“I can’t thank the Ecton Law Firm enough for helping me deal with my IRS issue. John handled my case in a timely and professional manner. Thank goodness I found John!”
– Alexis E
Your Local Tax Attorney
Serving South Carolina & North Carolina
For over 30 years, attorney John Ecton has helped clients just like you handle and solve a variety of difficult tax matters. Whether you need help with audit representation, penalty abatements, an IRS account investigation, or tax court representation, at Ecton Law Firm, PA, we’re here to help.
The IRS is not going to look the other way or forgive even a small mistake; allow our dedicated, experienced legal team to review your problems, advocate for you, and find tailored legal solutions to your tax problems today.
Penalties For Late Payroll Taxes And How To Avoid Them
Known as the “Failure To Deposit Penalty”, these fines are levied by the IRS if you don’t make employment tax deposits on time, in the right amount, or the right way. Employer-paid taxes (like federal income tax and Social Security) must be sent to the IRS on schedule.
Failure to do so can result in severe penalties that increase your unpaid deposit by as much as 15%, on top of interest. To avoid these penalties, keep up to date and informed on schedules, due dates, and needed forms through the IRS website and allow a business tax lawyer to review your processes and reporting.
Types Of IRS Penalty Relief Options In North Carolina
Various types of IRS penalty relief may be available to business owners in North Carolina. For example, if this is your first penalty, the IRS could grant you a First Time Abate administrative waiver, offering you one-time relief from costly penalties.
Types Of IRS Penalty Relief Options In South Carolina
In South Carolina, you could also be eligible for Reasonable Cause relief, which is determined on a case-by-case basis. For the maximum chances of success in obtaining Reasonable Cause relief, allow our team at Ecton Law Firm, PA, to review your case and offer our advice.
OUR Services
We are offering
Tax Appeals
Audit Representation
Bank Levies
Currently Not Collectible Status
Innocent Spouse Relief
Installment Agreements
IRS Account Investigation
Lien Assistance
Offers In Compromise
Payroll Tax Representation
Penalty Abatements
Revenue Officer Assistance
State Representation
Tax Court Representation
Tax Law
Wage Levies Or Garnishments
Fresh Start Initiative Attorney
OUR Team
Meet the Team

John Ecton
Attorney
John Ecton received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1992. He began his legal career in Columbia, South Carolina the same year. John received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Oklahoma in 1989.
John is a Member of the South Carolina Bar, and admitted to practice before all the Courts in South Carolina and the United States Tax Court.
Margaret “Laurin” Dukes
Attorney
While in Charleston, Laurin was an active member of both the community and her law school. She served as a member of both the Student Bar Association and the Women in Law Board and volunteered with the Charleston County Guardian ad Litem program.


Alex
Attorney, Enrolled Agent
He has yet to meet a tax problem he won’t tackle head on, and is energized when clients bring new and challenging issues.
Client Testimonials
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What If I Owe The IRS?
Can The IRS Levy Wages?
What Are IRS Installment Agreements?
Are You Being Audited By The IRS?
What Can I Do About an IRS Levy?
What If I Have Unpaid Payroll Taxes?
Certified Failure-To-File Attorney Assisting Sole Traders And SMEs
If you’re a sole trader or a small to medium-sized enterprise, IRS penalties can hit you especially hard. For over 30 years, attorney John Ecton has been standing up for the rights, voices, and futures of local business owners just like you.
A published author as well as an accomplished attorney, Mr. Ecton thrives on challenges and has found workable and deeply helpful tax solutions for thousands of sole proprietors and smaller business owners throughout North and South Carolina.
Complex IRS laws shouldn’t sink your dreams, goals, and the contributions your business makes to your local community. When you need tailored, experienced, and inspired solutions to your pressing tax problems, allow attorney John Ecton to be of help.
Facing Tax Troubles?
Reach Out Today!
Are you facing an IRS audit and need to better understand your legal options? Do you owe back taxes and fear the consequences for your business or family? Allow the determined, caring legal team at Ecton Law Firm, PA to be of help.
Don’t entrust your future, enterprise, or legal outcomes to a lesser law firm. Reach out to us at (803) 797-4600 (if calling from South Carolina) or (704) 741-8684 (if calling from North Carolina) today.





