Best Tax Attorneys in Pittsburgh

FAQs

• Where does the Tax Court hold trial sessions closest to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?

  The U.S. Tax Court holds trial sessions in Pittsburgh at the William S. Moorhead Federal Building 1000 Liberty Avenue.

• Where is the low-income taxpayer clinic that is closest to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?

  The low-income taxpayer clinic in Pittsburgh is located at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. The address is Barco Law Building 3900 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

• What are the reasons that might incite an IRS audit in Pittsburgh?

  Three main factors could prompt an IRS audit in Pittsburgh. These include:

  • Having substantial income: High earners might want to understate earnings to evade taxes.
  • Working under an independent contractor status: People under the said agreement are responsible for filing their own taxes. They might forget or think their incomes are insignificant and do not need reporting.
  • Withdrawing retirement accounts: IRA or 401(k) account owners might be subject to audits if they have made many withdrawals within a short period, especially if the amount withdrawn was not tracked correctly.

• Is there a statute of limitations for tax debts in Pittsburgh?

  Yes, there is. The statute of limitations or the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED) for tax debts in Pittsburgh is 10 years. This deadline starts running after the assessment of a debt. It is important to note that the "assessment" does not pertain to the point in time when the tax is due but refers to the date when an IRS official signs the summary record.

• Can the IRS seize and sell the property of a delinquent taxpayer in Pittsburgh?

  Yes, the IRS can seize and liquidate the property of a delinquent taxpayer in Pittsburgh. Fortunately, the law has established various remedies to avoid such events. Cooperating with the taxing authority and qualifying for one of its tax relief programs, such as offers in compromise and installment agreements, can help people keep their assets.

• What are the cases that Pittsburgh taxpayers might face if they deliberately underpay taxes?

  Pittsburgh taxpayers who deliberately underpay taxes might face both civil and criminal charges. A conviction for civil tax fraud could lead to expensive civil fines. The potential penalties for federal tax fraud, a felony, include up to five years of imprisonment. Individual fines can amount to $100,000, while corporate penalties cannot be not less than $500,000.

• Which tax systems affect estates and inheritances in Pittsburgh?

  Estates and inheritances in Pittsburgh are affected by several tax systems. Included in these classifications are:

  • Federal tax (federal estate tax, income tax, and capital gains)
  • State tax (Pennsylvania inheritance and state income tax)
  • Gift tax (Federal gift tax only; Pennsylvania doesn't implement gift tax in most cases)

  Estate owners can minimize their estate taxes by establishing tax strategies with their attorneys.