was a savings of $134,712.
Ashley had a Currently Not Collectible status approved for an Illinois client on $668,742 debt, saving them the full amount when the debt expires in two years.
Kelly worked with the IRS to obtain Currently Not Collectible status on a $93,983 balance which had resulted from underpayment of taxes on 1099 wages.
Samantha secured CNC status for an Illinois taxpayer who owed $46,463.
An Illinois retiree saved $79,695 after being approved for Currently Not Collectible status.
Samantha negotiated a $227/month direct debit installment agreement on $169,592.
A $350/month partial pay installment agreement was established on $95,746. Most of the debt will expire unpaid.
A $1,700/month installment agreement was arranged on $1.3 million debt.
An Illinois attorney’s $1.8 million liability was resolved by Samantha using a stair-step installment agreement, resulting in him keeping his practice and license active while making affordable monthly payments.
Kelly established a $250/month installment agreement for a truck driver from Mississippi on $198,919 debt.
Samantha established a $500/month installment agreement for a software engineer from Utah who had $77,914 in tax debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will I actually talk to?
Licensed attorneys, CPAs, or Enrolled Agents — not commissioned salespeople. When you call, you speak directly with someone who can answer your questions accurately and evaluate your case properly.
Why don’t you guarantee results?
Because that would be dishonest. The IRS decides whether to accept settlement offers, payment plans, or Currently Not Collectible status. We present your case professionally and advocate aggressively, but we cannot control the IRS’s decision. Firms that “guarantee” outcomes are lying.
How long does it take?
Typical timeline: 3–6 months. Some cases resolve faster (penalty abatement, simple installment agreements), others take longer (Offers in Compromise, Tax Court appeals). The IRS controls the timeline due to backlogs and mandatory review periods.
Can you help if I haven’t filed returns?
Yes. We handle unfiled returns as part of the resolution process. The IRS requires filing compliance before negotiating debt resolution, so we prepare unfiled returns and file them as step one.
What if the IRS is already garnishing my wages?
Call immediately. We can often get wage garnishments released quickly (sometimes within days), then negotiate a long-term resolution. The sooner you call, the more options we have.
Do I have to come to your office?
No. While we have physical offices you can visit, most cases are handled via phone, email, and secure document upload. We work with clients nationwide.
What if you can’t help me?
We will tell you during the free consultation. Sometimes people do not need our help (case is simple enough to handle yourself), sometimes we are not the right fit (case requires a criminal defense attorney), and sometimes your situation does not qualify for IRS programs yet. We would rather be honest than take your money knowing we cannot deliver results.
