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.