Resilience and Resolve with Lance Drury

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.

1099 Contractors and the IRS: Why Misclassification Could Cost You

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Resilience and Resolve, tax attorney Lance Drury breaks down the costly risks of misclassifying employees as independent contractors. He explains the key legal differences between employees and contractors, why the IRS focuses heavily on worker classification, and the financial consequences of getting it wrong. From back payroll taxes and penalties to whistle blower-triggered audits, Lance reveals why businesses need to be proactive and correct worker classification mistakes before the IRS steps in.
Key Timestamps00:00:20 – The legal difference between an employee and an independent contractor00:01:24 – Why calling someone a contractor doesn’t always protect a business00:01:48 – Why the IRS aggressively targets worker misclassification00:02:25 – How the IRS determines whether someone is truly a contractor00:03:06 – Potential penalties and payroll tax liabilities for misclassification00:04:22 – Why some businesses misclassify to avoid payroll tax headaches00:04:32 – Can workers face problems for being misclassified?00:05:00 – How businesses can fix past misclassification mistakes00:05:32 – IRS limitations on how far back they review past payroll issues00:06:41 – Why the IRS may not pursue older tax years due to staffing constraints00:06:45 – Do voluntary corrections reduce penalties with the IRS?00:07:09 – Why Lance rarely sees misclassification cases in his practice00:07:50 – What triggers an IRS audit for worker misclassification00:08:30 – When businesses should consult a tax attorney on contractor relationships
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.
Resources and LinksGet legal guidance on worker classification: lancedrurylaw.comSubscribe to Resilience and Resolve for more tax law insights with Lance Drury

Gambling Winnings and IRS Trouble: What Bettors Need to Know

Episode Summary:In this insightful episode of Resilience and Resolve, tax attorney Lance Drury about the tax consequences of gambling, whether at casinos, online betting platforms, or even cryptocurrency-based wagers. Lance explains how the IRS treats gambling winnings and losses, why the agency frowns upon gamblers, and the severe consequences of not reporting income. He also shares real-life stories of clients whose gambling habits led to financial disaster and outlines the essential records you need to keep if you gamble. From W-2G forms to deductions and the risk of audits, this episode provides essential guidance for anyone involved in gambling activities.
Key Timestamps:00:01 – Show introduction00:53 – How the IRS defines gambling income and what must be reported01:20 – Why the IRS frowns upon gambling02:05 – Real-life examples of clients who gambled away their savings03:06 – How gambling losses impact IRS settlements03:54 – W-2G forms and when casinos report winnings04:31 – Can gambling losses be deducted?05:30 – Consequences of not reporting gambling winnings06:24 – Why reporting all income helps avoid IRS audits07:15 – Crypto and online betting: what’s changing in IRS reporting08:03 – Can unreported gambling winnings lead to criminal charges?09:19 – The importance of documentation for gamblers10:00 – How to resolve tax issues related to gambling10:45 – Advice for gamblers who refuse to stop11:20 – Closing thoughts on staying compliant with IRS rules
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.

Amending Tax Returns: When, Why, and How to Fix IRS Filing Mistakes

Episode Summary:
In this informative episode of Resilience and Resolve, tax attorney Lance Drury discusses the complexities of amending tax returns. Lance explains the most common reasons taxpayers need to file amended returns, the strict timelines for claiming refunds, and how the process works amid IRS delays. He also highlights key red flags that trigger audits, the importance of documentation, and why hiring an experienced tax attorney can protect you from costly mistakes. Whether you’ve made an honest filing error or overlooked income, this episode offers practical guidance on addressing past tax issues the right way.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Show Introduction00:44 – Common reasons taxpayers need to amend a return01:20 – How long the IRS takes to process amended returns02:05 – The role of the Taxpayer Advocate and recent service delays02:34 – Does amending a return increase audit risks?03:53 – Time limits for amending returns and claiming refunds04:46 – Filing requirements and certified mail tracking05:45 – The IRS 10-year collection window and how it works06:27 – Potential penalties and interest on amended returns07:09 – State vs. federal returns: how they interact08:23 – What to do if you can’t pay additional tax from an amendment09:20 – The importance of documentation and recordkeeping10:25 – Why self-employed taxpayers face more challenges11:16 – When to contact a tax attorney for help with amended returns12:38 – How IRS understaffing impacts processing and collections13:52 – Final advice for taxpayers dealing with filing mistakes
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.

IRS Scams and Fraud Alerts: How to Protect Yourself and Your Refund

Episode Summary:In this eye-opening episode of Resilience and Resolve, tax attorney Lance Drury talks about the growing threat of IRS scams. They uncover the most common schemes, including fake settlement letters, threatening phone calls, and identity theft tactics used to steal personal information. Lance shares real-life examples of victims, explains what the IRS will never do, and offers crucial advice on avoiding scammers who prey on taxpayers—especially seniors and small business owners. Learn how to recognize red flags, why hiring a qualified local attorney is key, and what steps to take if you’ve already fallen victim.
Key Timestamps:00:01 – Show Introduction00:53 – Guest Introduction: Tax Attorney Lance Drury01:05 – Common IRS scams targeting taxpayers02:25 – Fake settlement letters and threatening phone calls04:00 – How scammers prey on vulnerable groups, including seniors05:15 – The dangers of hiring unqualified firms for tax help07:45 – Identity theft and fraudulent tax returns09:15 – What the IRS will never do when collecting taxes10:16 – What to do if you’ve already sent money to a scammer11:50 – Why seniors are more vulnerable to IRS scams13:20 – How delayed refunds and IRS inefficiency complicate matters14:10 – Can a tax attorney help recover money lost to scammers?
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.