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# The Law Offices of Craig Zimmerman

IRS Tax Relief Services | Debt Relief Tax | Tax Relief Lawyers & Companies

## Posts

- [California Lemon Law 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Refund or Replacement](https://www.craigzlaw.com/california-lemon-law-2026-the-ultimate-guide-to-getting-a-refund-or-replacement/) - Driving a brand-new car off the lot in California is a dream—until the "Check Engine" light startsflickering like a bad neon sign. If you’ve found yourself making more trips to the dealership thanthe grocery store, you might be dealing with a lemon.Navigating the California Lemon Law (officially known as the Song-Beverly ConsumerWarranty Act) can feel
- [More Than Just a Lemon: The Hidden Costs of Auto Fraud & How to Fight](https://www.craigzlaw.com/more-than-just-a-lemon-the-hidden-costs-of-auto-fraud-how-to-fight/) - It’s a familiar scene. You’ve spent months saving, researching, and scrolling through listings. Finally, you find "the one"—a sleek vehicle that promises to get you to work reliably and maybe even turn a few heads. You sign the paperwork, take the keys, and drive off the lot feeling a sense of accomplishment. The Emotional Toll
- [What's the Best Way To Deal With Consumer Fraud?](https://www.craigzlaw.com/whats-the-best-way-to-deal-with-consumer-fraud/) - Deceptive Trade Practice Act or DTPA When faced with a potential consumer fraud issue, most people wonder what laws are available to them. The most commonly used law is the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (“DTPA”). The DTPA is a law that exists in every state that allows a party to go after a business that
- [Damages - What's My Case Worth?](https://www.craigzlaw.com/damages-whats-my-case-worth/) - When I was in law school, a professor on the first day of class... talked about the evolution of thinking as a law student. As a first-year law student, you ask the question, can I sue? The answer is you can always sue. It may not be a good idea, but you can always sue.
- [My Trade-In Hasn’t Been Paid Off](https://www.craigzlaw.com/trade-in-hasnt-been-paid-off/) - (What do I do?) In a typical car purchase at a dealership, a buyer does two things. The first thing they do is find a car to buy and the second thing is negotiating their trade-in. Once everything is agreed upon, the dealership takes possession of the trade-in and the buyer drives off in a
- [Finances and the CoronaVirus (COVID-19)](https://www.craigzlaw.com/finances-and-the-coronavirus-covid-19/) - For those that have lost their jobs during the pandemic, the state of California has waived its one-week waiting period to collect unemployment benefits.
- [Tax Law Changes From 2018](https://www.craigzlaw.com/tax-law-changes-from-2018/) - Last year Congress enacted some changes to the tax laws which will affect your 2018 tax return, which is due April 15, 2019. There are lots of changes and only a knowledgeable tax preparer will fully understand them but here are some of the key changes to note: In the past, the full amount of
- [Dealership Tells You Financing Fell Through](https://www.craigzlaw.com/dealership-tells-you-financing-fell-through/) - What do you do when a car dealership tells you the financing fell through? Find out more about Auto Fraud here.
- [Which auto dealers are using military technology to watch your every move?](https://www.craigzlaw.com/734-2/) - “It's extremely lucrative for them” said local attorney Doug Scott, who specializes in auto dealer fraud lawsuits. Scott said many contracts consumers sign at small dealerships are set up to fail. They have some common features: big cash-only down payments, bi-weekly or even weekly payments, zero grace period for late payments and topped off with
- [Debt Still Dogs Americans - TheStreet.com](https://www.craigzlaw.com/debt-still-dogs-americans-thestreet-com/) - In new article featuring attorney Craig Zimmerman, TheStreet.com touches on the modern nature of debt, credit, & consumerism. Astoundingly almost 80% of Americans hold some form of debt. That terrible news for the financial backbone of the country right? Read more at : http://www.thestreet.com/story/13262713/1/debt-still-dogs-americans-but-that-may-not-be-a-bad-thing.html
- [Filing For Bankruptcy In 2015 - Craig Zimmerman Talks Chapter 7 and More](https://www.craigzlaw.com/bankruptcy-attorney-podcast/) - Craig Zimmerman talks about the hardships of bankruptcy and the situations that always lead to the saying,"I wish I'd filed bankruptcy sooner."
- [Legal Help For Scams - Craig Zimmerman Talks Fraud](https://www.craigzlaw.com/legal-help-for-scams-craig-zimmerman-talks-fraud/) - Legal Aid For Scams Internet and phone scams are everywhere today. What things should you look out for to identify mail, phone, or online scams?
- [Two Louisiana Women Sued for Tax Fraud Scam](https://www.craigzlaw.com/two-louisiana-women-for-tax-fraud-scam/) - The Department of Justice recently filed a lawsuit in a U.S. District Court in an attempt to bar two women from preparing federal tax returns for others. The civil injunction, filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, alleges that Cathy Vinnett, and her daughter, Lashanda Vinnett, both of Destrehan, La., prepared federal tax returns for
- [Thousands Come Clean as IRS Gets $2.7 Billion](https://www.craigzlaw.com/thousands-come-clean-as-irs-gets-2-7-billion/) - The Internal Revenue Service has taken in a total of $2.7 billion from holders of offshore bank accounts, the agency said as it announced that 12,000 taxpayers responded to the second round of a partial amnesty program. IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman said yesterday that the agency’s emphasis on international tax enforcement prompted more people than
- [Student Loan Crisis Busts Retirement Savings](https://www.craigzlaw.com/student-loan-crisis-busts-retirement-savings/) - California’s Congressional delegation, the largest and most influential in the nation, is undergoing a major upheaval, the result of reapportionment and retirements, threatening the state’s influence in Washington next year and forcing members to scramble to withstand what is emerging as a generational wave. A quarter of the state’s 53-member delegation to Washington could be
- [Real Estate Losses Become IRS Tax Audit Target](https://www.craigzlaw.com/real-estate-losses-become-irs-tax-audit-target/) - The IRS is stepping up property scrutiny as a result of a 2008 Government Accountability Office finding: "At least 53% of individual taxpayers with rental real estate activity for Tax Year 2001 misreported their rental real estate activity, resulting in an estimated $12.4 billion of net misreported income." That spurred the Treasury Inspector General for
- [Nation's Biggest Buy-Here, Pay-Here Dealer Fined $8 Million](https://www.craigzlaw.com/nations-biggest-buy-here-pay-here-dealer-fined-8-million/) - It's been a bad week for debt collectors who employ questionable tactics. The largest buy-here, pay-here car dealer in the nation must pay an $8 million civil penalty after an investigation by federal authorities found it had repeatedly harassed consumers and furnished incorrect information to credit bureaus. DriveTime Automotive Group offers car purchase agreements that
- [Jack Johnson files for bankruptcy thanks to parents’ loans against contract](https://www.craigzlaw.com/jack-johnson-files-for-bankruptcy-thanks-to-parents-loans-against-contract/) - Who do you trust with your money? Many of us would probably list “parents” near the top of that list. Which is why the tale of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson is so shocking and deplorable. Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reported on Thursday that Johnson filed for bankruptcy on Oct. 7, claiming
- [IRS staff committed tax credit fraud](https://www.craigzlaw.com/irs-staff-committed-tax-credit-fraud/) - More than 100 employees of the Internal Revenue Service cheated the government by fraudulently claiming a first-time homebuyer tax credit included in the 2008 and 2009 economic stimulus packages, according to federal investigators. The Treasury Department’s inspector general for tax administration, in several reports over the past few years, has identified a total of 128
- [IRS Plan Will Let Some Unemployed Taxpayers Avoid Penalties](https://www.craigzlaw.com/irs-plan-will-let-some-unemployed-taxpayers-avoid-penalties/) - Taxpayers who have been unemployed for at least 30 days in 2011 or 2012 will be able to avoid some penalties for failing to pay their taxes, the Internal Revenue Service said. Those struggling taxpayers would have an extra six months to comply and avoid the failure-to-pay penalty. They would still owe interest on back
- [IRS 'innocent spouse' rules can be tough](https://www.craigzlaw.com/irs-innocent-spouse-rules-can-be-tough/) - When Valarie Stephenson tried to leave her husband in 2003, he put a gun to her head and threatened to kill her. She was so terrified that she remained in the marriage until 2007, when a friend — who noticed the bruises on her body — helped her escape to her mother's home in Phoenix.
- [I.R.S. Loses Tax Case Against Lay of Enron](https://www.craigzlaw.com/i-r-s-loses-tax-case-against-lay-of-enron/) - The United States Tax Court rejected a bid by the Internal Revenue Service to collect $3.9 million from the estate of the former Enron chief Kenneth L. Lay and his wife. The case was related to transactions among Mr. Lay, his wife, Linda, and Enron that were executed on Sept. 21, 2001. The Lays sold
- [Debt Collector Is Told It Can't Use Facebook](https://www.craigzlaw.com/debt-collector-is-told-it-cant-use-facebook/) - ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A Florida judge has ordered a debt collection agency to not use Facebook or any other social media site in an attempt to locate a woman over a $362 unpaid car loan. Judge W. Douglas Baird also ordered Mark One Financial of Jacksonville, Fla., to refrain from contacting the woman's family
- [Debt collector erroneously garnishes OC lawmaker's wages](https://www.craigzlaw.com/debt-collector-erroneously-garnishes-oc-lawmakers-wages/) - You'd think if you were about to garnish the wages of a state lawmaker you'd do everything you could to ensure you had the right guy. So imagine State Sen. Lou Correa's surprise when he received notice at his State Capitol office last month that his earnings were being seized to pay off a debt
- [Schemeing Debt Collection Defendant Pleads Guilty](https://www.craigzlaw.com/debt-collection-scheme-defendant-pleads-guilty/) - United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Darrian Jeffrey Summers, 40, of Taft, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud for his involvement in a scheme to defraud individuals and businesses by means of a phony debt collection scheme. According to the plea agreement, Summers was a salesman for
- [ATTORNEY GENERAL CHARGES  “DEBT BUYERS” WITH DEFRAUDING MINNESOTA COURTS](https://www.craigzlaw.com/attorney-general-charges-debt-buyers-with-defrauding-minnesota-courts/) - Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson today in a legal filing accused one of the nation’s largest “debt buyers” of defrauding Minnesota courts and citizens by filing false and deceptive “robo-signed” affidavits—generated at its offices in St. Cloud, Minnesota—to collect on old consumer debts that it purchased from credit card companies and others for about three
- [Rehabilitating credit after foreclosure](https://www.craigzlaw.com/rehabilitating-credit-after-foreclosure/) - In the wake of the foreclosure crisis, secondary-mortgage market leaders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac instituted a requirement to make homeowners who had been foreclosed on wait five years before being able to qualify for another mortgage. You’re almost at four years, so in another year you might qualify. You might qualify sooner with an
- [It's Not Too Late For IRS Amnesty](https://www.craigzlaw.com/its-not-too-late-for-irs-amnesty/) - It’s not too late to enter the IRS 2011 Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative (or OVDI). The program runs through August 31, 2011, offering what IRS Commissioner Shulman called the “last, best chance” to come clean. The IRS’s 2009 offshore disclosure program netted about 15,000 taxpayers. See IRS Sets Offshore Amnesty, Part II. Since then, 3,000
- [IRS stepping up tax audits](https://www.craigzlaw.com/irs-stepping-up-tax-audits/) - Whatever the reason, the federal government is stepping up income tax audits. The good news — and bad news — is that audits are increasingly being completed by correspondence, said Gary Iskowitz, a Los Angeles certified public accountant who serves on the IRS' Tax Advocate panel. "Over 80% of the audits are going to be
- [Tax Liens Abused by IRS](https://www.craigzlaw.com/tax-liens-abused-by-irs/) - The National Taxpayer Advocate accused the Internal Revenue Service of using tax liens to inflict unnecessary harm on financially struggling taxpayers in a January 2011 report to Congress. The taxpayer advocate called the use of tax liens amid high unemployment and a faltering economy "torment," and said the practice is not effective in collecting back

## Pages

- [Auto Fraud](https://www.craigzlaw.com/auto-fraud/) - Are you looking for a Lawyer who can help you when you have been sold a bad vehicle? The Law Offices of Craig Zimmerman knows lemon law & can help.
- [About](https://www.craigzlaw.com/about/) - Craig Zimmerman has been a practicing bankruptcy, student loans & debt attorney for over 17 years. He is admitted to practice law in Texas, and LA.
- [Civil & Commercial Litigation](https://www.craigzlaw.com/civil-commercial-litigation/) - Some types of disputes can be resolved by the parties themselves. In other cases, differences can be so great or the stakes so high that litigation is necessary to protect your rights and interests, or those of your business. At the Law Offices of Craig Zimmerman we are experienced civil litigation attorneys. We work to achieve our
- [Notary Fraud](https://www.craigzlaw.com/notary-fraud/) - WHAT IS NOTARY FRAUD (NOTARIO FRAUD)? A Notary Public is personally liable for negligence or fraud in the course of performing his or her duties. The bond a Notary Public is required to post is meant to ensure that the injured party can recover up to $10,000, but the Notary can still be held personally
- [Contact Us](https://www.craigzlaw.com/contact-us/) - For questions or to set up your FREE initial consultation, please call us at 800-987-4165 or complete the form on our site. We also have live on-site chat!
- [Lemon Law](https://www.craigzlaw.com/lemon-law/) - Lemon Laws in Texas provide legal recourse for customers who are buyers or lessees of new & sometimes "used" cars. The details for lemon law are listed here.
- [Consumer Protection](https://www.craigzlaw.com/consumer-protection/) - Consumer protection lawyers with the Law Offices of Craig Zimmerman have helped consumers get justice for defective products & false advertising. Free consult.
- [Auto Fraud Case Checklist](https://www.craigzlaw.com/auto-fraud/auto-fraud-case-checklist/) - Have been hosed by a car dealer? Did you find out that the car the salesman told you was a cream puff driven by a little old lady, instead it's a rental?
- [History of a Vehicle](https://www.craigzlaw.com/auto-fraud/history-of-a-vehicle/) - Before you buy that car, make sure you pull a Carfax report to see if it's everything you think it is. If you didn't here's a guide on how to.
- [Identity Theft Guide From CraigZLaw](https://www.craigzlaw.com/identity-theft-guide/) - Identity theft can be frightening & dealing with identity theft can be mysterious. Here's our guide to getting your stolen life back, by lawyer Craig Zimmerman.
- [Free Case Review](https://www.craigzlaw.com/free-case-review/) - Please call us at 800-987-4165 to speak with one of our Case Managers and complete your Free Case Review, or chat with us right on our website!
- [Debt Help, LawSuits](https://www.craigzlaw.com/debt-help-lawsuits/) - If you fail to pay a contractual obligation, the creditor may sue you. If you are being sued, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible.
- [Credit Card Debt](https://www.craigzlaw.com/credit-card-debt/) - It’s not uncommon to see delinquency interest rates close to 30%. Late fees, over limit fees and interest and it seems like you’ll never find a debt lawyer.
- [Income Tax Preparation](https://www.craigzlaw.com/prepare-taxes/) - Our Tax Department is spearheaded by a former IRS Agent and Senior Auditor. With over 20 years of tax preparation experience. Call us for a Taxes Lawyer today!
- [Student Loans In California & Texas](https://www.craigzlaw.com/student-loan-overview/) - If you’re struggling under mounting student loan debt, you’re not alone. Right now there are approximately 40 million student loans totaling over $1 Trillion.
- [Bankruptcy Overview](https://www.craigzlaw.com/bankruptcy-overview/) - Bankruptcy is a set of federal laws designed to help those in debt. There are two types of bankruptcies, liquidation and reorganization.
- [IRS Agent Visits](https://www.craigzlaw.com/irs-agent-visits/) - If you fail respond to letters and notices from the IRS, a Revenue Officer may be assigned to your case for the purpose of locating you and collecting the tax.
- [Tax Levies & Seizures](https://www.craigzlaw.com/tax-levies-seizures/) - A Levy is a legal seizure of your property to satisfy a tax debt. A Levy is an Enforced Collection Action. Levies are different from liens. We can help.
- [Informational Podcasts](https://www.craigzlaw.com/informational-podcasts/) - Craig Zimmerman goes over a variety of topic including bankruptcy, debt collectors, internet fraud, and student loan help. Listen now for free!
- [Tax Help, Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.craigzlaw.com/tax-help-frequently-asked-questions/) - Can I settle my tax debt for less? Possibly. You may be able to apply for an Offer in Compromise (OIC), commonly touted by unethical tax relief firms.
- [Overview of Tax Service](https://www.craigzlaw.com/overview-of-tax-service/) - Within one business day of retaining our law firm, we’ll contact the IRS and inform them of our representation. Stop harassment and get free of debt!
- [Debt Relief](https://www.craigzlaw.com/debt-relief/) - At the Law Offices of Craig Zimmerman we provide a free consultation. We'll review your specific financial situation and all of your options.
- [Debt Help, Options](https://www.craigzlaw.com/debt-help-options/) - Generally speaking you have 6 options in tackling your debt. Some options are for clients who owe back taxes or require assistance with student loan debt.
- [Debt Help, Mortgages](https://www.craigzlaw.com/debt-help-mortgages/) - Looking for a Mortgage Debt Lawyer? We may be able to assist you in either avoiding a deficiency judgment by negotiating a favorable settlement on the judgment.
- [Debt Help, Medical Bills](https://www.craigzlaw.com/debt-help-medical-bills/) - When experiencing serious accidents or illness, it’s common for medical bills to be in the tens of thousands and in some cases hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- [Debt Help, Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.craigzlaw.com/debt-help-frequently-asked-questions/) - How do I know which debt relief is right for me? Can you stop interest, fees, and/or penalties or freeze my account balances? Debt lawyer in LA and Dallas.
- [Debt Help, Auto Loans](https://www.craigzlaw.com/debt-help-auto-loans/) - If you fail to make payments on auto loans, the lender may repossess your car. After the repossession, the lender usually sells the car at auction in TX or CA.
- [Bankruptcy, Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.craigzlaw.com/bankruptcy-frequently-asked-questions/) - Will I be forced to sell everything that I own? Bankruptcy law lets you keep equity in many assets. In California, there are two exemption schemes.
- [IRS Collection Process](https://www.craigzlaw.com/irs-collection-process/) - Filing your tax return, you're responsible to pay any balance due on the return. If you fail to pay taxes by April 15th you can have a balance due to the IRS.
- [Wage Garnishment](https://www.craigzlaw.com/wage-garnishment/) - A wage garnishment is an Enforced Collection Action and is one of the harshest collection actions used by the IRS. We know how to be protected against vitriol.
- [Unfiled Tax Returns](https://www.craigzlaw.com/unfiled-tax-returns/) - The IRS does not take into account deductions you are legally entitled to. Resulting SFRs frequently overstate your tax liability. We as a tax lawyer, can help.
- [Student Loans, Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.craigzlaw.com/student-loans-frequently-asked-questions/) - All our attorneys are licensed to practice in the state or states they represent. Call us to get a well qualified Los Angeles or Dallas Student Debt Lawyer!
- [Student Loans and Bankruptcy](https://www.craigzlaw.com/student-loans-and-bankruptcy/) - Some student loan borrowers find that Chapter 13 reorganization is useful as it stops future interest from accruing so long as the student loan is paid in full.
- [How We Can Help](https://www.craigzlaw.com/how-we-can-help/) - While the government has many programs available to assist student loan borrowers, selecting the correct one can be difficult. We as debt lawyers can help.
- [Federal Tax Liens](https://www.craigzlaw.com/federal-tax-liens/) - A Federal Tax Lien is a public record. It notifies the public that the U.S. Government has a claim against a taxpayer's property and rights to that property.
- [Enforced Collection Actions](https://www.craigzlaw.com/enforced-collection-actions/) - To understand how Enforced Collection Efforts begin and the potential result, it is important to understand the various “players” (parties) who may be involved.
- [Debt Stats](https://www.craigzlaw.com/debt-stats/) - It's also interesting but not surprising the affect student loan debt has on grads when the loan payments become due. Contact a lawyer to help with your debt.
- [Debt Help, Harassment](https://www.craigzlaw.com/debt-help-harassment/) - Once you are represented by an attorney, it's illegal for debt collectors to contact you directly by phone. We notify all of your creditors of representation.
- [Correct A Tax Return](https://www.craigzlaw.com/correct-a-tax-return/) - Filing accurate tax returns are solely your responsibility, the taxpayer. If you filed a tax return and discover it was inaccurate, you must correct the return.
- [Chapter 7](https://www.craigzlaw.com/chapter-7/) - Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is designed to give debtors a “fresh start”. These bankruptcies are a liquidation bankruptcy (non-exempt assets are sold to pay debts).
- [Chapter 13](https://www.craigzlaw.com/chapter-13/) - Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code is a reorganization bankruptcy for individuals, only, who have less than $360,475.
- [Audit](https://www.craigzlaw.com/audit/) - Selecting a return for examination does not always mean you have made an error or been dishonest. Some audits result in acceptance of the return without change.

## Categories

- [News](https://www.craigzlaw.com/category/tax-relief-debt-relief-student-loan-debt-news/)
- [Tax Relief](https://www.craigzlaw.com/category/tax-relief/)
- [Debt and Tax News](https://www.craigzlaw.com/category/debt-and-tax-news/)
- [Government Actions and Laws](https://www.craigzlaw.com/category/government-actions-and-laws/)
- [Auto Fraud](https://www.craigzlaw.com/category/auto-fraud/)

## Tags

- [auto fraud](https://www.craigzlaw.com/tag/auto-fraud/)
- [car fraud](https://www.craigzlaw.com/tag/car-fraud/)
- [consumer protection](https://www.craigzlaw.com/tag/consumer-protection/)
- [damages](https://www.craigzlaw.com/tag/damages/)
- [court](https://www.craigzlaw.com/tag/court/)
- [lawsuit](https://www.craigzlaw.com/tag/lawsuit/)
- [DTPA](https://www.craigzlaw.com/tag/dtpa/)
- [deceptive trade practice](https://www.craigzlaw.com/tag/deceptive-trade-practice/)
- [lawyer for dtpa](https://www.craigzlaw.com/tag/lawyer-for-dtpa/)