Montgomery County Tax and Bankruptcy Attorney / Alex Moretsky

10/20/2026

✈️ CAN UNPAID TAXES STOP YOU FROM TRAVELING?

Imagine planning your dream vacation, only to discover that your unpaid federal taxes could prevent you from getting a passport.

Sounds surprising? It's a real possibility.

Most people associate unpaid taxes with IRS notices, penalties, or collection calls. But what many taxpayers don't realize is that serious federal tax debt can also put their U.S. passport at risk.

Here's what you should know.
📌 When Can the IRS Affect Your Passport?

In 2026, certain federal tax debts totaling more than $66,000, including penalties and interest, may qualify as seriously delinquent.

Additional legal conditions must also be met before the IRS can certify the debt to the State Department.

Once certified, the consequences can include:

🚫 Denial of a new passport application.
🚫 Inability to renew an existing passport.
🚫 Possible revocation of a current passport.

💡 But Here's Something Important:

Owing the IRS money doesn't automatically mean you'll lose your passport.

Even if you cannot afford to pay everything at once, you may still have options.

For example, qualifying IRS installment agreements or accepted offers in compromise can help protect your passport privileges.

⚖️ My Advice? Don't Wait Until You're Ready to Travel.

Tax problems are often easier to address before they create additional complications.

If you're dealing with substantial federal tax debt, understanding your legal options early can make a meaningful difference.

You may not be able to erase your tax debt overnight, but you can take steps toward resolving it.

I'm Alex Moretsky, and I help individuals and business owners navigate challenging tax matters and work toward practical solutions.

📞 Facing an IRS tax problem? Let's discuss your options.

🌐 www.moretskylaw.com

This post is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice.

10/16/2026

A Handshake Isn't Enough: 5 Business Agreements You Should Put in Writing

Imagine losing a business relationship over four simple words: "That's not what we agreed."

Everything seemed fine—until someone remembered the agreement differently.

A written agreement doesn't mean you don't trust someone. It means you value the relationship enough to protect it.

Before you make your next business deal, here are 5 agreements worth putting in writing.
1. Going Into Business Together?
A partnership, shareholder (corporation), or operating agreement (LLC) should clarify who owns what, who makes decisions, how profits are divided, and what happens if someone leaves.
2. Taking On a New Client?
Put the work, fees, deadlines, and payment expectations in writing before you begin.
3. Hiring a Contractor or Vendor?
Document the scope of work, costs, deadlines, and responsibilities so everyone knows what's expected.
4. Lending Money to Someone?
A written loan agreement helps establish how much is owed, when payments are due, and what happens if repayment becomes an issue.
5. Buying or Selling a Business?

Make sure the purchase price, included assets, liabilities, payment arrangements, and other important conditions are clearly documented.

The best time to discuss difficult questions is before they become difficult problems.

Some verbal agreements can be legally enforceable, but proving the terms isn't always easy. The devil is in the details. And certain agreements must meet specific writing requirements.

Remember: A handshake can start a great business relationship. A well-written agreement can help protect it.

— Alex Moretsky
Business, Tax & Bankruptcy Attorney
www.moretskylaw.com

10/15/2026

In our October newsletter, we explore the recent increase in bankruptcy filings and the significant effects of IRS staffing cuts on small businesses. With a 12.2% rise in bankruptcy cases, it's crucial for business owners to stay informed and prepared. Read our articles for insights on navigating these challenges effectively.

https://conta.cc/4ijXov7


https://conta.cc/4ijXov7

Email from Moretsky Law ⚠️ Long Waits, Unanswered Notices: How IRS Delays Impact Your Business Home | About Us | Bankruptcy Law | Small Business Law | Tax Law Estate Panning and Administration | Clien

10/14/2026

🚨 THE IRS GAVE YOU SIX MORE MONTHS… BUT THERE'S A CATCH!

An Extension to File Is NOT an Extension to Pay!

📅 October 15 is almost here!

If you requested a tax extension earlier this year, you might think you have until October 15 to take care of everything, including paying your taxes.

But here's what many taxpayers don't realize:

The IRS gives you additional time to file your return—not additional time to pay your tax bill.

For most individual taxpayers filing their 2025 federal income tax returns:

✅ April 15, 2026 – Your tax payment was due.
✅ October 15, 2026 – Your extended filing deadline.

💸 And if you haven't paid?

Interest has generally been accumulating on your unpaid balance since April 15, and late-payment penalties may apply.

Here's what I want you to know:

As a tax attorney, I understand that sometimes people fall behind on their taxes—not because they're ignoring their obligations, but because financial circumstances make it difficult to pay everything at once.

The important thing is knowing what to do next.

You may be able to arrange an IRS payment plan or explore other available options depending on your situation.

⚖️ My advice:

Don't wait until you can afford to pay everything before filing your return.

Filing on time can help you avoid additional penalties, even if you still owe money.

You may not be able to change what you owe today, but you can take steps to keep the problem from getting worse.

If you're facing unpaid taxes, IRS notices, or a growing tax balance, let's discuss your options.

Alex Moretsky
Business • Tax • Bankruptcy Law

🌐 www.moretskylaw.com

10/06/2026

Your Business Partner Wants Out — What Happens Next?

When a business partner decides to leave, the next steps can affect ownership, money, debt, control, and the future of the company.

A good place to start is with the operating agreement, partnership agreement, buy-sell agreement, or other governing documents. These may explain how a partner can leave, how their interest is valued, and what happens next.

If there is no clear agreement, important questions can quickly arise: Who owns what? What is the business worth? Who is responsible for debts? Can the company continue without the departing partner?

In some situations, a buyout may be the best solution. But the valuation, payment terms, obligations, and ownership transfer should be clearly documented.

The key is not to automatically turn the situation into a fight. Treat it as a business transaction, understand the numbers, know each person’s rights, and put the final agreement in writing.

Protect the business. Protect your rights. Create a clear path forward.

— Alex Moretsky
Business, Tax & Bankruptcy Attorney

10/02/2026

I have seen a surge in bankruptcies for truckers in the last 6 months. It was already difficult making a living as a trucker, but the cost of deisel has broken the camel's back for many.

Truckers are among the hardest hit by the soaring cost of diesel fuel. High prices are forcing some to stay on the road for months and others to park their rigs.

10/02/2026

Before You Sign a Commercial Lease: 5 Things Business Owners Should Check

A commercial lease can look simple at first.
You find the right space. The rent seems affordable. The location works.
Then you sign.
Months later, you discover a repair bill, rent increase, personal guarantee, or lease restriction you did not fully understand.
I see this more often than business owners expect.

So before you sign a commercial lease, here are 5 things I would want you to check first.

1. What Are You Really Paying?
Do not look only at the monthly rent.
Ask whether you are also responsible for things like:
• Property taxes
• Insurance
• Common-area charges
• Utilities
• Maintenance
• Repairs
A space that looks affordable can become much more expensive once everything is added together.

2. Who Pays for Repairs?
This can become a major issue.
If the roof leaks, the HVAC stops working, or the plumbing needs a major repair, who pays?
The answer should be clear before you sign.
Do not assume the landlord is responsible just because they own the building.

3. Are You Personally Guaranteeing the Lease?
Your business may be the tenant, but the landlord may still ask you personally to guarantee the rent.
That can mean if the business closes or cannot pay, the landlord may try to collect from you personally.
I always tell business owners:
Do not treat a personal guarantee like just another signature line.
Understand exactly what you are agreeing to.

4. What Happens If You Need to Leave Early?
A three-, five-, or ten-year lease can be a big commitment.
What happens if:
• The business outgrows the space?
• Sales slow down?
• You want to sell the business?
• You need to relocate?
Look at the rules for early termination, assignment, subleasing, and default.
You want to know your exit options before you need them.

5. Does the Lease Actually Allow You to Run Your Business?
This sounds obvious, but it is important.
Make sure the lease allows your specific business use.
Also check for restrictions on signs, renovations, operating hours, parking, equipment, and future expansion.

A great location is not very useful if the lease prevents you from operating the way you planned.

How I Can Help

When a business owner brings me a commercial lease, I do not just look at the rent.
I look at the risk behind the rent.
What are you personally responsible for?
What happens if something goes wrong?
What could cost you money later?
And are there terms worth negotiating before you sign?

Sometimes a few changes made at the beginning can prevent a much bigger problem later.

My goal is to help you understand the lease before it becomes a problem for your business.
Because once you sign, your negotiating position can be very different.

General information only. This is not legal advice. Commercial lease rights and obligations depend on the specific agreement and applicable law.

09/29/2026

Personally Guaranteed a Business Loan?

A personal guarantee can turn a business problem into a personal financial problem very quickly.

I often speak with business owners who tell me:

“Alex, the loan is in the company’s name. Why am I being contacted personally?”

The answer is often simple: you signed a personal guarantee.

That means if the business cannot repay the loan, the lender may have the right to pursue you personally for the unpaid balance.

And that can be stressful, especially when the business is already struggling.

How I Can Help

When a business owner comes to me with this kind of problem, I look at more than just the loan balance.

I review the agreement and ask:

• What exactly did you guarantee?
• Is the guarantee limited or unlimited?
• Is there collateral?
• Is the lender already demanding payment?
• Is there room to negotiate?
• Would restructuring the debt make sense?
• Could bankruptcy or another legal option help?

My goal is to help you understand what you are actually responsible for and what options may be available before the situation gets worse.

Sometimes the best solution is negotiation.

Sometimes it is restructuring.

Sometimes the personal side of the debt needs to be addressed separately from the business.

Every situation is different.

But the important thing is this:

Do not wait until the lender is already suing you to understand what you signed.

If your business is struggling and you personally guaranteed the debt, I can help you review the situation, understand your exposure, and decide what makes the most sense moving forward.

The goal is not just to deal with the loan. It is to protect your business, your finances, and your next step.

General information only. This is not legal advice.

09/24/2026

5 Bankruptcy Myths That Can Stop People From Getting Help

I hear these all the time:

Myth #1: “I’ll lose everything.”
Bankruptcy exemptions may protect your home, car, and other property depending on your situation.

Myth #2: “Bankruptcy means I failed.”
Financial problems can happen because of job loss, medical bills, divorce, taxes, business debt, or simply too many expenses at once. Bankruptcy is a legal tool — not a judgment about you.

Myth #3: “My credit will be ruined forever.”
Bankruptcy affects credit, but not forever. Many people already have damaged credit before filing and can begin rebuilding afterward.

Myth #4: “I make too much money to file.”
Maybe — maybe not. Income is only one part of the analysis. Household size, expenses, debts, and assets also matter.

Myth #5: “If I talk to a bankruptcy lawyer, I have to file.”
Absolutely not.

Talking to an attorney simply helps you understand your options.

Sometimes bankruptcy makes sense.

Sometimes another solution may be better.

The biggest mistake I see is people waiting too long because they are afraid of what they think bankruptcy means.

My goal is not to convince you to file. It is to help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision.

Sometimes the first step is simply separating the facts from the myths.

General information only. This is not legal advice.

09/23/2026

Keeping Your House When Filing Bankruptcy

A lot of homeowners wonder.

“If I file bankruptcy, will I lose my house.”

Most of the time, you will not. You get to keep it.

In many cases, Whether you get to keep your home depends on a few key details:

• How much equity you have
• Whether you are current on your mortgage
• If not current, How far behind you may be
• Whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 fits your situation

Behind on your mortgage?

If you can afford your regular monthly payment but cannot catch up on missed payments, Chapter 13 gives you time, up to 5 years to catch up through a repayment plan.

And if foreclosure has started, timing can become very important.

Have equity in the home?

That matters, too.

Bankruptcy exemptions may protect some or all of your home equity. The amount of equity you have can make a big difference in what options are available.

The biggest mistake?

Assuming you already know the answer.

I have seen people avoid getting help because they were convinced bankruptcy meant losing their home.

That is often not the case.

Before making a decision, look at the full picture:

Your home value. Your mortgage balance. Your equity. Your missed payments. Your other debts.

Then you can understand what bankruptcy may actually do for you.

My goal is not simply to tell someone to file bankruptcy. It is to help you understand your options and make a better-informed decision about what comes next.

General information only. This is not legal advice.