Resilience and Resolve with Lance Drury

Tax Planning for People Who’ve Already Fallen Behind

Episode Summary:In this episode, Lance breaks down what to do when you’re already behind on your taxes and feel buried by IRS debt. Instead of focusing on theory or prevention, he explains how to create a real plan for recovery — even if you owe money or haven’t filed in years. From becoming compliant to avoiding the most common mistakes self-employed individuals make, Lance walks through the exact steps to get back on track and stay there.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why compliance is the first step toward any IRS negotiation.
The biggest mistake self-employed people make when trying to fix tax debt.
How estimated tax payments can actually reduce what you owe.
Why paying monthly is smarter than waiting for quarterly deadlines.
How the Offer in Compromise really works (and who qualifies).
Practical habits to avoid falling behind again — and how to stay compliant long term.
Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Tax planning when you’re already in trouble. 01:10 – The first step to recovery — becoming IRS compliant. 03:25 – The most common mistake self-employed people make when repaying tax debt. 05:40 – How estimated tax payments help you pay less overall. 07:50 – Why monthly payments beat quarterly deadlines. 09:30 – Understanding the Offer in Compromise — and why most people don’t qualify. 12:45 – Smart tax habits that prevent future debt. 14:30 – Final advice for anyone currently struggling with the IRS.
About the Show:
Resilience and Resolve with Lance Drury provides practical legal insights into IRS matters, tax law, and financial defense strategies. Each episode explores timely and complex tax issues with real-world examples and expert analysis from Lance Drury and his experienced legal team.

Do You Need a Tax Attorney or a CPA? Know Who to Call and When

Episode Summary
In this episode of Resilience and Resolve, Lance Drury breaks down one of the most common tax questions small business owners and individuals face — when to hire a CPA and when to seek a tax attorney. He explains the key differences between CPAs, tax preparers, and attorneys, and why the wrong choice could cost you more than money. Lance also shares why experience, representation rights, and attorney–client privilege matter when dealing with the IRS.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
The difference between a CPA, tax preparer, and tax attorney
When to hire a tax attorney instead of a CPA or enrolled agent
The risks of letting unqualified professionals handle serious IRS matters
Why attorney–client privilege offers stronger protection than accountant confidentiality
How strong communication and early legal intervention can prevent tax issues from escalating
Common red flags that mean it’s time to bring in a tax attorney
Key Timestamps
00:00 – 02:00 — Introduction to the episode and topic overview02:01 – 05:00 — The real difference between CPAs, tax preparers, and attorneys05:01 – 08:00 — Why some professionals give harmful IRS advice08:01 – 10:00 — How legal training and negotiation skills protect clients10:01 – 12:00 — The power of attorney–client privilege in IRS cases12:01 – 14:00 — Why poor communication between clients and representatives leads to problems14:01 – 16:00 — When to hire a tax attorney before issues escalate16:01 – 18:00 — Final advice from Lance Drury for individuals and businesses facing tax troubles
About the Show:
Resilience and Resolve with Lance Drury provides practical legal insights into IRS matters, tax law, and financial defense strategies. Each episode explores timely and complex tax issues with real-world examples and expert analysis from Lance Drury and his experienced legal team.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit lancedrurylaw.com.

Small Business Bookkeeping Mistakes That Lead to Tax Problems

Episode Summary
In this episode, Lance Drury discusses how small bookkeeping mistakes can quickly turn into serious tax problems for business owners. He explains the most common errors he sees, how to avoid red flags that trigger audits, and the right way to separate personal and business finances. Lance also shares what to do if your records are disorganized and how working with a professional accountant can save you from costly penalties down the line.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
The most common bookkeeping mistakes that trigger IRS audits
Why mixing personal and business finances is a major red flag
How missing documentation can cost you deductions during an audit
Industries most vulnerable to state and federal audits
Steps to fix disorganized records and maintain clean books
Why hiring an accountant is a smart investment for small business owners
Key Timestamps
00:45 – The biggest bookkeeping mistake small business owners make02:20 – Why mixing personal and business accounts can create IRS issues04:30 – Common red flags that attract audits06:10 – How disorganization leads to tax problems08:00 – Industries often targeted for audits and why09:45 – How to clean up your books and move forward11:00 – The value of hiring a professional accountant
About the Show:
Resilience and Resolve with Lance Drury provides practical legal insights into IRS matters, tax law, and financial defense strategies. Each episode explores timely and complex tax issues with real-world examples and expert analysis from Lance Drury and his experienced legal team.

Tax Debt After a Natural Disaster: What Relief Is and Isn’t Available

Episode Summary
In this episode, Lance Drury explains what to do if the IRS shows up at your home or business. He breaks down why direct contact with revenue officers can be so intimidating, the common mistakes taxpayers make when speaking to the IRS, and how to protect yourself from scams and liability. If you’ve ever wondered what rights you have during an unexpected IRS visit, this conversation will prepare you.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
Why you should never speak directly to the IRS without representation.
The role of revenue officers and what triggers in-person visits.
The types of questions and documentation the IRS looks for.
How to protect yourself from scams disguised as IRS contact.
Why separating personal and business bank accounts is critical.
What rights taxpayers have when refusing to answer IRS questions.
How fear and panic can lead to costly mistakes with the IRS.
Key Timestamps
00:45 – How often the IRS really shows up in person.02:20 – Why taxpayers should never talk directly to revenue officers.04:10 – Common tactics IRS agents use to get information.06:05 – Importance of separating business and personal bank accounts.08:20 – Understanding your rights when refusing to answer IRS questions.09:40 – How to spot IRS scams and fake notices.11:20 – A $40,000 mistake: when a taxpayer spoke to the IRS on his own.
About the Show:
Resilience and Resolve with Lance Drury provides practical legal insights into IRS matters, tax law, and financial defense strategies. Each episode explores timely and complex tax issues with real-world examples and expert analysis from Lance Drury and his experienced legal team.

The IRS and Your Passport: Can Back Taxes Really Stop You from Traveling?

Episode Summary
In this episode of Resilience and Resolve, tax attorney Lance Drury explains how unpaid tax debt can put your passport at risk. With decades of experience defending individuals and business owners against the IRS, Lance breaks down what qualifies as “seriously delinquent tax debt,” how the IRS works with the State Department to restrict passports, and the practical steps taxpayers can take to protect their right to travel.
Whether you’re planning an international trip, renewing your passport, or simply want to understand the risks of ignoring tax obligations, this episode provides essential insights into avoiding costly mistakes and safeguarding your freedom to travel.
Key Moments
00:01 – Lance Drury explains how tax debt impacts passport renewal and travel rights.00:03 – The short-term and long-term strategies to protect passports.00:05 – What qualifies as “seriously delinquent tax debt.”00:07 – How IRS certifications to the State Department work.00:08 – Why random audits happen and how expenses raise red flags.00:10 – Strategies to reverse passport revocation and keep travel rights intact.00:11 – Lance Drury’s advice for taxpayers with upcoming international trips.
About the Show
Resilience and Resolve is a podcast dedicated to guiding taxpayers through complex IRS challenges with clarity and confidence. Featuring tax attorney Lance Drury, the show offers practical insights to manage tax debt, navigate relief options, and develop effective long-term strategies to achieve financial stability.

What Happens If You Ignore the IRS?

Episode Summary
In this episode of Resilience and Resolve, tax attorney Lance Drury discusses the serious risks of ignoring the IRS. From liens and levies to passport restrictions and mounting penalties, he explains why silence can make matters much worse. Drawing on over 20 years of experience defending taxpayers, Drury shares practical insights, common mistakes, and the critical steps individuals and business owners must take to protect their financial freedom.
Key Timestamps
0:45 – Why so many taxpayers ignore IRS letters and notices2:10 – The unpredictable nature of IRS bureaucracy3:15 – How ignoring notices leads to levies, wage garnishments, and bank seizures4:30 – The dangers of substitute returns filed by the IRS6:25 – Passport revocations for delinquent taxpayers7:20 – How penalties and interest double IRS debt in less than eight years8:55 – When the 10-year collection statute works in a taxpayer’s favor10:15 – Why ignoring IRS letters creates bigger problems and how to respond11:30 – The first steps toward resolution and settling for less than the full amount
About the Show
Resilience and Resolve is a podcast dedicated to guiding taxpayers through complex IRS challenges with clarity and confidence. Featuring tax attorney Lance Drury, the show offers practical insights to manage tax debt, navigate relief options, and develop effective long-term strategies to achieve financial stability.

IRS Revenue Officers: What They Do and How to Handle Them

Episode Summary
An IRS revenue officer is one of the most intimidating figures a taxpayer can face. In this episode of Resilience and Resolve, tax attorney Lance Drury explains who IRS revenue officers are, when they get assigned to a case, and how taxpayers should respond when one comes calling.
Lance Drury breaks down the difference between dealing with automated IRS collection systems versus revenue officers, the types of cases that trigger their involvement, and the serious risks of ignoring them. He also shares stories of clients who faced aggressive IRS enforcement, including levies on bank accounts and wages, and how his firm was able to negotiate favorable outcomes.
This episode offers practical guidance on protecting assets, avoiding costly mistakes, and why seeking professional representation is critical when dealing with revenue officers.
Key Timestamps
01:20 – Why revenue officers are more aggressive than automated IRS systems03:05 – The IRS “hurry up and wait” process explained05:00 – When an IRS revenue officer gets assigned: thresholds and triggers06:10 – Payroll tax cases and the trust fund penalty risk for business owners08:15 – Real case example: lifting million-dollar levies in under 30 days09:45 – Why taxpayers should never speak directly to revenue officers11:00 – The dangers of ignoring a revenue officer and potential consequences12:15 – How legal representation changes IRS negotiations13:30 – Final advice for overwhelmed taxpayers facing IRS action
About the Show
Resilience and Resolve is a podcast dedicated to guiding taxpayers through complex IRS challenges with clarity and confidence. Featuring tax attorney Lance Drury, the show offers practical insights to manage tax debt, navigate relief options, and develop effective long-term strategies to achieve financial stability.

IRS Levies Vs. Liens: What’s The Difference And Why It Matters

Episode Summary
In this episode of Resilience and Resolve, tax attorney Lance Drury breaks down one of the most common areas of confusion among taxpayers—understanding the difference between an IRS lien and an IRS levy. While these two terms are often used interchangeably, they carry very different legal and financial consequences.
Attorney Drury explains how liens affect property and credit, how levies lead to actual seizure of income and assets, and what steps individuals can take to fight back. He highlights critical safeguards, the importance of timely response to IRS notices, and strategies for negotiating with the IRS to protect wages, bank accounts, and property.
If you’ve ever wondered what the IRS can and cannot take—or how to stop a levy before it drains your bank account—this episode offers clear, practical insights.
Key Timestamps
00:56 – Breaking news: Lance Drury expands his practice with a new San Antonio office02:10 – IRS lien explained: what it is, where it’s filed, and how it impacts property sales03:25 – IRS levy explained: how bank accounts, wages, and Social Security can be seized05:15 – How IRS resource shortages have led to lien release delays07:00 – Why levies are more aggressive and how they impact daily life09:10 – Warning letters and IRS notice requirements before a levy is enforced10:45 – Options for removing or reducing the impact of a lien11:55 – Steps to take if already hit with an IRS levy12:50 – Why it’s critical to act quickly and how legal representation can help
About the Show
Resilience and Resolve is a podcast dedicated to guiding taxpayers through complex IRS challenges with clarity and confidence. Featuring tax attorney Lance Drury, the show offers practical insights to manage tax debt, navigate relief options, and develop effective long-term strategies to achieve financial stability.

The Cost Of Filing Late: What Happens When You Miss IRS Deadlines

Episode SummaryAttorney Lance Drury examines the high cost of missing IRS filing deadlines, detailing the failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties, interest rates, and potential IRS enforcement actions. The episode provides practical strategies for timely tax compliance, avoiding penalties, and addressing unfiled returns, offering essential guidance for individuals and small business owners facing tax challenges.
Key Timestamps00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome01:30 - Consequences of Missing IRS Deadlines04:00 - Failure-to-File vs. Failure-to-Pay Penalties07:00 - Escalation of Penalties and Interest10:00 - Risks of IRS Enforcement Actions13:00 - Waiving Penalties Through U.S. Tax Court16:00 - Impact of Late Filing on Refunds19:00 - Overcoming Fear of IRS Compliance22:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action
About the ShowResilience and Resolve is a podcast dedicated to empowering individuals and small business owners to tackle IRS challenges with confidence. Featuring attorney Lance Drury, the show provides expert insights into tax resolution, penalty abatement, and compliance strategies, helping listeners protect their financial future.

IRS Collections Pause? What to Know About Taxpayer Relief Initiatives

Episode Summary
Tax attorney Lance Drury examines IRS relief options that temporarily pause collection actions, including six-month payment agreements, collection due process hearings, and equivalency hearings. The episode covers eligibility requirements, application processes, financial hardship considerations, and the risks of relying on temporary relief without a long-term plan, providing essential guidance for taxpayers navigating IRS debt.
Key Timestamps
00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome
01:30 - Overview of IRS Relief Options
04:00 - Six-Month Payment Agreements
07:00 - Collection Due Process and Equivalency Hearings
11:00 - Eligibility for IRS Relief Programs
14:00 - Interest and Penalties During Relief
17:00 - Financial Hardship Considerations
21:00 - Duration and Limitations of Relief
25:00 - Risks of Temporary Relief
29:00 - Shifting to Long-Term Debt Resolution
32:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action
About the Show
Resilience and Resolve is a podcast dedicated to guiding taxpayers through complex IRS challenges with clarity and confidence. Featuring tax attorney Lance Drury, the show offers practical insights to manage tax debt, navigate relief options, and develop effective long-term strategies to achieve financial stability.