February 9, 2025 | Tax Debt Tax Notices
What is the Difference Between an IRS Revenue Officer and an IRS Revenue Agent? When an IRS representative contacts you directly to discuss your taxes—whether it’s a specific return, the results of an audit, or a past-due tax debt—it’s important to know the scope of their work and what they are legally allowed to do in regards to your tax debt. While some peopl... CONTINUE READING
February 9, 2025 | Tax Court
An Overview of U.S. Tax Court Representation The tax collection process is confusing. One reason is the complexity of the U.S. Tax Code. Another is the due process protections required by the Constitution. These include requirements such as letters and notices, as well as the right to appeal certain tax disputes with the IRS.... CONTINUE READING
January 15, 2025 | Tax Levy Tax Notices
Summary An LT11 Notice of Intent to Levy is sent by the IRS to taxpayers to inform them of their unpaid tax balance and the potential seizure of their assets. This notice is usually preceded by other letters and notices, and it contains detailed information about the tax owed, penalties, interest, and possible consequences. Taxpayers have 30 days to respond to an LT11 notice. They can either pay the tax... CONTINUE READING
January 15, 2025 | Tax Debt Tax Laws
Summary When someone dies, their estate is responsible for paying any outstanding tax debt. The executor of the estate must file a final tax return and pay any taxes owed before distributing assets to heirs. Heirs do not inherit tax debt, but they may be responsible for taxes on inherited income or property. Surviving spouses may be responsible for their deceased spouse's tax debt if they fil... CONTINUE READING
January 5, 2025 | Tax Debt Tax Help
Summary The IRS Fresh Start Program was initiated in 2011 to help taxpayers struggling with tax debt. It is not a specific program, but a set of changes to existing laws and programs, including increased tax lien thresholds, easier installment agreements, and expanded Offer in Compromise options. The program's goal is to help taxpayers get back on track and avoid aggressive collection tactics. While legitimate, the term "Fresh Start Program" has been misused by some tax relief firm... CONTINUE READING
January 5, 2025 | Tax Relief Unfiled Tax returns
Summary IRS Form 15103, Form 1040 Return Delinquency, is used to respond to the IRS when they believe you have one or more missing tax returns. You may need to file Form 15103 even if you don't owe taxes (such as when you have self-employment income, but the business ran at a loss), to avoid penalties or a substitute for return, which can overstate your tax liability. You can complete Form 15103 yourself and file it by mail or fax, depending on your situation. If you filed your retu... CONTINUE READING
December 23, 2024 | Payment Plans Tax Help
Summary This guide outlines how to make changes to your IRS payment plan, such as reducing your monthly payment, changing your payment date or method, or adding a new tax debt to your plan. If you can no longer afford to make payments, you may be able to apply for currently not collectible status or an offer in compromise. If you default on your payment plan, the IRS generally gives you 30 days to get back into good standing. The IRS charges fees for making changes to your installme... CONTINUE READING
December 20, 2024 | tax collections
Summary The IRS has 10 years to collect unpaid taxes, which is called the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED). The CSED is triggered when the IRS assesses taxes or a tax return is filed. Certain events, like filing for bankruptcy or applying for an Offer in Compromise (OIC), can toll the CSED, pausing the IRS’s collection efforts and extending the collection timeframe. While waiting for the CSED to expire, taxpayers can manage their debt through a Partial Payment Ins... CONTINUE READING
November 12, 2024 | Tax Liens
Summary The IRS Form 12277, Application for Withdrawal of Filed Form 668(Y), is used to request the withdrawal of a federal tax lien filed by the IRS due to unpaid tax liabilities. The form applies when you need to remove the public lien notice and qualify for withdrawal. To be eligible, certain criteria must be met, such as premature filing of the lien, entering an installment agreement, or ensuring the withdrawal leads to tax payment. It's recommended to consult with a tax profess... CONTINUE READING
November 12, 2024 | Tax Help Tax Penalties
Summary IRS Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement, is used to request a refund of taxes paid in error or an abatement of penalties. Common reasons for using Form 843 include penalty abatement for first-time offenses, erroneous withholding by employers, and IRS mistakes or delays. It's important to review eligibility requirements and provide accurate personal details, tax information, and an explanation of the request. The form should be signed, dated, and sent to the... CONTINUE READING
What is the Difference Between an IRS Revenue Officer and an IRS Revenue Agent? When an IRS representative contacts you directly to discuss your taxes—whether it’s a specific return, the results of an...
