Category: Tax Debt

Can the IRS Take My Spouse’s Assets for My Tax Debt?

9 October, 2025 | Tax Debt

Can the IRS Take My Spouse’s Income for My Tax Debt? It depends – in some cases, the IRS can take your spouse's income for your tax debt, but they can't in other situations. Ultimately, it boils down to which type of return you filed, how much your spouse earns, and what you've done to resolve the debt. In all cases, it pays to be proactive. To get help protecting you and your spouse from your tax debt, contact us at Timothy S. Hart Law Firm today. Wh... CONTINUE READING

Can I Sell My House With an IRS Tax Lien?

9 October, 2025 | Tax Debt Tax Liens

Can You Sell a House With a Tax Lien on It? Yes, you can sell a home even if it has an IRS tax lien against it. However, there will be extra paperwork involved, and the IRS will have a right to the proceeds of the sale, up to the amount of your tax debt. There are a few different ways to navigate the sale, depending on the situation. This post outlines the basics, but to get legal gui... CONTINUE READING

What Are IRS Jeopardy Assessments—and Are You at Risk?

21 September, 2025 | Tax Debt Tax Help

IRS Jeopardy Assessments — When the IRS Acts Without Warning IRS tax assessment and enforcement actions typically follow strict protocols and procedures. The agency sends letters, gives taxpayers time to respond, and eventually moves on to liens, levies, and seizures. The entire process takes months, giving taxpayers plenty of time to question the amount owed, come up with payment arrangements, and otherwise avoid aggressive collection efforts. Jeopardy a... CONTINUE READING

Will the IRS Revoke My Passport for Not Paying Taxes?

21 September, 2025 | Passport Tax Debt

Can the IRS Revoke My Passport Over Back Taxes? You could lose your passport over unpaid taxes. Unpaid federal tax debt can lead to restrictions and revocation of your passport, making it impossible for you to travel to visit family or work. IRS passport revocation is indirectly possible, meaning that while the IRS cannot outright revoke your passport, it can take steps that trigger the U.S. State Department to place lim... CONTINUE READING

New York Tax Asset Seizure: The Assets You Could Lose

21 September, 2025 | Tax Debt

What Assets Can New York State Legally Seize for Back Taxes? If you owe taxes to the New York Department of Taxation and Finance, they may seize your assets. The DTF's asset seizure process is slightly different from the IRS's, but in both cases, they can take a significant portion of your assets. To protect your assets, you need to know what the DTF can legally seize and how to respond when you receive a levy (seizure) notice. Key takeaways:... CONTINUE READING

What Is IRS Notice LT36? Guide for Federal Employees

17 August, 2025 | Late Filed Returns Tax Debt

What Is IRS Notice LT36? Sent to Federal Employees and Retirees Since 2013, the number of federal employees with tax debt has risen to about 6% (5% or more of congressional employees and about 4% of White House staff). In the spring of 2025, the IRS sent letters to 525,000 federal employees and retirees with a dire implication: If you don’t reconcile... CONTINUE READING

What to Do When You Receive Certified Mail From the IRS

28 June, 2025 | Tax Debt Tax Help

Why Did I Get a Certified Letter from the IRS? Receiving a certified letter from the IRS may cause you to feel nervous. After all, most IRS notices don’t usually signal happy news. While the IRS may not be sending something with devastating news, their certified letter is something serious that requires your attention. Never ignore a certified letter from the IRS. These letters genera... CONTINUE READING

IRS Revenue Officers vs. Revenue Agents—How to Respond

9 February, 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

Taxes After Death: Who Is Responsible and What to Expect?

15 January, 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

Is the IRS Fresh Start Program

5 January, 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

Alter Ego Liens and Levies: How to Protect Your Assets

    What Is an Alter Ego Levy and How to Protect Your Assets? An alter ego levy is when the IRS seizes assets owned by your alter ego to cover your tax debt. If you've received notice of an alter ego lien or levy, you need to take action – this is not routine...