Question 1

How much does tax resolution cost in Hamilton, PA?

Accepted Answer

Tax resolution costs vary significantly based on the complexity of your case and the services needed. Simple cases like setting up a payment plan might cost a few hundred dollars, while complex matters involving multiple years of unfiled returns or Offer in Compromise negotiations can cost several thousand.

We provide transparent pricing after reviewing your specific situation. During your consultation, we'll explain exactly what services you need and what they'll cost. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges. If you decide to work with us, we credit your consultation fee toward the resolution work, so you're not paying extra just to get started.

The real question isn't what resolution costs—it's what continuing to ignore the problem costs. IRS penalties and interest compound daily, and collection actions can result in wage garnishments or asset seizures that cost far more than professional help.

Question 2

Can you really settle my tax debt for less than I owe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through the IRS Offer in Compromise program, but qualification depends on your specific financial situation. The IRS will accept less than the full amount if they determine you can't pay the full debt within the collection period, or if paying the full amount would create financial hardship.

Not everyone qualifies for an Offer in Compromise. The IRS looks at your income, expenses, assets, and future earning potential to determine what you can reasonably pay. If you have significant assets or steady income, you might not qualify. However, there are other options like Currently Not Collectible status or payment plans that can provide relief.

We analyze your complete financial picture before recommending any strategy. If an Offer in Compromise isn't right for your situation, we'll explain why and present alternatives that will work. The goal is always to resolve your tax debt in the most favorable way possible given your circumstances.

Question 3

What happens if I haven't filed tax returns in several years?

Accepted Answer

Unfiled returns create serious problems that get worse over time. The IRS can file substitute returns for you using only the income information they have, which typically results in much higher tax bills since they don't include deductions or exemptions you're entitled to claim.

We help by preparing and filing all missing returns, often reducing your tax liability significantly compared to what the IRS calculated. In many cases, clients who thought they owed large amounts discover they actually qualify for refunds on some years, which can offset balances owed on others.

The key is addressing unfiled returns before the IRS takes collection action. Once they've filed substitute returns and begun collection proceedings, the process becomes more complex and expensive. We can handle the entire process, from gathering necessary documents to preparing and filing all missing returns, then negotiating any remaining balance.

Question 4

How long does the tax resolution process take?

Accepted Answer

The timeline depends on your specific situation and the type of resolution needed. Simple payment plans can often be arranged within a few weeks. More complex matters like Offer in Compromise negotiations typically take 6-12 months or longer.

Several factors affect timing: how quickly you provide required documentation, the complexity of your case, current IRS processing times, and whether you owe multiple years or have other complicating factors. We work to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring the best outcome.

During the process, we handle all communication with tax agencies and keep you updated on progress. If the IRS threatens collection action while we're working on your case, we can often get those actions suspended. The important thing is starting the process—every day you wait, your situation becomes more difficult and expensive to resolve.

Question 5

Do you help with Pennsylvania state tax problems too?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Pennsylvania state tax issues can be just as serious as federal problems, and they require someone who understands state-specific procedures and options. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has its own collection methods, penalty structures, and resolution programs.

We handle all types of Pennsylvania tax issues including personal income tax, business taxes, sales tax problems, and employment tax matters. State tax liens can affect your credit just like federal liens, and Pennsylvania can garnish wages and seize assets for unpaid taxes.

Many clients have both federal and state tax problems that need to be resolved together. We coordinate the resolution of both to ensure you get the best overall outcome. Having someone who understands both systems working on your behalf prevent conflicts between different resolution strategies and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Question 6

What should I bring to my tax consultation?

Accepted Answer

Bring any IRS or Pennsylvania Department of Revenue notices you've received, copies of tax returns for the years in question, and financial documents showing your current income and expenses. If you have unfiled returns, bring W-2s, 1099s, and other tax documents for those years.

Don't worry if you don't have everything perfectly organized. We can help you gather missing documents and obtain transcripts from tax agencies if needed. The most important thing is bringing whatever you have so we can understand your situation and provide accurate advice.

If you're not sure what's relevant, err on the side of bringing too much rather than too little. We'd rather sort through extra paperwork than miss something important that could affect your resolution options. The consultation is your opportunity to get all your questions answered and understand exactly what we can do to help resolve your tax situation.

Tax Preparation Hamilton, PA