Million of taxpayers could not pay their taxes or failed to file their tax returns. The number increases every year. Some taxpayers incorrectly filed their return. The Internal Revenue Service, in many cases, would send them a letter. Unfortunately, many taxpayers ignore the letters to their detriment. Even worse, some taxpayers know the content of the letters very late when they seek professional help because they did not open the letters. If you are afraid to open the letter, contact a tax resolution professional, as early as possible, who could relieve the stress by opening the letter, explaining the content, and discussing a resolution option.
The Internal Revenue Service Commissioner estimates that taxpayers owe $1 trillion per year. The IRS has several means available to enforce tax filing compliance and payments of taxes due. The penalty for late filing or failure to file is much higher for business tax returns. Pay as much as you could, as soon as possible, to lower the penalty and interest. The IRS could be lenient in certain cases. The Service, in fact, advises taxpayers to borrow money to pay a tax due because for some taxpayers the interest imposed by the IRS could be much higher.
Many taxpayers inquire if they could call the IRS to offer to pay less than the amount due. The answer is NO. To pay less than what is owed, taxpayers have to qualify for an offer in compromise (OIC).
There are many ways to resolve a tax debt. However, a taxpayer needs to be in compliance for the past 6 years to obtain an abatement, an installment agreement, and an offer in compromise.
- Taxpayers could be qualified for an abatement (FTA) of the penalty.
- Taxpayers could use the reasonable cause exception to get relief from tax debt.
- Taxpayers could also request for Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status when the payment of the tax due would cause a significant financial hardship on the family.
- Taxpayers could request an installment agreement (IA). An installment agreement is easily approved and could be modified based on changing financial circumstances.
- Taxpayers could apply for an offer in compromise (OIC) if they meet certain requirements.
Never ignore a tax due letter, regardless of your financial situation. Seek the guidance of a tax resolution professional who is qualified to represent you before the IRS.
It should be noted that under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, the IRS notifies the State Department of taxpayers certified as owing a seriously delinquent tax debt, which is currently $62,000 or more. The amount is adjusted yearly for inflation. The law then requires the State Department to deny their passport application or renewal. If a taxpayer has a valid passport, the State Department may revoke the passport or limit a taxpayer’s ability to travel outside the United States.
Hiring a tax resolution expert is the best action a taxpayer could take in a tax matter before the IRS or a state tax authority.
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