Tax Debt Lawyers in Chicago for IRS Taxes
At The Tax Defenders, our experienced tax debt lawyers provide strategic tax resolution, strong legal advocacy, and tailored support for professionals and business owners facing serious tax debt.
Rated 4.8
(200+ Google Reviews)
Buried in IRS Debt? We’ve Helped Thousands Resolve Their Tax Issues
When tax debt spirals out of control, you don’t need another sales pitch—you need a clear plan and a qualified attorney to execute it. Our tax debt lawyers provide experienced representation to help stop IRS enforcement action, resolve your tax debt, and restore peace of mind.
Kathy Szram
Chicago, Illinois
Provides both comfort and professional service in handling sensitive IRS matters. Their expertise and dedication ensure that IRS problems are resolved quickly and effectively. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of top-notch tax representation!
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Regulated & Accredited
The Tax Defenders Are Here To Help
We help individuals and businesses assess their situations with the IRS, fix any immediate issues and put them on a path to a cleaner tax future. From representing clients at audit meetings to negotiating a payment plan, our attorneys always put our clients’ needs first.
Clean Up of Old Tax Problems
We help individuals and families overcome lingering tax issues with tailored strategies, direct, personalized support and a comprehensive plan to get your taxes fixed
Experienced IRS Representation
We offer proactive, experienced IRS representation. We negotiate with the IRS on tough cases including audits, enforcement actions, negotiation and IRS revenue officer help.
Fixing Small Business Tax Issues
We provide strategic, experienced solutions to small business tax issues. Our attorneys tackle challenging cases involving payroll tax debts, IRS audits, and enforcement actions, protecting you and your business.
Tax Debt Lawyers
for IRS and State Tax Issues
Facing IRS Tax Debt?
When you owe the IRS, the problem doesn’t fade with time—it compounds. Interest accrues daily. Penalties increase. And enforcement tools like bank levies, wage garnishments, and federal tax liens are all available to them without a court order.
IRS procedures can be difficult to navigate without experienced counsel. Missing a deadline or responding improperly can limit your options. Our attorneys work directly with the IRS on behalf of Chicago-area clients to stabilize the situation, prevent further action, and resolve the debt.
Illinois State Tax Debt
The Illinois Department of Revenue isn’t just a smaller version of the IRS. It operates under its own set of rules—and in many cases, acts more quickly and with fewer safeguards when it comes to collections. State enforcement can lead to wage garnishments, license suspensions, and aggressive collection efforts with little advance notice.
We represent both Chicago residents and individuals who have moved out of state but are still facing unresolved Illinois tax issues. Whether it’s unpaid payroll taxes, sales tax liabilities, or back returns, our attorneys understand how the state operates—and how to defend your rights no matter where you live now.
Meet our clients
Testimonials from our clients that confirm our expertise and speak for themselves
Molly B
Chicago, Illinois
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.
Eliza Z
Naperville, Illinois
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.
Angel S
Chicago, Illinois
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. Thank you!
Kathy S
Aurora, Illinois
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.
Dina M
Skokie, Illinois
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 if i had any issues.
Ray M
Chicago, Illinois
I can’t describe how impressed I am with Joe Hanley. His professional, yet friendly approach immediately put me at ease and made the situation seem a lot less scary. Thank you Joe for all your help!
Ignacio S
Chicago, Illinois
Great experienced working with TTD Chicago! Communication and coordination were always very timely. Professionalism is unwavering. Objectives established and achieved. They saved me over $35,000!
Pat S
Oak Park, Illinois
Beyond honest with me after reviewing my situation. Gave me solid advice and did not pressure me to pay anymore fees to the firm. Honesty is hard to find these days. I highly recommend this group.
Amy D
Chicago, Illinois
Amazing work and care for their clients! They did a great job of getting the work done and the integrity they showed in their work was impeccable. Highly recommend.
Meet our experienced attorneys.
With over 100 years of combined tax experience our team can take care of your issue with compassion and expertise, we care about the outcome. Your case will be handle directly by a licensed tax attorney. No outsourcing ever.
Joe Hanley
President
Kelly Hanley
Tax Attorney
Kylie Ray
Tax Attorney
Samantha Wisniewski
Tax Attorney
Barry Nelson
Tax Accountant & CPA
Employee Spotlight: Chicago
Joe Hanley
President
He had his own tax problem. While working at a homeless shelter and seven years before starting TTD, he made a withholding error. What was a small liability debt ballooned into owing the IRS just over $10,000. It took him four years to pay that off. It was a tough financial chapter but infuses our practice with a great deal of empathy for people fighting through tax problems.
Joe is a veteran of five years of service in the United States Marine Corps including combat in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. We get our no-hype, straight-talk as well as our sense of duty from the Marines.
With over 20 years in the business, there aren’t many tax problems Joe hasn’t seen. With an experienced team around him it allows us to work quickly to identify what’s going on and how to get clients issues resolved.
How our tax debt lawyers fight tax issues.
Every tax problem is different, the right strategy can stop enforcement, reduce what you owe, and put you back in control. Here are seven tools we use to resolve IRS and Illinois state tax debt.
Owe Over $50,000 in Tax Debt? Our Attorneys Handle Complex Cases
When your tax debt exceeds $50,000, the situation changes significantly. At this level, cases often draw increased attention from the IRS or Illinois Department of Revenue—and may be assigned to a Revenue Officer based out of the Chicago field office. These officers are tasked with actively pursuing collection and are granted broad authority to enforce compliance. Direct communication from a Revenue Officer means your case has moved into a more active stage.
Our attorneys regularly represent individuals and business owners throughout Chicago who are managing complex, high-dollar tax liabilities. These cases often involve unfiled returns, payroll tax issues, or multi-year IRS balances. We step in to assess the full scope of the matter, engage directly with assigned officers when appropriate, and guide our clients toward a resolution that protects both their assets and their long-term financial stability.
Large tax debts can be resolved. The key is early intervention, clear guidance, and experienced legal representation from a team that understands how these cases are handled.
Chicago – (312) 345-5440
Frequently Asked Questions
Get clear, professional answers to the most common questions we hear from individuals and businesses facing serious tax issues. Got a specific question? Contact us in our form and we will do our best to answer.