CHICAGO: 312 332 7555 SCHAUMBURG: 847 705 7555
Timothy M. Hughes
Given the uncertainties of today’s economy, financial concerns are a regular source of anxiety for many. If you find yourself in financial trouble, it’s important to remember that to worry doesn’t solve much, but answering the question of how to overcome your financial problems does. For over 25 years, I have obtained significant successes on behalf of my clients in diverse areas of the law, including: federal and state tax controversies, bankruptcy, and property tax relief. If you are struggling to pay off delinquent debts and are being harassed by collection agencies, I will explain your options and help you determine if filing bankruptcy is right for you. Whether you are considering Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, I will help you determine the appropriate type of bankruptcy, prepare and file the necessary legal documents, and advise you throughout the bankruptcy process. Based on your unique circumstances, with my combined tax resolution and bankruptcy experience, I can apply existing tax relief laws to provide the best options for you to get immediate relief and reach the best possible settlement with the IRS. From counseling to filing complex proceedings, I will guide you through your current financial situation and goals so that you can get through the tough times and move toward the future.
Education
- J.D., DePaul University College of Law
- M.B.A., DePaul University College of Commerce -- Economics
- B.S., Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana – Accounting
Certifications and Accreditations
- Arbitrator in Hearing Procedures in the State of Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County Court-Annexed Mandatory Arbitration
Bar Certifications
- Admitted to the Bar of the Illinois Supreme Court
- Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- Admitted to the U.S. Tax Court
Bar Association Memberships
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Chicago Bar Association: member and past Chairman of CBA Federal Tax Committee; current Chairman of CBA Practice & Procedure Section of the Federal Tax Committee
- Northwest Suburban Bar Association
Publications
Author of monthly tax e-newsletter “Tax News on the Tenth”. (If you would like to receive the e-newsletter, please email me at thughes@lavellelaw.com)
Regular contributor to the Northwest Suburban Bar Association’s Monthly Magazine, as well as published articles in other Bar Journals.
Media
Mr. Hughes is a regular contributor to our podcast series “Chicago’s Legal Latte” which can be found on BlogTalk Radio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lavellelaw
Past podcasts include:
- The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act-Part 2 (1/26/18)
- The Tax Cuts and What It Means for Taxpayers in Illinois (12/22/17)
- IRS Hires Private Debt Collection Agencies (7/31/17)
- Taxes Are Due Next Month: What to Do If You Can’t Pay Them (3/18/17)
- Contesting Your Cook County Property Taxes (7/29/16)
- My Tenant Has Not Paid His Rent; What Can I Do? (2/26/16)
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (11/25/15)
- Property Tax Appeal (8/14/15)
- IRS Collection Problems-There Are Options to Help (11/18/14)
- Are Student Loans Dischargeable in Bankruptcy? (8/18/14)
- Are Taxes Dischargeable in Bankruptcy? (2/18/14)
- What to Do If You Can’t Pay Your Taxes on April 15 (4/11/13)
- Bankruptcy Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 (2/12/13)
- Discharge of Taxes in Bankruptcy (11/8/12)
- The IRS Just Made Changes to its Offer in Compromise Program (5/22/12)
- The IRS Dirty Dozen (11/29/11)
- Chapter 13 Lien Stripping: A Way to Save Your Home (9/13/11)
- Are Federal & State Income Taxes Dischargeable in Bankruptcy? (8/30/11)
Instructional Experience
Certified Faculty Member for the National Academy of Continuing Legal Education. Courses include:
- TAX3800 - Insufficient Funds: Representing Clients on Tax Matters When the IRS Comes Knocking on Their Door
- TAX3900 - Are Taxes Dischargeable in Bankruptcy?
Regular presenter at the Northwest Suburban Bar Association’s Tax Committee, including the following topics:
- Bankruptcy Basics for Divorce Attorneys (2/8/16)
- Tax Controversy (10/13/15)
- The IRS Dirty Dozen (5/8/13)
- Representing a Client before IRS Collections (9/11/12)
Past regular presenter at the Chicago Bar Association -- Federal Tax Committee
Community Involvement
Tim is an active member of the Schaumburg Business Association and Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce. He also serves regularly at the Willow Creek Legal Clinic. Prior to his current commitments Tim was a past Board Member on the Board of Directors for the Tower Lakes Community Foundation, Lake County, Illinois, and a past Board Member for Countryside Association for People with Disabilities located in Palatine and Waukegan.
Read My Posts
Lavelle Law News and Events
IRS Press Release Addresses Payment Plan Options - A recent press release by the IRS addressed the options that are available to taxpayers who may owe more on April 15th than they can pay. The IRS advised taxpayers that they do not need to wait until April 15 to file their 2024 federal return, and if they owe and are unable to pay the balance in full, there are payment plans available to help them pay their tax obligation.
The IRS recently published its yearly list of most prevalent tax scams known as its Dirty Dozen. The list is obviously not exhaustive but an attempt to warn taxpayers of trends seen by the IRS. The IRS list of tax scams for 2025 came with a warning for taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals to watch out for common schemes that threaten their tax and financial information.
The Internal Revenue Service is issuing automatic payments to eligible people who did not claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. The payments are in follow up to an IRS announcement last month of the intent to take this special step. The IRS took this step after reviewing internal data showing many eligible taxpayers who filed a return but did not claim the credit. The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable credit for individuals who did not receive one or more Economic Impact Payments (“EIP”), also known as stimulus payments.
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OUR LOCATIONS
Phone: 312 332 7555
Fax: 312 332 4611
Fax: 847 705 9960
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