John A Sterbick, Attorney at Law

Sterbick & Associates is a Tacoma law practice that takes on conflicts with the Internal Revenue Service and consumer debt, and it works for clients across Washington State. The firm's site says its lead attorney has 29 years of experience in tax law and in dealing with the IRS, and it describes the practice as aggressive on behalf of taxpayers who feel pressure from collection agencies or creditors.

A four-step route out of an IRS problem

The firm lays out a tax resolution process in four stages. First, because its lawyers are licensed attorneys, it says it can ask the IRS to stop contacting a client directly and then handles all dealings with the agency itself. Second, it collects the client's tax transcripts and financial data from the IRS and assembles them into a tax analysis report, which is reviewed with the client in detail as the basis of a strategy. Third comes the negotiation itself, which the firm describes as Offers in Compromise, release of levies, or structured payment terms. Fourth is guidance after settlement, meant to keep the client's finances in order over the long term.

Tax controversy matters it handles

Under its own practice headings, the firm lists IRS audit defense and examination representation, Offer in Compromise and Fresh Start settlements for taxpayers who cannot pay in full, tax resolution of disputes involving tax debt, liens and levies, and relief from IRS wage garnishment and bank levies.

Bankruptcy and the wider practice

The second main area is debt relief through bankruptcy. The firm says it helps clients file under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 and explains other debt relief options. Its older articles discussed changes to the Washington homestead exemption and how they could help people filing for bankruptcy in the state, and it notes membership of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, both stated in its own words.

Beyond tax and bankruptcy, the site names probate, trust and estate administration, including succession for family businesses, and personal injury and wrongful death cases such as car crashes, premises liability and dog bites. A first consultation is offered without risk, and the firm describes it as confidential.

John A Sterbick, Attorney at Law is a law practice in Tacoma, Washington, trading as Sterbick & Associates. It concentrates on tax disputes with the IRS and on bankruptcy, and represents clients around the state.

What John A Sterbick, Attorney at Law offers

• IRS tax controversy defence: representation in disputes with the tax authority, using a four-step resolution process.
• Wage garnishment relief: action to stop collection measures against a client's pay.
• Offers in compromise: negotiated settlements of tax debts.
• Bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings and debt relief.
• Personal injury: listed among earlier areas of practice on the older site.

Customers and markets

People and households in Washington State facing IRS collection pressure or heavy debt.

Key facts

• Based in: Tacoma, Washington
• Experience: 29 years in tax law, per the current site
• Membership: National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
• Trading name: Sterbick & Associates