Myles Haverluck says taxpayers receiving social security benefits are the most vulnerable for an income tax levy. They are also the most uninformed on obtaining a tax levy release.

Social security benefits are the most common source of payments from the government and likely, the only source of income for most elderly recipients. Federal benefits are also the easiest source of a federal tax levy.

In 1997, Congress approved the Federal Tax Levy Program, providing the IRS authority to seize federal benefits. When social security payments are levied, it remains in place until all back debt is paid, or taxpayers usually contact the IRS to set up an installment plan.

Easier to Target The Vulnerable

According to Myles Haverluck, when the federal tax levy program was set up, it was not suppose to include low-income taxpayers, especially those on a fixed income. It was agreed that IRS software would filter out those taxpayers who did not meet a set income level. Haverluck say, guess what? The software never worked properly.

The truth be told, it is easier to target retirees when seeking levies. Retirees are most likely receiving federal benefits, annuity payments, IRA distributions, as well as a 401k. It’s very unlikely a retiree could walk away and distance themselves from this form of benefits. The vulnerability is greater. All of these retirement benefits are subject to an IRS tax levy and, they are easier to find as you get older.

Haverluck points out, retirees age in place; at a certain point, they stop moving accounts around and become more settled. The IRS collects, on average, about $400 million, just from an income tax levy on federal benefits.

Negotiating other options for Social Security Recipients

There are retirees with assets other than social security income. These assets are also subject to a federal tax levy, unless taxpayers negotiate with the IRS. Negotiations can be challenging for those not well-versed in the tax code, and not aware of their rights. Never expect the internal revenue service to offer an alternate solution for an income tax levy, other than a payment plan. Haverluck says taxpayers should contact a tax professional, preferably an enrolled IRS agent who has the level of experience required because sooner or later, the IRS does catch up to you.

Whilst legal representation is a statutory requirement in some countries, there are several countries that the option solely depends on the party to a case. Lawyers come in handy when one seeks expertise in matters of law, and they offer their services at a fee, or pro bono. The latter terms means that people do not have to pay anything in order to have a lawyer on their defense. Regardless of the terms of engagement, there are several benefits that accrue from having a representation from a lawyer in a court.

Expert Advice

No matter the matter at hand, a lawyer has more information about the facts of the law. In the same way, the expert knows what the law says concerning the prevailing issue. A prosecutor in a court of law usually asks a defendant to enter a plea bargain, and it is important to have information about the consequences of the move. Engaging a lawyer enables one to have expert defense, especial

Winning against Weak State Case

Somly on the potential penalties and effects of the penalties in the future of a defendant.etimes a prosecutor can offer easy consequences such as a house arrest or a fine in a plea deal. The terms usually sound lenient, but the prosecutor could be having a weak case due to non-compliant witness and other challenges. In such an instance, lawyers can go through the police reports, file the necessary documents, and argue for your rights in a court of law.

Plea validity

A favorable plea deal with a prosecutor can fail to satisfy the judge. Subsequently, the judge can dismiss it and have a case against a defendant. It takes a lawyer to argue facts of a case with a judge, and convince the judge about the validity of a plea. Without a lawyer, a defendant can fail to get an alternative assistance.

Tied Consequences

In a case where conviction leads to leniency on one consequence, but an enforcement of the other, a lawyer can advise accordingly. A lawyer can help to prioritize the consequences and advise on the one that will not have severe adverse effects. Without a lawyer, one can overlook one option and suffer the resultant effects.

Trial and Appeal Process Rights

When people accept a negotiated disposition, they waive their right to a trial and an appeal process. The two rights draw a basis from constitutional rights that one accrues for being a citizen, and they are important. A lawyer can effectively furnish a court with the right evidence during a trial, and follow up on any appeal process until one gets a fair trial.

Future Convictions

Sometimes past convictions affect future sentences when one faces a court case. In order to avoid aggravated consequences, a lawyer can advise on the best move to take. The advice can reduce the impact of the effects that the current plea status have on the case.

Conclusion

Given all the above benefits, legal representation plays an integral role during a court case. Despite the fee of a lawyer, the benefits of hiring a professional usually outweigh the associated cost. There is always a need of a lawyer during a court case.