If you are facing tax problems with the IRS or the California Franchise Tax Board, working with an experienced tax attorney can help you protect your finances, your property, and your future. Tax laws are complex, and tax disputes can quickly escalate into wage garnishments, bank levies, tax liens, audits, and other enforcement actions when left unresolved.
Here at Tenina Law, we help individuals, families, business owners, self-employed professionals, and investors throughout the San Fernando Valley resolve tax issues and develop practical solutions tailored to their circumstances. Whether you need assistance with unpaid tax debt, IRS collections, unfiled tax returns, tax audits, or tax litigation, our firm provides knowledgeable legal representation backed by decades of experience.
Why Hire a Tax Attorney in San Fernando Valley?
Many taxpayers do not seek legal assistance until the IRS or state tax authorities begin collection actions. By that point, penalties and interest may have significantly increased the amount owed.
A tax attorney can help you:
- Understand your rights under federal and state tax laws.
- Communicate directly with the IRS on your behalf.
- Negotiate payment arrangements.
- Pursue tax debt relief options.
- Defend against audits and investigations.
- Challenge improper tax assessments.
- Represent you before the United States Tax Court.
- Protect your assets from collection actions whenever possible.
Unlike tax resolution companies, a tax attorney can provide legal advice, represent clients in litigation, and address complex tax controversies that require legal analysis and advocacy.
Tax Problems We Help Resolve
Tax issues come in many forms, and every situation requires a unique strategy. Tenina Law assists clients throughout the San Fernando Valley with a wide range of tax matters.
IRS Tax Debt
Unpaid tax balances can lead to serious financial consequences. The IRS has extensive collection powers that may affect your wages, bank accounts, property, and business operations.
Our firm helps taxpayers evaluate available options, including:
- Installment agreements
- Offer in Compromise applications
- Currently Not Collectible status
- Penalty abatement requests
- Tax debt negotiations
- Collection appeals
The right solution depends on your income, assets, liabilities, and overall financial situation.
IRS Audits
Receiving notice of an IRS audit can be stressful and overwhelming. Audits often involve requests for financial records, business documentation, deductions, credits, and income verification.
Professional legal representation can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the audit process. We work with clients to prepare documentation, respond to IRS inquiries, and address disputed findings when necessary.
Tax Liens
A federal tax lien is the government’s legal claim against your property when tax debt remains unpaid. Tax liens can affect your creditworthiness, refinancing opportunities, and ability to sell assets.
We help taxpayers explore options for:
- Lien withdrawal
- Lien release
- Lien subordination
- Lien negotiation strategies
Addressing tax liens promptly can prevent additional complications and financial hardship.
Bank Levies and Wage Garnishments
The IRS may seize funds directly from your bank account or garnish wages to satisfy unpaid tax obligations.
If you have received a Final Notice of Intent to Levy or are already experiencing collection actions, immediate action may be necessary. Our firm helps clients pursue available legal remedies and negotiate with tax authorities to stop or reduce collection efforts when appropriate.
Unfiled Tax Returns
Failing to file tax returns can create significant tax problems. The IRS may prepare Substitute for Return assessments that often result in higher tax liabilities because deductions and credits are not fully considered.
We help individuals and businesses become compliant by:
- Preparing delinquent returns
- Resolving accumulated tax obligations
- Negotiating collection alternatives
- Developing long-term compliance plans
Payroll Tax Issues
Business owners face unique challenges when payroll taxes become delinquent. Payroll tax matters can expose owners, officers, and responsible parties to personal liability through Trust Fund Recovery Penalties.
We assist businesses in addressing:
- Payroll tax disputes
- IRS collection actions
- Compliance issues
- Tax debt negotiations
- Business tax controversy matters
California State Tax Problems
Federal tax issues are only part of the picture. California taxpayers may also face disputes with state agencies, including the Franchise Tax Board (FTB), Employment Development Department (EDD), and California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).
We help clients address:
- California income tax disputes
- Franchise Tax Board collections
- State tax liens
- Wage garnishments
- Business tax assessments
- Tax penalty disputes
Resolving state tax issues often requires a strategy that accounts for both federal and California tax obligations.
Tax Court Representation
Not every tax dispute can be resolved through negotiation alone. Some cases require litigation before the United States Tax Court.
Tax Court representation may be necessary when:
- Tax assessments are disputed.
- Audit findings are challenged.
- Collection actions require judicial review.
- Administrative remedies have been exhausted.
Having an attorney experienced in tax controversy matters can make a significant difference when navigating formal legal proceedings.
Why Choose Tenina Law?
Choosing the right tax attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make when dealing with tax problems.
Attorney Alla Tenina brings more than 20 years of legal experience to tax law matters. She earned her law degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, with a concentration in taxation. She is licensed to practice law in California and New York and is admitted before the United States Tax Court.
Prior to founding Tenina Law, Attorney Tenina worked with globally recognized accounting and consulting firms, including Deloitte and KPMG, where she gained valuable experience in tax consulting, planning, compliance, and tax controversy matters.
Her background provides clients with a practical understanding of both the legal and financial aspects of tax disputes. Attorney Tenina has also received recognition from Super Lawyers, reflecting her professional accomplishments and dedication to client service.
Serving Clients Throughout the San Fernando Valley
Tenina Law proudly serves individuals and businesses throughout the San Fernando Valley, including:
- Sherman Oaks
- Encino
- Woodland Hills
- Northridge
- Van Nuys
- Studio City
- Burbank
- Calabasas
- Tarzana
- North Hollywood
- Reseda
- Chatsworth
Whether you are dealing with federal tax debt, state tax issues, or a complex tax controversy, our firm is committed to helping you pursue effective solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I hire a tax attorney?
You should consider consulting a tax attorney as soon as you receive notices from the IRS or state tax agencies, especially if collection actions, audits, or significant tax liabilities are involved.
Can a tax attorney stop wage garnishments?
Depending on the circumstances, a tax attorney may be able to negotiate collection alternatives, request appeals, or pursue other legal remedies that could reduce or stop wage garnishments.
What is an Offer in Compromise?
An Offer in Compromise is a program that allows eligible taxpayers to settle tax debt for less than the full amount owed. Eligibility depends on several financial factors and requires a detailed review of your situation.
Can you help with California Franchise Tax Board problems?
Yes. Our firm assists clients with both federal tax issues and California state tax disputes involving the Franchise Tax Board and other state tax agencies.
Do I need a tax attorney if I already have an accountant?
Accountants provide valuable tax preparation and compliance services. However, tax attorneys can offer legal advice, attorney-client privilege protections, and representation in legal proceedings and tax controversies.
Schedule a Consultation with a San Fernando Valley Tax Attorney
Tax problems rarely improve on their own. Delaying action can lead to increased penalties, interest, liens, levies, and other collection measures. Whether you are facing IRS tax debt, a state tax dispute, an audit, or a complex tax controversy, obtaining experienced legal guidance can help you understand your options and move toward a resolution.
Contact Tenina Law today to discuss your situation and learn how an experienced tax attorney serving the San Fernando Valley can help protect your rights and pursue the best available outcome for your case.
