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 contributor to our podcast series “Chicago’s Legal Latte.”
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
Taxpayers should watch for the following OBBB-related scams and take steps to protect their personal and financial information.
On August 20, 2026, the Internal Revenue Service announced a digitally authenticated Tax Compliance Report available through IRS Individual Online Accounts.
Taxpayers can securely obtain and download the report when applying for a job, a loan, a government benefit, or another service that requires tax compliance info.
Discover the latest tax law updates and planning opportunities that can help you reduce taxes, protect wealth, and prepare for the future.
