Austin Tax Debt Lawyer
Experienced Tax Debt Attorney In Austin, TX
When you haven’t paid your taxes or properly filed your return, the IRS has options to come after you and get you to pay your debt. There are many options available to you, but you might not know what they are or how to pursue them. An Austin tax debt lawyer like David Coffin PLLC can help you find the right path out of your situation.
Facing IRS Challenges? Get the Representation You Deserve!
Reasons for Tax Debt
Many people can find themselves owing back taxes to the IRS without fully understanding why. Knowing what might be causing your debt can help you resolve it and avoid a similar situation in the future. Some common reasons for tax debt include:
- Failing to file a tax return
- Making errors on your returns
- Not paying the right amount of taxes
- Forgetting self-employment tax
The IRS measures tax debt as the gross tax gap, or the difference between what was owed and what was paid across all filers. In 2022, they estimated this gap to be $696 billion, meaning that a lot of taxes go potentially unpaid. Because of this, the IRS will try many different things to collect on unpaid debts.
Tax Debt Laws and What You Might Face
In the capital of Texas, having unpaid taxes doesn’t just mean you owe that amount. There will also be fees and interest added to your debt, and the longer you go without paying, the more you are likely to owe. The IRS receives a lot of returns, over 145 million individual returns reported in May 2025, but if you owe a lot in back taxes, they will attempt to collect.
First, the IRS is likely to send you multiple letters informing you of what you owe and trying to get you to pay. You don’t want to ignore these letters, because if you do, they will take further action against you. As soon as you know you have tax debt that you don’t know how to handle, you should hire a tax debt lawyer to help you.
Adding Fines and Interest
If you continue not to pay your due amount, the IRS will add fines and interest that add up over time. These are meant as incentives to get you to pay, but they can also make it more difficult to take care of your debt.
Liens and Levies
With unpaid debt, the IRS has the option to take action against your wages, bank account, or other assets to settle the debt. With a lien, the IRS can use your property as security to get you to pay the debt, preventing you from selling it until you pay.
Levies can be even more challenging. A levy placed on your assets means the IRS can take that asset to settle your debt. When you receive a notice of their intent to place a levy, you should act quickly to prevent losing control of your finances.
Hire a Tax Debt Lawyer for Guidance
Each tax debt case is unique and should be treated as such. At the office of David Coffin PLLC, we understand that no two clients are the same. Your case needs careful attention and evaluation to determine the right course of action for your specific situation. With over 40 years of combined experience in tax law, our team can give your case the dedication it requires.
For many in Austin, debt might be a common scams. Austin ranks 9th among the most financially stressed metros in the United States. If you’re one of these people, getting legal aid can make all the difference for your financial future.
When you work with a lawyer from our team, we can help you with the following:
- We review important documents to know how much you owe.
- We can see if you qualify for certain relief options.
- We question the legal basis behind the IRS’s collection efforts.
- We can protect your assets from being seized.
FAQs
Can You Go to Jail for Unpaid Tax Debt in Texas?
Whether you can go to jail for unpaid tax debt in Texas depends on your circumstances. In some cases, yes, going to jail is a possibility, especially when someone intentionally dodges paying tax debt when they have the means to do so. Falsifying tax records can also result in jail time. However, many cases can be resolved with alternative plans that do not involve going to jail.
What Is the 7-7-7 Rule for Debt Collectors?
The 7-7-7 rule, or “7 in 7” rule, limits how often debt collectors can contact someone about their debt. It typically means no more than 7 phone calls made in 7 consecutive days, with a 7-day period of no contact after discussing the debt with you on the phone. This rule will not necessarily apply to all of the IRS’s debt collection efforts, depending on the course of action.
Can My Bank Account Get Frozen if I Don’t Pay Taxes?
Yes, the IRS has the option to freeze your bank account if you don’t pay your taxes, through something called a bank levy. This is typically one of the last methods they will try if previous efforts to collect the debt have failed. Thankfully, you have options to challenge a bank levy once you receive notice of their intent to place a levy on your account or other assets.
What if I Can’t Afford a Tax Attorney?
If you can’t afford a tax attorney, you can attempt to resolve your tax debt on your own. However, the IRS has many tools to get you to pay, and these can significantly damage your finances and your future. Even if you think you can’t afford an attorney, it is worth talking with our team to see if you might have other options to get the legal guidance you need.
Individual Guidance From David Coffin PLLC
Properly handling tax debt is necessary to protect your financial future and your control over your finances. The IRS has many tools and tactics it can use to collect debt, and a knowledgeable Austin tax debt attorney can help you navigate the situation with confidence.
Trying to tackle tax debt alone can be overwhelming and possibly risk your future. Instead, get help from an experienced lawyer. Contact David Coffin PLLC today to get legal guidance for your tax debt case.
Get Help Now: Call A Trusted Tax Attorney Serving Texas
Flexible scheduling and payment plans are available. To arrange to meet with an
experienced tax lawyer, send an email using the online form
Copyright © 2026 David Coffin PLLC . All Rights Reserved.
Digital Marketing By: