The IRS Debt and Audit Podcast

Episode Summary
In this episode of the IRS Debt and Audit Podcast, tax attorney Brian Loughrin explains what the IRS can legally seize beyond money in your bank account. From wage garnishments to property and even retirement accounts, Brian breaks down how far the IRS can go when collecting unpaid tax debt, and what taxpayers need to know to protect themselves. He also highlights why the IRS prefers cash over property, how timing impacts collection actions, and what legal options exist to stop or negotiate once enforcement begins.
Key Timestamps
00:40 – What can the IRS take besides money?04:50 – IRS wage garnishments and how much they can take07:30 – Can the IRS seize homes and property?10:20 – Retirement accounts, Social Security, and military benefits13:45 – Timing and IRS notices16:30 – Payment plans and offers in compromise19:50 – Liens vs. levies explained22:00 – Final advice for taxpayers under IRS pressure
About The Show
IRS Debt and Audit Podcast delivers clear, practical guidance for self-employed individuals, small business owners, and anyone facing serious IRS problems. Hosted by veteran tax attorney Brian Loughrin, the show breaks down complex issues like payroll tax debt, audits, liens, levies, and asset seizures—explaining what the IRS can (and can’t) do and how to protect yourself. With over 25 years of experience in tax controversy and U.S. Tax Court representation, Brian shares proven strategies to help listeners avoid costly mistakes, stay compliant, and take confident steps toward financial relief.

Episode Summary
In this episode of the IRS Debt and Audit Podcast, tax attorney Brian Loughrin explains the critical differences between an IRS tax lien and a tax levy, and why understanding the distinction can protect taxpayers from severe financial consequences. With over 25 years of experience in tax controversy and debt resolution, Brian shares real-world insights into how liens and levies work, what triggers them, and what immediate steps individuals and business owners should take if they receive a notice from the IRS.
From clarifying the legal and financial impact of liens to detailing how levies can freeze bank accounts, garnish wages, or even choke small businesses through accounts receivable levies, Brian offers practical guidance to help taxpayers respond effectively. He also discusses appeal rights, hardship considerations, and the importance of opening IRS letters immediately to prevent escalating enforcement.
This episode provides essential strategies for anyone facing IRS collection actions, whether you’re self-employed, a small business owner, or an individual worried about notices in the mail.
Key Timestamps
0:35 – What is an IRS tax lien and how does it work?2:05 – The difference between a lien and a levy3:15 – How liens act as a warning before levies5:10 – Why IRS notices don’t always arrive where you live6:45 – How tax liens impact credit and property transactions8:25 – The impact of IRS levies on bank accounts, wages, and accounts receivable10:40 – Options for appealing or negotiating after a lien or levy13:00 – Why opening IRS letters is the first critical step
About The Show
IRS Debt and Audit Podcast delivers clear, practical guidance for self-employed individuals, small business owners, and anyone facing serious IRS problems. Hosted by veteran tax attorney Brian Loughrin, the show breaks down complex issues like payroll tax debt, audits, liens, levies, and asset seizures—explaining what the IRS can (and can’t) do and how to protect yourself. With over 25 years of experience in tax controversy and U.S. Tax Court representation, Brian shares proven strategies to help listeners avoid costly mistakes, stay compliant, and take confident steps toward financial relief.

Episode Summary
In this episode of IRS Debt and Audit Podcast, tax attorney Brian Loughrin breaks down why self-employed workers, freelancers, and small business owners so often run into IRS tax problems — and what they can do to stay compliant. With over 25 years of experience in tax controversy and debt resolution, Brian shares practical strategies to prevent tax penalties, manage payroll obligations, and protect yourself if you’ve already fallen behind with the IRS.
From misunderstood quarterly tax deposits to payroll trust fund penalties that can follow business owners personally, Brian explains the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them. He also highlights the dangers of dealing directly with the IRS without legal representation and offers clear steps for small business owners to regain control of their financial standing.
Key Timestamps
0:58 – Why self-employed and 1099 workers struggle with taxes2:45 – The IRS focus on payroll taxes for small businesses5:10 – How rapid growth can leave business owners vulnerable to IRS debt7:35 – The risks of late deposits and why saving money isn’t enough9:40 – First steps to take when behind on IRS tax obligations10:20 – How payroll tax issues can become personal liability12:45 – Why business owners shouldn’t call the IRS directly
About The Show
IRS Debt and Audit Podcast delivers clear, practical guidance for self-employed individuals, small business owners, and anyone facing serious IRS problems. Hosted by veteran tax attorney Brian Loughrin, the show breaks down complex issues like payroll tax debt, audits, liens, levies, and asset seizures—explaining what the IRS can (and can’t) do and how to protect yourself. With over 25 years of experience in tax controversy and U.S. Tax Court representation, Brian shares proven strategies to help listeners avoid costly mistakes, stay compliant, and take confident steps toward financial relief.

Episode Summary
In this episode of IRS Debt and Audit Podcast, Florida tax attorney Brian Loughrin shares insights on who to turn to when you’re facing serious tax problems. With over 25 years of experience in tax controversy, audits, and debt resolution, Brian explains the differences between CPAs, enrolled agents, and tax attorneys — and why choosing the right professional can make or break your case. He also sheds light on how the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service works, when it makes sense to hire a CPA or EA, and why large debts require the experience of a tax lawyer admitted before the U.S. Tax Court.
Whether you owe thousands or millions, this episode provides clarity on navigating IRS collections, audits, and debt resolution.
Key Timestamps
0:00 – 2:11 – Brian Loughran’s background and how he shifted from criminal defense to tax controversy.2:12 – 5:12 – Understanding overcharging in tax cases: CPAs, enrolled agents, and attorneys explained.5:13 – 7:57 – Why most CPAs focus on prevention, while tax attorneys handle serious IRS problems.7:58 – 10:00 – What the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service can (and cannot) do for taxpayers.10:01 – 11:30 – Why being admitted before the U.S. Tax Court sets tax attorneys apart.11:31 – 13:33 – Practical advice for overwhelmed taxpayers on identifying the right professional help.
About The Show
IRS Debt and Audit Podcast delivers clear, practical guidance for self-employed individuals, small business owners, and anyone facing serious IRS problems. Hosted by veteran tax attorney Brian Loughrin, the show breaks down complex issues like payroll tax debt, audits, liens, levies, and asset seizures—explaining what the IRS can (and can’t) do and how to protect yourself. With over 25 years of experience in tax controversy and U.S. Tax Court representation, Brian shares proven strategies to help listeners avoid costly mistakes, stay compliant, and take confident steps toward financial relief.