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Home » Stephen K. Galgoczy, Esq.

Stephen K. Galgoczy, Esq.

Stephen K. Galgoczy, Esq. Steve is the founder and President of Fortress Financial Services. Steve has worked in the tax resolution industry, and has been representing taxpayers in collections with both state and federal governments, since 1999. Steve holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington (focus on Finance and Marketing) and attended Seattle University School of Law on an academic scholarship. He graduated cum laude and in the top 25% of his law school class. He holds a license in good standing with the Supreme Court of the State of Colorado and is admitted to practice in United States Tax Court. Steve Galgoczy has never been disciplined by the Colorado Bar Association. Before Fortress, Steve spent four years as the top Associate with two of the largest tax resolution firms in the United States. During his career as a tax resolution professional, Steve has personally handled over 1500 cases involving delinquent taxes and has had significant involvement in well over 2500 such cases. Steve has extensive experience handling some of the most difficult tax collection cases found in the world of tax resolution and is considered by many to be among the best tax resolution professionals in the country. Steve is also considered by many to be among the best in the nation when it comes to training other tax resolution professionals. He has trained a number of professionals who are currently employed by competing firms, including at least one professional who is an owner of a competing firm. Steve has also extensively trained every single Fortress attorney, which typically means more than 500 hours of one on one time with each attorney--and the vast majority of that time is spent working real life cases. While Steve’s primary focus is quality assurance for all Fortress clients, he is available to assist other Fortress attorneys when additional firepower is needed.

Tax Attorney

Seriously Delinquent Tax Debt? UNDERSTANDING IRS LETTER 6305

Key Takeaways The IRS tax laws provide that “a seriously delinquent tax debt” is a specific category of tax debt which, when “certified” by the IRS to the State Department, will typically prevent the tax debtor from being approved for a new passport or have an existing passport renewed. If you owe the IRS more

Seriously Delinquent Tax Debt? UNDERSTANDING IRS LETTER 6305 Read More »

New IRS Technology in 2026: AI Tracking, Automated Levies & Compliance

Key Takeaways The IRS now runs over 126 active AI use cases from audit selection to automated levy decisions and enforcement timelines have shrunk dramatically. A projected annual gross tax gap of $696 billion is what’s fueling this unprecedented IRS tech investment in 2026. Automated levies can now hit your bank account or wages with

New IRS Technology in 2026: AI Tracking, Automated Levies & Compliance Read More »

Can I Wind Up in Jail or Prison for Unpaid IRS Taxes?

Key Takeaways Jail time for unpaid IRS taxes is rare, typically tied to willful tax fraud, evasion, or court contempt. Most IRS actions are civil, such as liens, levies, and wage garnishments, not criminal prosecution. Repeated non-compliance, especially with payroll taxes, can lead to court orders and even arrest. Ignoring administrative summonses or federal subpoenas

Can I Wind Up in Jail or Prison for Unpaid IRS Taxes? Read More »

Can My Business Settle IRS With Business Offer in Compromise?

Key Takeaways Businesses can settle IRS tax debt for less than the full amount through an In-Business Offer in Compromise (OIC) if the IRS determines the full balance cannot realistically be collected. IRS approval requires full compliance first, including filing all tax returns, staying current on payroll tax deposits, and resolving any Trust Fund Recovery

Can My Business Settle IRS With Business Offer in Compromise? Read More »

Why You Can’t “Set It and Forget It” With A Payroll Service

Key Takeaways  Using a payroll service does NOT remove your IRS responsibility – even if the provider makes a mistake, the IRS holds the business owner personally liable for unpaid payroll taxes. Payroll errors can trigger massive penalties fast – late deposits can lead to 2%–15% penalties plus ~7% interest, and combined issues can turn

Why You Can’t “Set It and Forget It” With A Payroll Service Read More »

Fortress Tax Relief logo with IRS Settlement Officers and justice scale.

IRS Settlement Officers

Summary Understanding the critical role of IRS Settlement Officers in resolving tax disputes. How the IRS chain of command impacts tax relief efforts, including Offers in Compromise. The importance of persistence and thorough preparation when appealing IRS decisions. Key updated 2025 IRS procedures and facts related to tax settlements and appeals. Professional guidance is vital

IRS Settlement Officers Read More »

IRS tax debt illustration showing concern about $50K or more owed.

What If I Owe the IRS $50K or More in Taxes?

Summary Owing $50,000 or more in taxes can trigger severe IRS actions, including liens, levies, wage garnishments, and asset seizures. IRS penalties such as failure-to-pay, underpayment, and dishonored payment penalties can significantly increase your debt if unaddressed. Tax resolution options include installment agreements, partial payment plans, offers in compromise, and Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status.

What If I Owe the IRS $50K or More in Taxes? Read More »

Stressed man reviewing 1040 tax forms before April 15 deadline.

It’s Almost April 15th, and I Can’t Pay My 1040 Tax. What Do I Do?

Summary If you can’t pay your 1040 tax by April 15th, filing a return or extension is critical to avoid failure-to-file penalties. Partial payments can significantly reduce penalties on unpaid taxes. The IRS allows penalty abatement for “reasonable cause,” with 85% of requests approved in 2024 when properly documented. Installment agreements and Offers in Compromise

It’s Almost April 15th, and I Can’t Pay My 1040 Tax. What Do I Do? Read More »

Tax relief illustration showing IRS documents and financial charts.

Can I Resolve Back Taxes By Qualifying For Currently Not Collectible Status?

Summary Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status is a temporary IRS designation indicating a taxpayer cannot pay their tax debt due to financial hardship. It does not eliminate the debt but delays collection efforts. Eligibility Criteria include demonstrating that your income and necessary living expenses are insufficient to cover your tax liabilities. The IRS may require

Can I Resolve Back Taxes By Qualifying For Currently Not Collectible Status? Read More »

Cannabis tax documents and calculator symbolizing state tax challenges.

Marijuana Business Tax Blues in Oregon, Washington, California & Colorado

Summary As of September 2025, cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, making Section 280E applicable to marijuana businesses. Section 280E prohibits deductions for ordinary business expenses, allowing only the deduction of Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), leading to significantly higher effective tax rates for cannabis businesses. The IRS continues

Marijuana Business Tax Blues in Oregon, Washington, California & Colorado Read More »

IRS tax lien paperwork with envelope and calculator on desk.

Tax Liens

Summary A Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) is filed by the IRS when tax debts remain unpaid, creating a claim against your property. The Release of Lien occurs after full payment of your tax debt, allowing asset sales and improved credit standing. Lien Discharge enables the sale of specific property even if the tax debt isn’t

Tax Liens Read More »

Taxpayer stressed over IRS levy and garnishment notices.

7 Effective Methods of Avoiding IRS Levies and Garnishments

Summary IRS levies and garnishments can severely impact your finances if not managed properly. Staying in regular contact with the IRS and understanding your rights are crucial. Options like Installment Agreements, Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status, and Offers in Compromise can prevent or stop levies. Demonstrating economic hardship is a powerful tool to obtain levy

7 Effective Methods of Avoiding IRS Levies and Garnishments Read More »

IRS tax payment plan with documents, calculator, and graphs.

IRS Installment Payments: Can I Avoid Back Tax Penalties

Summary You can designate voluntary IRS payments to specific tax periods, penalties, or interest to minimize penalties and control your tax debt. Without designation, the IRS applies payments in its best interest, often increasing your penalty costs. Strategic payment allocation focuses on recent tax periods, reducing the risk of penalties reaching the maximum. Understanding the

IRS Installment Payments: Can I Avoid Back Tax Penalties Read More »

Concerned man reading IRS levy paperwork about unpaid taxes.

Notice of Levy: Will the IRS Seize My Assets Because of My Unpaid Taxes?

Summary The IRS has the legal authority to seize assets, garnish wages, or levy bank accounts for unpaid taxes, but only after following a strict legal process. Understanding the IRS’s procedures helps alleviate anxiety and empowers taxpayers to protect themselves. The IRS must issue a Final Notice of Intent to Levy and allow a 30-day

Notice of Levy: Will the IRS Seize My Assets Because of My Unpaid Taxes? Read More »

Man reviewing IRS collection notices at desk – Fortress Tax Relief

6 IRS Collection Notices You Absolutely Need to Notice

Summary IRS collection notices can be overwhelming and stressful for taxpayers. Some notices require immediate attention to avoid severe consequences like liens or levies. Key notices include CP14, 500 Series, Letter 1058, Letter 1153, Letter 3172, and Form 668. Understanding your rights and available relief options can help manage IRS actions. Contact a tax resolution

6 IRS Collection Notices You Absolutely Need to Notice Read More »

Top 20 Tax Debt Relief Companies

Summary: This comprehensive guide helps you navigate the complex world of tax debt relief by highlighting the top 20 reputable companies in the industry. It offers practical tips on selecting a trustworthy tax relief provider, emphasizing the importance of accreditations, experience, and transparent fees. The article provides an in-depth overview of the IRS’s current tax

Top 20 Tax Debt Relief Companies Read More »

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