Business Details
24 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Chicago Tax Attorneys for IRS Tax Debt Solutions
The Tax Defenders is a veteran-owned Chicago-based firm with over two decades of experience resolving complex tax issues for individuals and businesses. Founded in 2002, our team of licensed tax attorneys, CPAs, and Enrolled Agents specializes in IRS debt negotiation, audit defense, and enforcement actions. We prioritize personalized service, handling every case in-house without outsourcing, and have successfully resolved thousands of tax disputes nationwide. Our approach combines legal expertise with empathy, offering honest guidance even when clients may not need our services.With offices in Chicago, Oak Park, and regional locations, we provide strategic solutions for payroll tax debts, unfiled returns, international tax compliance, and IRS enforcement defense. Our reputation is built on transparency, with 4.8-star Google reviews and a commitment to client education. We operate with military discipline, treating every client like family while delivering results-driven advocacy against aggressive tax collection actions.
Services
Tax Debt Solutions
IRS Audit Representation
Payroll Tax Issues
International Tax Compliance
Unfiled Tax Returns
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- Veteran-owned firm with 20+ years of IRS negotiation experience
- Personalized service with no outsourcing of tax work
- Licensed attorneys handle every case directly
- 4.8-star Google reviews from 200+ satisfied clients
- Nationwide representation with local Chicago office presence
What people say
Resolved complicated matter quickly
Empathy for our situation
Saved over $35,000
Honest opinions without pressure
Professionalism is unwavering
Services
Tax Debt Solutions
We specialize in reducing IRS tax liabilities through strategic negotiation techniques. Our attorneys evaluate debt accuracy, implement installment agreements, and pursue offers in compromise to minimize financial burdens. With proven success in stopping wage garnishments and bank levies, we create customized payment plans that align with clients' financial capabilities while ensuring compliance with federal tax regulations.
IRS Audit Defense
Our team provides comprehensive defense during IRS audits, protecting clients' rights throughout the examination process. We manage document requests, represent clients in audit meetings, and challenge unfair assessments while ensuring proper tax code application. With extensive experience in both individual and business audits, we minimize potential penalties and resolve discrepancies through strategic advocacy and technical expertise.
Payroll Tax Issues
We resolve critical payroll tax problems including 941 tax liabilities and trust fund penalties. Our attorneys defend business owners against personal liability claims while negotiating with the IRS to reduce penalties. Through structured payment arrangements and penalty abatement strategies, we protect both business operations and personal assets while restoring tax compliance for employers facing severe enforcement actions.
International Tax Compliance
Our specialists address complex international tax matters including unfiled foreign accounts reporting and FBAR compliance. We help clients navigate cross-border tax obligations, resolve offshore disclosure issues, and implement voluntary disclosure programs. With expertise in foreign tax credit applications and treaty provisions, we ensure compliance with evolving international tax regulations while minimizing exposure to penalties.
Unfiled Tax Returns
We assist clients in resolving delinquent tax filings through streamlined compliance procedures. Our team prepares and submits overdue returns while implementing collection alternatives to prevent enforcement actions. By coordinating with the IRS's various relief programs, we help clients achieve current tax status while addressing associated liabilities through installment agreements or penalty abatement strategies.
People
Joe Hanley
President
Veteran Marine Corps attorney with 20+ years of tax controversy experience. Former IRS problem taxpayer who founded the firm in 2002. Specializes in complex debt negotiations and enforcement defense while maintaining a client-first philosophy rooted in military discipline and personal experience.
Kelly Hanley
Tax Attorney
Experienced tax attorney with expertise in audit defense and international tax compliance. Recognized for strategic approach to resolving complex IRS disputes while maintaining direct client communication throughout the representation process.
Teresa Wittmer
Tax Attorney
Specializes in payroll tax issues and business tax representation. Provides strategic defense against employment tax liabilities while focusing on protecting business operations and owner assets during IRS enforcement actions.
Samantha Wisniewski
Tax Attorney
Concentrates on unfiled tax returns and voluntary disclosure programs. Implements compliance strategies for delinquent filers while coordinating with IRS relief initiatives to minimize penalties and restore tax good standing.
Barry Nelson
Tax Accountant & CPA
Provides technical accounting support for complex tax resolution cases. Specializes in financial analysis for installment agreements and offers in compromise while working closely with attorneys to develop comprehensive debt reduction strategies.
Questions
How do you handle IRS tax debt negotiations?
Our attorneys evaluate debt validity, implement installment agreements, and pursue offers in compromise while protecting clients from enforcement actions through direct IRS communication.
What tax issues do you specialize in?
We focus on IRS debt resolution, audit defense, payroll tax problems, international tax compliance, and unfiled return situations for both individuals and businesses.
How experienced is your team?
Our attorneys have over 20 years of combined experience handling thousands of IRS cases, supported by CPAs and Enrolled Agents with specialized tax resolution expertise.
Do you offer nationwide service?
While based in Chicago, we represent clients across the United States in federal tax matters, with regional office availability in multiple Illinois locations.
What makes you different from other firms?
We guarantee direct attorney representation without outsourcing, combining military discipline with personal experience in tax issues to deliver transparent, client-focused solutions.
How do you charge for services?
We provide transparent fee structures during initial consultations, with no pressure to commit and honest assessments about whether our services are needed for each specific situation.
Reviews (5)
Rashun Patterson
Jun 15, 2022
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First allow me to start by saying that this firm didn't aggressively solicit with the frequent annoying recorded calls like most of the other firms did when the IRS filed their judgement. I received a very informative letter from The Tax Defenders in which I responded to. George and his team were professional as well as polite from the start. They are very knowledgeable and answered questions every step of the way and was always available.
They were compassionate and flexible when it came to payments and arrangements. If ever there was a concern all we had to do was call to have it addressed. They were able to settle our tax debt for pennies on the dollar. I am forever grateful to this business and thank them for knowing their business. I would recommend The Tax Defenders to anyone that is need of settling a tax debt with the IRS or for any tax related need.
They were compassionate and flexible when it came to payments and arrangements. If ever there was a concern all we had to do was call to have it addressed. They were able to settle our tax debt for pennies on the dollar. I am forever grateful to this business and thank them for knowing their business. I would recommend The Tax Defenders to anyone that is need of settling a tax debt with the IRS or for any tax related need.
Pat C.
Jun 15, 2022
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I'm getting audited this year and don't know what to do. I was so stressed out but luckily I came across The Tax Defenders requesting for some help. What a relief! I get a phone call from George Diversiev the very next day. He was extremely helpful in explaining the options and how best to address the problem in a timely and cost effective manner. George is a problem solver, knowledgeable and empathetic to your situation at hand. I'm very impressed with his quick response to my request and his professionalism. I highly recommend!
Ajla Kantarevic
Jun 14, 2022
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After a not so pleasant experience, and not much hope dealing with the IRS for many months, my fiance decided to hire The Tax Defenders to overtake his battle on behalf of him. And I have to say even tough it's just the beginning, so far the experience has been beyond pleasant, professional, and most important caring towards what he has to say, and find possible solutions to the problem. In particular, George D has been a miracle in it all.
He is beyond professional, calm, and reassuring which is exactly what was needed here. All around he has been wonderful, and his communication is superb. So grateful to have found Gorge D who we truly trust and pray for the best out come yet. Thank you so much for everything Gorge D, we are grateful forever for all your guidance!
He is beyond professional, calm, and reassuring which is exactly what was needed here. All around he has been wonderful, and his communication is superb. So grateful to have found Gorge D who we truly trust and pray for the best out come yet. Thank you so much for everything Gorge D, we are grateful forever for all your guidance!
Josh Youssef
May 28, 2022
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I have had a fantastic experience with TTD. Working with George Diversiev has been an excellent experience. His catalog of knowledge is incredible and has the answers to very obscure questions at the tip of his tongue. TTD is the only choice for businesses and individuals who have needs in this space! Bravo to TTD and to George for a great job!
Jarron Jefferson
May 25, 2022
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Hello Everyone, I would like to write a review regarding my personal experience using The Tax Defenders Chicago. I would like to start by informing everyone that I was referred to The Tax Defenders by a good friend. I've been a customer of The Tax Defenders Chicago for the last 2 tax seasons. The customer service The Tax Defenders provide is amazing, because from the receptionist that takes the calls to the tax specialist that returns your call quickly.
It doesn't take days, they willl return your call within minutes. I have more great things to tell you about The Tax Defenders Chicago, but it would take too much time. I just would like to tell you 1 last thing; I am satisfied with there service and I would refer the The Tax Defenders to everyone.
It doesn't take days, they willl return your call within minutes. I have more great things to tell you about The Tax Defenders Chicago, but it would take too much time. I just would like to tell you 1 last thing; I am satisfied with there service and I would refer the The Tax Defenders to everyone.
