Payroll Tax Debt – When the IRS Comes After Business Owners Personally

Episode Summary:
In this episode, tax attorney Lance Drury dives into one of the most dangerous financial pitfalls for business owners: payroll tax liability. They explore why the IRS treats these cases with such severity, what the trust fund recovery penalty means for personal financial exposure, and how small business owners can protect themselves from devastating consequences.

Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Show Introduction
01:20 – Why payroll tax debt is an IRS enforcement priority
03:40 – Personal liability for trust fund taxes
06:00 – Avoiding the trust fund interview and protecting others
08:15 – Common scenarios that lead businesses into payroll tax trouble
10:50 – The risks of relying solely on payroll service providers
13:05 – Real case example: Ownership vs. operational responsibility
15:20 – What makes someone a “responsible person” in IRS terms
18:10 – How to protect your business and personal assets if falling behind
20:30 – Shared liability among officers and business partners
22:25 – Key misconceptions and final advice from Lance Drury

About the Show:
“Resilience and Resolve” brings legal and financial insights to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Featuring seasoned attorney Lance Drury, the show helps listeners navigate the tough realities of tax law, IRS disputes, and protecting what matters most in business.