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About Tax Planning & Defense

Tax Planning & Defense was founded to help individuals and businesses navigate the increasingly complex world of tax law with confidence and clarity. Our firm combines legal expertise, strategic tax planning, and dedicated client advocacy to deliver comprehensive solutions for clients facing tax challenges or planning for the future.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower clients with proactive tax strategies and strong legal defense, helping them protect their wealth, reduce financial risk, and achieve long-term stability.

Our Approach

We believe every client deserves a tailored strategy. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, we take the time to understand your financial situation, goals, and concerns. This allows us to deliver solutions that are both legally sound and financially strategic.

Our Founder

Jennie V. Smith-Howard

With over two decades of experience in tax law, Jennie has dedicated her career to helping individuals and businesses resolve tax disputes, minimize liabilities, and plan for long-term financial security.

  • IRS representation and dispute resolution
  • Strategic tax planning
  • Estate planning and asset protection
  • Legal advocacy in complex tax matters

Jennie’s client-focused approach ensures that every client receives the attention, strategy, and support needed to confidently navigate tax challenges.

Jennie V. Smith Howard

Why Clients Trust Us

Proven experience in tax law and IRS advocacy

Personalized client service

Strategic, forward-thinking tax planning

Strong legal representation when it matters most

Why Choice Us

Why Clients Trust Us

Proven experience in tax law and IRS advocacy

Personalized client service

Strategic, forward-thinking tax planning

Strong legal representation when it matters most

FAQ

Yes. With proper authorization, a tax professional can communicate with the IRS on your behalf, review transcripts, negotiate resolutions, and represent you during audits or collection matters.

If you cannot pay your tax balance in full, you still have options. The IRS offers several programs that may help resolve the debt, including installment agreements, penalty abatement, and in certain cases an Offer in Compromise. Ignoring the problem can lead to collection actions such as wage garnishment or bank levies.

If you are facing an IRS balance you cannot afford to pay, contact this tax attorney to review your situation and determine the most appropriate resolution strategy.

Unfiled tax returns can create significant problems. The IRS may file a Substitute for Return (SFR) on your behalf, which usually results in a higher tax liability because deductions and credits are not included.

Bringing returns into compliance is often the first step toward resolving tax debt. Contact this tax attorney for assistance in preparing delinquent returns and addressing related IRS issues.

In most cases, the IRS has three years to audit a tax return. However, the period may extend to six years if substantial income was omitted, and there is no statute of limitations in cases involving fraud or failure to file a return.

If you receive notice of an IRS audit, contact this tax attorney promptly to review the notice and protect your rights during the audit process.

A federal tax lien is the government’s legal claim against your property when you fail to pay a tax debt. A lien can affect your credit and your ability to sell or refinance property.

Depending on the circumstances, there may be options to release, withdraw, or subordinate a tax lien. Contact this tax attorney to evaluate available solutions.

Tax preparers typically assist with filing tax returns and routine tax matters. A tax attorney can provide legal advice, represent clients in disputes with the IRS, and assist with complex tax planning, litigation, and negotiations.

If you are facing a tax dispute, significant tax liability, or complex tax planning issue, contact this tax attorney to discuss your options.

In certain circumstances, taxpayers may be able to negotiate payment terms or seek reductions in penalties. The IRS evaluates financial information, income, expenses, and assets when determining eligibility for programs such as installment agreements or Offers in Compromise.

Because each situation is unique, contact this tax attorney to review your financial circumstances and determine whether negotiation options may be available.

An IRS levy allows the government to seize funds from your bank account or garnish wages to satisfy unpaid tax debt. Once a levy occurs, time is critical.

Immediate action may allow the levy to be released or modified. Contact this tax attorney immediately if you have received a levy notice or if funds have already been seized.

Yes. Strategic tax planning can help individuals and business owners minimize tax liability while remaining fully compliant with tax laws. Proper planning may involve entity structuring, deductions, credits, and long-term financial strategies.

If you want to take a proactive approach to your taxes, contact this tax attorney to discuss customized tax planning strategies.

Some IRS notices are routine, but others involve legal or financial risks. Responding incorrectly or missing a deadline can make the situation worse.

Before responding to an IRS notice, contact this tax attorney to review the letter and determine the appropriate response.

You should consider hiring a tax attorney when :

  • You owe a significant amount to the IRS
  • You are facing an IRS audit
  • You have unfiled tax returns
  • Your wages or bank account are at risk of levy
  • You need tax advice related to business transactions or complex financial matters

If you are dealing with any of these issues, contact this tax attorney to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.

Yes. Estate planning is not just for wealthy individuals. An estate plan ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, your family is protected, and your affairs can be managed if you become incapacitated. Without a plan, state law determines who receives your assets and who makes decisions for you.

A comprehensive estate plan often includes:

  • Last Will and Testament
  • Revocable Living Trust (if appropriate)
  • Durable Power of Attorney
  • Healthcare Power of Attorney
  • Living Will / Advance Directive
  • Guardianship designations for minor children

The specific documents recommended depend on your personal and financial situation.

A will directs how your assets should be distributed after death and typically requires probate.

A trust allows assets to be managed during your lifetime and transferred after death, often without probate, which can save time, expense, and maintain privacy.

Not everyone needs a trust, but for many families it provides important benefits.

Yes. Estate plans should be reviewed periodically and after major life events such as:

  • Marriage or divorce
  • Birth of a child or grandchild
  • Significant changes in assets
  • Relocation to another state
  • Changes in tax laws

Regular updates help ensure your plan remains effective.

When a person dies without a will, they are considered to have died “intestate.” State law determines how their property is distributed. This process may not reflect the person’s wishes and can create unnecessary complications for family members.

You should consider forming a legal entity when:

  • Starting a new business
  • Seeking liability protection
  • Bringing in partners or investors
  • Hiring employees
  • Creating a structure for tax planning

Choosing the correct entity structure can affect both liability protection and tax treatment.

Most businesses should have foundational documents such as:

  • Formation documents (LLC or corporation filings)
  • Operating agreement or bylaws
  • Business contracts
  • Independent contractor agreements
  • Privacy policies or website terms (if operating online)

These documents help prevent disputes and protect the business.

Written agreements clearly define expectations, responsibilities, and legal rights. They help prevent misunderstandings and provide protection if a dispute arises.

Yes. Proper legal structuring and tax planning can significantly affect how income is taxed. Coordinating legal and tax strategies can improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary tax exposure.

Legal counsel can help businesses by:

  • Structuring transactions
  • Reviewing contracts
  • Managing regulatory risks
  • Advising on tax implications
  • Preventing costly legal disputes

Proactive legal planning often saves businesses significant time and expense.

Dealing with the IRS can be stressful and confusing. Many taxpayers do not know their rights or the options available to resolve tax issues. Our office assists individuals, business owners, and professionals in addressing a wide range of federal tax problems.

Below are some of the most common IRS matters we help clients resolve.

Many taxpayers discover they owe the IRS more than they expected. Interest and penalties can cause the balance to grow quickly.

We assist clients with evaluating their options, including:

  • IRS installment agreements
  • Penalty abatement requests
  • Offer in Compromise evaluations
  • Currently Not Collectible status

Each situation is different, and resolving tax debt requires careful analysis of financial circumstances and IRS guidelines.

If a tax debt remains unresolved, the IRS may attempt to collect by garnishing wages or levying bank accounts. These actions can disrupt your financial stability.

In many cases, it may be possible to:

  • Request release of a levy
  • Establish a payment plan
  • Negotiate alternative collection arrangements

Prompt action is important when facing collection activity.

Many tax problems begin with unfiled tax returns. When returns are not filed, the IRS may prepare a Substitute for Return, which often results in a much higher tax liability.

We assist clients with:

  • Bringing tax filings into compliance
  • Preparing delinquent returns
  • Addressing related IRS notices and balances

Getting the returns filed correctly is often the first step toward resolving IRS issues.

An IRS audit can be intimidating, especially if you are unsure how to respond to document requests or questions from the IRS.

We help clients:

  • Understand the scope of the audit
  • Gather and organize supporting documentation
  • Respond to IRS inquiries
  • Protect their rights during the audit process

Proper representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of an audit.

IRS penalties can significantly increase the amount owed. In certain circumstances, taxpayers may qualify for penalty abatement, which can reduce the overall liability.

We evaluate whether penalty relief may be available and assist clients with preparing the necessary requests.

Business owners often face complex tax challenges involving payroll taxes, entity structure, and compliance obligations.

We assist business clients with:

  • Business tax compliance issues
  • IRS notices related to payroll taxes
  • Tax planning and advisory services
  • Tax considerations related to business transactions

Driven by Purpose

Our Mission is to Provide Unparalleled Bookkeeping & Tax Services

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