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Philadelphia-based tax law firm specializing in IRS debt resolution, audits, liens, and levies with 25 years of experience.
Data compiled from public sources
Rubin & Rubin is a tax law practice based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that has operated for 25 years. , and focuses exclusively on resolving tax-related legal issues rather than bankruptcy filing services per se. However, tax debt resolution often intersects with bankruptcy protection, making this firm relevant to consumers facing severe IRS problems.
The company markets itself with the tagline 'Erase tax debt for pennies on the dollar,' suggesting settlement and negotiation capabilities with the IRS. According to their website, the firm has delivered millions in tax savings to clients over its 25-year history. Rubin & Rubin serves clients throughout Philadelphia and surrounding areas, offering phone and email consultation.
The firm emphasizes personalized attention, with David Rubin personally handling each case rather than delegating to junior staff. All fee structures are described as flexible and tailored to individual cases. The firm offers a free initial consultation for clients facing liens or levies.
The website includes accessibility features (AudioEye) and standard legal disclaimers. However, the company's categorization as 'bankruptcy' appears to be a miscategorization—this is fundamentally a tax law firm, not a bankruptcy attorney or filing service. While tax debt crises sometimes lead to bankruptcy, Rubin & Rubin's core offering is IRS negotiation and tax debt settlement, not Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing.
This is state-level context for Bankruptcy Services consumers in Philadelphia, PA. It does not confirm that Rubin & Rubin or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities
Consumer protection
Relevant law: Pennsylvania Credit Services Act (73 P.S. § 2181 et seq.)
Registration: Required with Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities
Upfront fees: Listed as prohibited in the current CreditDoc state summary
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Rubin & Rubin offers 8 services including IRS audit representation and defense, Tax lien resolution and removal, Tax levy negotiation and relief, Tax debt settlement and resolution, Tax debt reduction negotiation with IRS, and 3 more.
Rubin & Rubin has profile signals associated with Philadelphia-area residents facing IRS audits, liens, or substantial unpaid tax debt, Individuals seeking professional tax debt settlement negotiation before considering bankruptcy, Taxpayers with complex tax situations requiring personalized legal representation.
Key strengths: 25 years of dedicated tax law experience and demonstrated track record of client savings; Personalized service with direct attorney involvement—David Rubin personally handles every case; Free initial consultation offered for clients with liens or levies. Areas to consider: Website marketing language ('pennies on the dollar') may set unrealistic expectations for settlement outcomes; No published fee schedule or pricing transparency; requires consultation to learn costs.
In the Bankruptcy Services category, comparable providers include Davis Consumer Law Firm, Frost Law, Garibian Law. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
Rubin & Rubin is profile signals for Philadelphia-area taxpayers facing serious IRS problems (audits, liens, levies, or substantial back taxes) who need professional legal negotiation rather than DIY resolution. Primary caveat: this is a tax debt settlement firm, not a bankruptcy service, and is miscategorized in the bankruptcy category—consumers seeking actual bankruptcy filing (Chapter 7 or 13) should consult a bankruptcy attorney instead.
Philadelphia-based consumer law firm specializing in FDCPA debt collection defense and credit law violations across five states. Offers free case reviews and flat-fee representation.
Profile signals: Consumers in PA, NJ, MD, MA, or NY facing FDCPA violations and debt collection harassment, Individuals with unverified or incorrect debts being pursued by debt collectors
Philadelphia-based law firm offering tax, business, estate planning, and litigation services to individuals and businesses across multiple states since 2011.
Profile signals: Business owners needing integrated tax, corporate structure, and estate planning advice across multiple states, Philadelphia-based entrepreneurs seeking legal services from a locally established firm with national reach
Garibian Law Offices is a bankruptcy and civil litigation firm founded by attorney Antranig N Garibian, serving clients across Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Profile signals: Individuals facing personal bankruptcy in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, or New York seeking attorney representation, Clients who prioritize detailed case preparation and meticulous legal strategy over quick resolutions
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Read guide →New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
When you fail to repay a loan according to the agreed terms — usually after 90-180 days of missed payments. It's the point where the lender gives up on collecting normally.
Default triggers severe consequences: credit score drops 100+ points, the debt may be sent to collections, you could be sued, and your wages or assets could be seized.
Example
You miss 4 consecutive car payments. The lender declares your loan in default, repossesses your car, sells it at auction for $8,000, and you still owe the remaining $5,000 (called a deficiency balance).
A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.
The CFPB is your most powerful ally against high-cost lenders. Filing a complaint with them gets a response from the company within 15 days — companies take CFPB complaints seriously.
Example
A debt collector calls your workplace after you told them to stop. You file a CFPB complaint online. Within 15 days, the collection agency responds and agrees to stop. The CFPB tracks complaint patterns across all companies.
A federal law that limits what debt collectors can do. They can't call before 8am or after 9pm, can't harass you, can't lie, and are required to stop contacting you if you request in writing.
Knowing your FDCPA rights stops abusive collection tactics. If a collector violates the law, you may have a right to sue for up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees.
Example
A collector calls your workplace 3 times after you told them not to. That's 3 FDCPA violations. You hire a consumer attorney (free — they get paid by the collector). The collector settles for $3,000.
A court order that requires your employer to withhold part of your paycheck and send it directly to a creditor. Usually happens after a creditor sues you and has obtained a judgment.
Federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable income. Some states have lower limits. Student loans and taxes can be garnished without a court order.
Example
You owe $8,000 on a defaulted credit card. The bank sues, gets a judgment, and garnishes your wages. On a $3,000/month net paycheck, they take $750/month until the debt is paid.
A time limit (typically 3-6 years, varies by state) after which a creditor can no longer sue you to collect a debt. The debt still exists, but they lose the legal power to force payment.
Knowing your state's statute of limitations prevents you from being tricked into paying debts that are legally uncollectable. Beware: making a payment can restart the clock.
Example
You have a $3,000 credit card debt from 2019. Your state has a 4-year statute of limitations. In 2024, a collector calls demanding payment. The statute has expired — they cannot sue you.
A type of bankruptcy where you keep your assets but follow a court-approved 3-5 year repayment plan to pay back some or all of your debts. Stays on credit for 7 years.
Chapter 13 may be more relevant than Chapter 7 if you have a home or assets you want to keep. It can stop foreclosure and let you catch up on mortgage payments over 3-5 years.
Example
You're 3 months behind on your mortgage and have $30,000 in credit card debt. Chapter 13 stops foreclosure and puts you on a 5-year plan: you pay $600/month to catch up on the mortgage and pay 40% of the credit card debt.
A type of bankruptcy that wipes out most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills) by liquidating non-exempt assets. It stays on your credit for 10 years.
Chapter 7 gives you a fresh start but at a steep cost: 10 years on your credit, difficulty getting loans, and you may lose assets. Income is generally required to be below your state's median to qualify.
Example
You have $45,000 in credit card debt and earn $35,000/year. Chapter 7 erases the debt. You keep exempt property (basic car, household items). Your score drops to ~500 but you're debt-free.
When a creditor declares your debt a loss after 180 days of nonpayment and removes it from their books. But you still owe the money — they just stop expecting to collect it themselves.
A charge-off is one of the most damaging entries on your credit report and stays for 7 years. The debt is usually sold to a collection agency who will pursue you for it.
Example
You stop paying your $4,000 credit card. After 180 days, the bank charges it off and sells the debt to a collector for $800. The collector now contacts you demanding the full $4,000 (they profit from what they collect above $800).
When an unpaid debt is transferred or sold to a third-party collection agency that specializes in recovering the money. Collection accounts appear on your credit report for 7 years.
Even a $50 collection account can drop your score 50-100 points. Some newer FICO models (FICO 9) ignore paid collections, but many lenders still use older models.
Example
An old $200 gym bill goes to collections. It appears on all 3 credit reports and drops your 720 score to 640. Paying it helps with newer scoring models but under FICO 8 (still widely used), a paid collection still hurts.
Combining multiple debts into one single loan with one monthly payment, ideally at a lower interest rate. It simplifies repayment and can reduce total interest.
Consolidation is generally most useful when you get a lower rate than your existing debts. But it doesn't reduce what you owe — and extending the term can mean paying more total interest.
Example
You have: $5,000 at 22% (credit card), $3,000 at 18% (store card), $2,000 at 25% (payday loan). A $10,000 consolidation loan at 11% saves you ~$2,100 in interest over 3 years.
Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full amount you owe — typically 40-60 cents on the dollar. Usually done after you've already fallen behind on payments.
Settlement can save thousands, but it severely damages your credit (settled accounts show for 7 years) and the IRS may tax the forgiven amount as income.
Example
You owe $15,000 on a credit card and negotiate a settlement of $7,500 (50%). You save $7,500 but: your credit drops 100+ points, the account shows 'settled' for 7 years, and you may owe taxes on the $7,500 forgiven.
The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.
Most lenders want DTI below 36% for personal loans and below 43% for mortgages. Above that, you're considered overextended and likely to be denied.
Example
You earn $5,000/month gross. Your debts: $1,200 mortgage + $300 car + $200 student loans = $1,700/month. DTI = 34%. A new $400/month loan would push you to 42% — risky for lenders.
A court ruling that says you legally owe a specific amount to a creditor. It gives the creditor power to garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, or place liens on your property.
Judgments are enforceable for 10-20 years (varies by state) and can be renewed. They give creditors far more collection power than a simple unpaid debt.
Example
A credit card company sues you for $8,000 and has obtained a judgment. They can now garnish 25% of your paycheck ($750/month on a $3,000 net salary) and freeze your bank account.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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