South Carolina Tax Attorney
Searching for a tax attorney near you who understands both IRS policies and South Carolina’s tax laws? Defense Tax Partners is your go-to legal team for state and federal tax issues. If you’re dealing with penalties, unfiled returns, or the threat of a levy, you need an experienced tax lawyer South Carolina residents can rely on.
The IRS and South Carolina Department of Revenue (DOR) enforce separate tax regulations that every business owner and individual must follow. But when errors, missed filings, or financial setbacks lead to problems, a personal tax attorney with direct experience in South Carolina tax disputes can help you regain control.
Call Defense Tax Partners at (803) 258-6729 for your Free Consultation with a South Carolina Tax Attorney!
Common Tax Problems in South Carolina
Taxpayers across South Carolina face challenges tied to the state’s economic structure and enforcement priorities. In Colombia, we often work with small business owners and contractors who’ve fallen behind on quarterly estimated tax payments. Professionals in Charleston, especially those with rental income, can face state-level audits when returns don’t match DOR records.
The DOR has increased enforcement around sales tax reporting for short-term rentals in places like Myrtle Beach, and IRS audits have become more common in Greenville among self-employed earners. Our attorneys track these trends and adapt our strategies to give clients in Mount Pleasant, Five Points, West End, and surrounding areas the tailored help they need.
How Our Tax Attorneys Can Help You
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for resolving tax issues. Our South Carolina tax attorneys offer guidance, protection, and representation customized to your financial situation. We provide everything from tax preparation for business owners to IRS tax resolution for clients with years of unfiled returns.
You’ll work with a team that:
- Reviews and corrects filings
- Negotiates settlements with the IRS or DOR
- Defends you in audits
- Applies for penalty abatement or offer in compromise programs
- Stops collection actions like bank levies or wage garnishments
Prepare for and Contest Tax Audits
Even if you didn’t knowingly misreport anything, a tax audit can lead to steep penalties, especially if the DOR or IRS believes you made an error. With Defense Tax Partners, your audit defense will start with organizing the documentation needed to support your filings.

- Clerical or math errors
- Unreported side income
- High deductions (charitable, business, home office)
- Claimed dependents who don’t qualify
- Excess Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Self-employed losses flagged as suspicious
If the audit result is inaccurate or unfair, our IRS audit defense representation team can file an appeal and fight for a better outcome.
Civil Penalty Relief
Penalties for missing filings, underpaying taxes, or missing deposits can quickly snowball. Depending on your situation, we can help you apply for:
- First-time penalty abatement
- Reasonable cause relief
- Statutory exceptions
Our penalty abatement lawyers work with clients to gather documentation, such as hospital records, legal filings, and natural disaster claims, that support eligibility for tax relief.
Settlement of Federal & State Tax Disputes
We help clients resolve state-level issues with the South Carolina DOR and federal concerns with the IRS. Whether your challenge involves business tax debt, bank levy defense, or unfiled personal returns, your attorney will identify the most efficient and affordable path forward.
For example:
- We can negotiate an Offer in Compromise IRS settlement to reduce what you owe
- Apply for a payment plan that fits your income
- Remove or reduce a tax lien
If you’re already facing wage garnishment or asset seizure, we’ll work fast to halt collection and protect your livelihood.
Negotiations on Non-Filing of Taxes Violation
Non-filing penalties typically start at 5% of the unpaid tax per month and can rise sharply. In fraud cases, they can reach 75% or lead to criminal charges. Our South Carolina tax lawyers help reduce these penalties, challenge inaccuracies, and guide clients through:
- Filing past-due returns
- IRS tax lien removal
- Wage garnishment defense
- Enrollment in IRS payment plans
If you’re unable to pay right now, we may help you qualify for a temporary hardship delay or partial payment arrangement.
Reliable Tax Lawyers in South Carolina
We’ve represented clients in cities across South Carolina, including Charleston, Greenville, Spartanburg, Hilton Head, and Rock Hill. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or wage earner trying to fix your IRS account, our team is here to help.
Our services include:
If you’ve been searching online for a top-rated tax attorney near me who delivers results—not just legal advice—Defense Tax Partners is your answer.
Let’s Talk Now – Free Consultation

Let us walk you through your options, review your IRS or DOR notices, and develop a plan to protect your finances.
Call Defense Tax Partners at (803) 258-6729 for your Free Consultation with a South Carolina Tax Attorney!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a tax attorney do?
A tax attorney represents clients in disputes with the IRS or state DOR, negotiates settlements, files legal documents, and helps reduce or eliminate penalties.
How can I stop a wage garnishment immediately?
A lawyer can file for a release, negotiate with the IRS or DOR, or prove economic hardship to stop collection actions. Acting quickly is key.
Should I hire a lawyer for identity theft?
Yes. If someone has filed a return in your name or accessed your IRS account, a lawyer can help you file reports, correct records, and protect your identity.
How to get an offer in compromise approved?
You’ll need to show financial hardship and submit Form 656 with detailed financial info. A tax attorney can strengthen your application and improve approval odds.
How much does tax preparation cost?
It varies based on complexity, but attorneys may charge more than CPAs due to added legal analysis. Ask about flat-fee tax preparation service options.
What qualifies for innocent spouse relief?
You may qualify if your spouse understated taxes on a joint return, and you didn’t know about it. There are several types of relief depending on the situation.






