Question 1

What's the difference between tax preparation and tax resolution services?

Accepted Answer

Tax preparation is filing your annual returns—the basic service most people think of as "doing taxes." Tax resolution is what you need when things go wrong and you're dealing with IRS problems.

If you owe money you can't pay, have years of unfiled returns, received audit notices, or are facing liens and levies, that requires resolution services. Most tax preparers can't handle these situations because they require specialized knowledge of IRS procedures and negotiation tactics.

All County Tax Resolution focuses specifically on these problem cases. We know how to negotiate realistic payment plans, pursue offers in compromise, secure penalty relief, and represent you during audits—services that go way beyond basic tax preparation.

Question 2

How much does professional tax resolution help cost in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Cost depends on what needs to be fixed. Simple payment plan arrangements cost less than complex cases involving multiple years of unfiled returns and substantial tax debt requiring extensive negotiation.

All County Tax Resolution provides free consultations so you understand exactly what your situation requires and what the investment will be upfront. No surprises, no hidden fees—just honest pricing for the services you actually need.

Many clients find professional help saves money long-term by avoiding additional penalties, reducing the total amount owed through proper negotiations, or preventing more serious collection actions like wage garnishment or asset seizure that could cost far more than professional fees.

Question 3

Can you really settle tax debt for less than the full amount?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through an Offer in Compromise, but qualification isn't automatic. The IRS only accepts less than the full amount when they determine that's the most they're realistically going to collect given your financial circumstances.

The process is complex and requires extensive financial documentation. Rejected offers can result in additional penalties and interest accruing during the review period. That's why professional evaluation is crucial before pursuing this option.

All County Tax Resolution has extensive experience with offer in compromise cases and can assess whether you're likely to qualify or if other resolution strategies would be more appropriate and have better chances of success for your specific situation.

Question 4

What happens if I continue ignoring IRS notices and letters?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring IRS correspondence makes everything worse and more expensive. The IRS has powerful collection tools they will use—wage garnishment, bank levies, asset seizure, and liens on your property.

Penalties and interest keep growing on unpaid balances, often doubling or tripling the original debt over time. The IRS can also file substitute returns if you haven't filed, and these are prepared without any deductions or credits that could reduce what you owe.

Early intervention provides the most resolution options. Payment plans, penalty abatement, and other favorable arrangements become much harder to secure once the IRS moves to aggressive collection actions. The sooner you address problems, the better your options.

Question 5

How long does resolving tax problems typically take?

Accepted Answer

Timeline varies based on complexity. Simple payment arrangements might be completed in weeks, while complex cases involving multiple unfiled years or offer in compromise applications can take several months to over a year.

Recent IRS processing delays have extended many cases beyond normal timeframes, sometimes 30+ days longer than typical. Professional representation helps ensure your case moves efficiently through the system and meets all deadlines and requirements.

All County Tax Resolution keeps clients informed throughout the process and handles all IRS follow-up to prevent cases from stalling due to bureaucratic delays or missing documentation. You'll know what's happening and when to expect results.

Question 6

Should I try handling this myself or get professional help?

Accepted Answer

You can attempt self-resolution, but the IRS system is complex and mistakes are costly. Professional representation typically achieves better outcomes because experienced practitioners know which options you qualify for and how to present your case effectively.

IRS customer service has significant limitations—long wait times and representatives who may lack authority to help with complex situations. When you have professional representation, you're dealing with IRS employees specifically trained to work with tax practitioners.

Professional help becomes especially important if you owe substantial amounts, have multiple problem years, face collection actions, or previous self-help attempts failed. The investment in professional services often pays for itself through better resolution terms and avoided penalties.

Tax Preparation Lanesboro, PA