Overdue tax filing? Be prepared to receive a bill from the IRS.

This begins the IRS collection process, which continues until the bill is cleared, interest and penalties are paid in full, or the legal collection period has expired. Not an ideal situation, right? This is where Mixon Tax Law comes in as your tax relief attorney in Houston.

Attorney Phillip Mixon has been fighting IRS collection cases for years, and the collection division doesn’t hesitate. They have powers that would make other creditors envious, and they’re not shy about using them. What starts as a simple unpaid tax bill can turn into a financial nightmare faster than most people believe possible.

Mixon Tax Law IRS Collection Matters Section

What Are IRS Collection Matters?

IRS collection is fundamentally different from regular debt collection. When taxpayers owe money to a credit card company or bank, those creditors have to sue and get a judgment before they can garnish wages or seize assets. The IRS? They can do all that without ever seeing the inside of a courtroom.

They’ve got ten years to collect from the date they assess the tax, and during that time, they can make life miserable in ways that other creditors can only dream of. Bank levies, wage garnishments, property seizures—and they can do it all with minimal advance notice.

The worst part is how fast things escalate. People go from receiving their first collection notice to having their bank account cleaned out in a matter of weeks. The firm’s collection defense blog explains these procedures in detail, but the bottom line is this: time is not your friend when dealing with IRS collections.

IRS Collection Services

Settle Tax Debt with IRS

Once taxpayers receive a bill from the IRS, it can amount to thousands or millions of dollars. The amount also grows rapidly and can quickly spiral out of control. Not being able to pay the bill can lead to further legal actions such as garnished wages and a lien being placed on property, among other repercussions. Taxpayers—individuals and businesses—can feel overwhelmed when faced with such difficult circumstances. Taxpayers can opt for IRS tax debt settlement, but they may lack the legal insights required to do so effectively. Fortunately, Mixon Tax Law can help settle tax debt with the IRS.

IRS Tax Debt Help: Taxpayers Have Options

Tax debt problems feel overwhelming, but there are ways to deal with them. After years of handling this work, most tax debt problems have solutions—finding the right one for specific circumstances is key. Some people can settle for way less than they owe, others need payment plans. Here are the possibilities:

Offer In Compromise

These are offers made by taxpayers to the IRS to settle tax debt for less than the full amount owed. It’s then up to the IRS to assess whether there’s reasonable potential for collecting the full amount or not. Having experienced legal representation significantly improves chances of getting an OIC accepted, as the application process is complex and unforgiving of mistakes.

Installment Agreement IRS

When tax debt reaches a certain limit, taxpayers may not have the means to fulfill obligations through a single large payment. Mixon Tax Law negotiates with the IRS to work out favorable payment plans that taxpayers can actually afford. Once an installment agreement is in place, the IRS is legally required to stop wage garnishments and other enforced collection activities.

Mixon Tax Law IRS Currently Not Collectible icon

IRS Currently Not-Collectible Status

This is a special status given to taxpayers who don’t qualify for other tax relief options like an OIC or installment agreement. The firm can help request that the IRS place accounts in currently not-collectible status. The IRS discontinues enforcement actions and releases all levies once an account receives this status.

Innocent Spouse Tax Relief

IRS spouse tax debt relief, in certain situations, relieves one spouse from paying additional taxes. It’s only applicable if the other spouse has understated taxes due on a joint tax return or if taxpayers live in a community property state. Thanks to the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 (RRA 98), the process for obtaining innocent spouse relief has become more equitable.

Wage Garnishment Release

If taxpayers owe the IRS, they may use wage garnishment to collect taxes and penalties. A wage garnishment allows employers to withhold a portion of pay and send that portion to the IRS. In most cases, taxpayers aren’t even left with enough money to pay ordinary living expenses each month. Mixon Tax Law works aggressively to get wage garnishments released as quickly as possible.

Bank Levy Release

IRS bank levies can wipe out checking and savings accounts without warning, leaving taxpayers unable to pay bills or meet basic living expenses. The firm handles emergency levy releases and works to prevent future seizures while resolving underlying tax debt.

Property Lien Resolution

Federal tax liens can destroy credit and prevent taxpayers from selling or refinancing property. Mixon Tax Law helps clients get liens released, subordinated, or withdrawn depending on specific circumstances and compliance history.

Collection Due Process Appeals

Taxpayers have the right to appeal most IRS collection actions through the Collection Due Process (CDP) procedures. These appeals can stop collection activity while challenging the underlying liability or proposing alternative collection arrangements.

Can you negotiate with the IRS? While it’s technically possible, strong advisement exists against trying to handle these matters without representation. The IRS collection system is designed to maximize revenue collection, and they have no incentive to give taxpayers the best deal possible. Although all these tax relief options are available, experienced legal representation is needed to navigate them successfully.

IRS Collection Services

Settle Tax Debt with IRS

Once taxpayers receive a bill from the IRS, it can amount to thousands or millions of dollars. The amount also grows rapidly and can quickly spiral out of control. Not being able to pay the bill can lead to further legal actions such as garnished wages and a lien being placed on property, among other repercussions. Taxpayers—individuals and businesses—can feel overwhelmed when faced with such difficult circumstances. Taxpayers can opt for IRS tax debt settlement, but they may lack the legal insights required to do so effectively. Fortunately, Mixon Tax Law can help settle tax debt with the IRS.

IRS Tax Debt Help: Taxpayers Have Options

Tax debt problems feel overwhelming, but there are ways to deal with them. After years of handling this work, most tax debt problems have solutions—finding the right one for specific circumstances is key. Some people can settle for way less than they owe, others need payment plans. Here are the possibilities:

Offer In Compromise

These are offers made by taxpayers to the IRS to settle tax debt for less than the full amount owed. It’s then up to the IRS to assess whether there’s reasonable potential for collecting the full amount or not. Having experienced legal representation significantly improves chances of getting an OIC accepted, as the application process is complex and unforgiving of mistakes.

Installment Agreement IRS

When tax debt reaches a certain limit, taxpayers may not have the means to fulfill obligations through a single large payment. Mixon Tax Law negotiates with the IRS to work out favorable payment plans that taxpayers can actually afford. Once an installment agreement is in place, the IRS is legally required to stop wage garnishments and other enforced collection activities.

IRS Currently Not-Collectible Status

This is a special status given to taxpayers who don’t qualify for other tax relief options like an OIC or installment agreement. The firm can help request that the IRS place accounts in currently not-collectible status. The IRS discontinues enforcement actions and releases all levies once an account receives this status.

Innocent Spouse Tax Relief

IRS spouse tax debt relief, in certain situations, relieves one spouse from paying additional taxes. It’s only applicable if the other spouse has understated taxes due on a joint tax return or if taxpayers live in a community property state. Thanks to the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 (RRA 98), the process for obtaining innocent spouse relief has become more equitable.

Wage Garnishment Release

If taxpayers owe the IRS, they may use wage garnishment to collect taxes and penalties. A wage garnishment allows employers to withhold a portion of pay and send that portion to the IRS. In most cases, taxpayers aren’t even left with enough money to pay ordinary living expenses each month. Mixon Tax Law works aggressively to get wage garnishments released as quickly as possible.

Bank Levy Release

IRS bank levies can wipe out checking and savings accounts without warning, leaving taxpayers unable to pay bills or meet basic living expenses. The firm handles emergency levy releases and works to prevent future seizures while resolving underlying tax debt.

Property Lien Resolution

Federal tax liens can destroy credit and prevent taxpayers from selling or refinancing property. Mixon Tax Law helps clients get liens released, subordinated, or withdrawn depending on specific circumstances and compliance history.

Collection Due Process Appeals

Taxpayers have the right to appeal most IRS collection actions through the Collection Due Process (CDP) procedures. These appeals can stop collection activity while challenging the underlying liability or proposing alternative collection arrangements.

Can you negotiate with the IRS? While it’s technically possible, strong advisement exists against trying to handle these matters without representation. The IRS collection system is designed to maximize revenue collection, and they have no incentive to give taxpayers the best deal possible. Although all these tax relief options are available, experienced legal representation is needed to navigate them successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

IRS Collection Process & Timeline

How long does the IRS have to collect tax debt?

Ten years from the date they assess the tax, but here’s the catch—certain things can extend that period. File for bankruptcy, submit an Offer in Compromise, or request certain appeals, and the clock stops ticking. Cases exist where the ten-year period turned into fifteen or more because of these extensions.

What happens if taxpayers ignore collection notices?

That’s the worst approach possible. They start with polite letters, but ignoring them just escalates the situation. Eventually, taxpayers wake up to find paychecks garnished or bank accounts empty. The earlier the situation is addressed, the more options exist.

How fast can the IRS start taking wages?

After they send a final notice, they have to wait 30 days before starting collection actions. But once that month is up, they can garnish wages immediately. No court order needed—they just contact employers directly.

Can the IRS really take someone's house?

Yes, but it’s rare. They need approval from a federal judge, and it’s usually not worth the hassle for them. What they will do is put a lien on the house, which means taxpayers can’t sell or refinance until they deal with the tax debt.

Collection Actions & Relief

Can taxpayers get their money back after wage garnishment?

No. Once the IRS takes money from paychecks, it’s gone. The focus has to be on stopping future garnishments as quickly as possible. That’s why immediate contact with legal representation is crucial the minute collection notices arrive—not after half the paycheck is already lost.

What's this Currently Not Collectible status?

CNC means the IRS puts cases on the shelf because collecting would cause economic hardship. Basically, if paying them would leave taxpayers unable to afford basic living expenses, they might qualify. It’s not permanent—the IRS checks periodically to see if situations have improved.

Can the IRS take money from business accounts too?

Absolutely, and this is where things get really dangerous. They can levy business accounts just like personal accounts, and when operating capital disappears overnight, businesses can be finished. Companies have had to close their doors because of surprise bank levies.

How do taxpayers know if they qualify for Innocent Spouse relief?

Taxpayers have to prove they didn’t know about the tax problems when they signed the joint return, or that making them pay would be unfair. These cases are fact-intensive and require substantial documentation. The IRS doesn’t just take anyone’s word for it—compelling cases must be built with evidence.

Settlement Options & Negotiations

What are the chances of getting an Offer in Compromise approved?

Without representation? Pretty slim. The IRS rejects about 75% of OIC applications, mostly because people don’t understand the complex financial analysis required or make procedural mistakes. With proper representation, odds improve dramatically because attorneys know how to present cases the way the IRS wants to see them.

How much can tax debt be settled for?

That depends entirely on financial situations. The IRS has a formula based on income, expenses, and assets that determines the minimum they’ll accept. Settlements have been negotiated for as little as 5% of original debt, but cases also exist where 50% was the best achievable outcome. Every situation is different.

What's the difference between full pay and partial pay installment agreements?

With a full pay agreement, taxpayers pay off the entire debt over time—usually within six years. Partial pay agreements let taxpayers make smaller payments that don’t cover the full debt before the ten-year collection period expires. Partial pay deals are much harder to get, but they can save serious money.

How long does it take to get an installment agreement approved?

Simple cases where reasonable payments are requested can get approved in a month or two. More complex cases where attorneys argue about affordable payment amounts can take several months. The key is getting all paperwork right the first time—mistakes just slow everything down.

Rights & Protections

What rights do taxpayers have when the IRS is trying to collect?

More than most people realize. Taxpayers have the right to know what the IRS is doing and why, the right to appeal most of their actions, and the right to propose payment arrangements. They also have the right to representation—which is where legal counsel comes in. Don’t try to navigate this alone.

Can collection actions be stopped while working out a deal?

Sometimes. Filing for an installment agreement or submitting an Offer in Compromise can put collection actions on hold temporarily. But here’s the kicker—interest and penalties keep piling up during these delays, so time is still critical.

What if the IRS made a mistake and the taxpayer doesn't really owe what they claim?

Then it needs to be challenged immediately through the right channels. Don’t assume they’ll figure out their mistake on their own—they won’t. IRS errors can result in years of collection problems if they don’t get corrected quickly and properly.

Why Choose Mixon Tax Law for IRS Collection Defense

Collection cases are different from audits or other tax disputes—they’re emergencies. When someone calls about a wage garnishment or bank levy, everything gets dropped because they’re in crisis mode. Learn more about Phillip’s background and understand why this approach has worked for so many clients facing these devastating situations.

His CPA background helps analyze financial situations and present them to the IRS in the most favorable light possible. But it’s the legal training that really matters in collection cases—knowing how to navigate procedural requirements, protect rights, and push back when the IRS overreaches.

Here’s what Mixon Tax Law brings to collection cases:



Dual Professional Credentials

CPA expertise in financial analysis combined with legal advocacy skills provides comprehensive collection defense capabilities.



Previous Employer's Firm Experience

Background at a previous employer’s firm provides sophisticated understanding of complex financial situations that translate into effective IRS negotiations.



Immediate Response

Collection emergencies require immediate action, and Phillip personally handles urgent situations to prevent further financial damage.



Litigation Experience

Ready to take cases to Tax Court when collection actions are inappropriate or illegal. This willingness to fight strengthens negotiating positions.



Houston Market Knowledge

Established relationships with local IRS collection personnel can facilitate faster resolutions and more productive negotiations.

If currently facing tax issues and requiring legal help, Mixon Tax Law is just a click away. Don’t let IRS collection actions destroy financial life when experienced representation can often achieve reasonable resolutions that protect assets and future prospects.



Asset Protection Focus

When the IRS threatens your income, bank accounts, or property, immediate legal intervention can preserve your financial stability while we negotiate sustainable resolution options on your terms.

Talk to an expert today

Why Choose Mixon Tax Law for IRS Collection Defense

Collection cases are different from audits or other tax disputes—they’re emergencies. When someone calls about a wage garnishment or bank levy, everything gets dropped because they’re in crisis mode. Learn more about Phillip’s background and understand why this approach has worked for so many clients facing these devastating situations.

His CPA background helps analyze financial situations and present them to the IRS in the most favorable light possible. But it’s the legal training that really matters in collection cases—knowing how to navigate procedural requirements, protect rights, and push back when the IRS overreaches.

Here’s what Mixon Tax Law brings to collection cases:

Dual Professional Credentials

CPA expertise in financial analysis combined with legal advocacy skills provides comprehensive collection defense capabilities.

Previous Employer's Firm Experience

Background at a previous employer’s firm provides sophisticated understanding of complex financial situations that translate into effective IRS negotiations.

Immediate Response

Collection emergencies require immediate action, and Phillip personally handles urgent situations to prevent further financial damage.

Litigation Experience

Ready to take cases to Tax Court when collection actions are inappropriate or illegal. This willingness to fight strengthens negotiating positions.

Houston Market Knowledge

Established relationships with local IRS collection personnel can facilitate faster resolutions and more productive negotiations.

If currently facing tax issues and requiring legal help, Mixon Tax Law is just a click away. Don’t let IRS collection actions destroy financial life when experienced representation can often achieve reasonable resolutions that protect assets and future prospects.

Asset Protection Focus

When the IRS threatens your income, bank accounts, or property, immediate legal intervention can preserve your financial stability while we negotiate sustainable resolution options on your terms.

Talk to an expert today

Client Success Stories

IRS collection cases can be terrifying, but experienced representation often makes the difference between financial disaster and manageable outcomes. Read detailed client testimonials to see the results achieved for individuals and businesses facing serious collection actions.

Meet Your Tax Relief Attorney

When facing IRS collection actions, clients want someone who has actually handled these emergencies before and knows what works under pressure. Phillip’s background combines previous employer’s firm accounting experience with focused legal practice in tax controversy matters.

Meet Attorney Phillip Mixon, a seasoned tax attorney in Houston with years of experience handling complex tax matters. From resolving IRS collections to providing tax planning for businesses, his wealth of experience and professional background guarantee that clients receive reliable legal representation in all tax-related matters.

He’s not just a local tax attorney; he’s also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a dual qualification that sets him apart in the field of tax law. Holding both his CPA license and Texas bar license, he offers a unique blend of legal and financial acumen that benefits clients in multifaceted ways.

Visit the attorney profile to learn more about qualifications and approach to IRS collection defense representation.

Meet Philip

Get Immediate Help with IRS Collection Issues

Collection emergencies don’t wait for business hours. If the IRS just garnished wages or levied a bank account, help is needed immediately, not next week. Call Mixon Tax Law right now if facing any collection action. Call (713) 814-4737 and Phillip will personally take the call if it’s a collection emergency. These situations move fast, and every day of delay can cost money taxpayers can’t afford to lose.

Whether the IRS just hit with a garnishment, emptied a bank account, or taxpayers are staring at collection notices wondering what comes next, don’t try to handle this alone. The IRS collection system is designed to separate people from their money as efficiently as possible—representation is needed to slow them down and find alternatives.

After years of handling these cases, what works and what doesn’t when it comes to stopping IRS collection actions and negotiating reasonable solutions is clear. Don’t let them destroy financial life when options exist to protect taxpayers.

Tax Relief and Collection Defense Resources

Understanding rights and options during IRS collection proceedings is crucial for making informed decisions about cases. The firm’s tax relief blog regularly covers collection defense topics, recent developments in tax law, and practical strategies for dealing with IRS enforcement actions.

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Business Tax | IRS | Local Tax | International Tax

Phillip also provides educational seminars for other attorneys and tax professionals on collection defense topics and maintains active involvement in tax law organizations to stay current on developing issues that affect clients.

View All articles

Experienced IRS Collection Defense You Can Trust

Phillip’s career began at a previous employer’s firm, one of the Big Four accounting firms, where he honed his skills in the Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) tax department. At that firm, he played a pivotal role in advising clients on the tax implications of corporate transactions, ensuring compliance, and optimizing tax outcomes during high-stakes deals. This experience provided invaluable insights into the complexities of tax law and corporate finance, which he now leverages in current practice.

Today, he focuses practice on IRS and state controversy matters. His extensive background allows him to handle disputes with taxing authorities expertly. As a top local tax professional, he provides strategic advice and representation to business owners and individuals facing audits, assessments, and aggressive collection actions.

Whether it’s negotiating with the IRS, contesting state tax determinations, or navigating complex tax regulations, clients can trust they are in capable hands. His boutique tax law firm combines the sophistication of large firm experience with the personalized attention of a local practice, delivering results that protect assets and futures.

Talk to an expert today

Mixon Tax Law Experienced IRS Collection Defense You Can Trust Section Image