Question 1

How much does professional tax resolution cost in Lehigh County?

Accepted Answer

Professional tax resolution costs depend on your situation's complexity and the amount you owe. Simple installment agreements might cost several hundred dollars, while complex cases involving multiple unfiled years or significant debt can run several thousand.

All County Tax Resolution provides transparent pricing after reviewing your case during the free consultation. You know exactly what you're looking at before committing to anything. No surprises, no hidden fees, no percentage-based pricing that incentivizes dragging out your case.

Professional resolution almost always costs less than handling it yourself. The penalties, interest, and enforcement actions you avoid typically far exceed professional fees. More importantly, professionals resolve cases faster and more favorably than taxpayers attempting self-representation.

Question 2

What happens if I keep ignoring IRS notices and letters?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring IRS notices escalates your problems rapidly and predictably. What starts as a tax bill becomes penalties and interest, then enforcement actions. The IRS has collection powers most creditors don't possess, and they use them.

They can freeze bank accounts, garnish wages up to 70% of your take-home pay, and place liens on all your property. For business owners, they can seize assets, close your doors, and hold you personally liable for unpaid payroll taxes even after bankruptcy.

The longer you wait, the fewer options remain available. Early intervention provides maximum negotiating leverage. Once enforcement begins, resolution becomes more expensive, more complicated, and less favorable to you.

Question 3

Can penalties and interest really be reduced or eliminated?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only if you meet specific IRS criteria and present your case properly. The IRS offers several penalty relief programs, including first-time penalty abatement for taxpayers with previously clean compliance records.

Reasonable cause abatement applies when circumstances beyond your control prevented compliance. This includes serious illness, natural disasters, death in the family, or reliance on incorrect professional advice. Documentation is crucial for these claims.

Interest abatement is more restrictive but possible when IRS delays contributed to your problem. The key is understanding which programs apply to your situation and presenting proper documentation. Most taxpayers don't know these options exist, let alone how to use them effectively.

Question 4

How long does tax resolution take in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Timeline varies dramatically by case type and complexity. Simple installment agreements can be approved within 30-60 days. Complex cases involving offers in compromise, multiple tax years, or business issues can take 6-18 months.

Current IRS processing delays make everything slower. They're understaffed and overwhelmed, creating backlogs in most resolution programs. However, certain deadline-driven situations like levy releases or audit responses require immediate attention regardless of general delays.

Professional representation speeds the process because experienced practitioners know exactly what documentation the IRS needs and how to present it correctly the first time. This avoids the back-and-forth delays that plague taxpayers attempting self-representation.

Question 5

Do you handle Pennsylvania state tax problems too?

Accepted Answer

Yes, All County Tax Resolution handles both federal and Pennsylvania state tax issues. State problems often mirror federal issues but operate under different procedures, deadlines, and resolution options.

Pennsylvania can be more aggressive than the IRS in some collection activities, especially for business taxes and unemployment compensation issues. They have independent lien and levy procedures that can proceed simultaneously with federal actions.

Local expertise matters because coordinated resolution strategies address both government levels simultaneously. Solving federal problems while ignoring state issues, or vice versa, often creates new complications that could have been avoided with comprehensive planning.

Question 6

What should I bring to a tax resolution consultation?

Accepted Answer

Bring every IRS and state notice you've received, regardless of age or apparent relevance. These notices contain critical information about deadlines, case numbers, and specific government concerns that guide resolution strategy.

Recent tax returns provide context, along with financial statements, bank records, and any documentation supporting hardship claims. If you haven't filed returns, bring whatever tax documents you have—W-2s, 1099s, business records, anything related to unreported income.

Don't stress about perfect organization. Part of the consultation involves identifying what additional documentation is needed and how to obtain missing records. The important thing is starting the process before deadlines pass or enforcement actions escalate your problems.

Tax Preparation Lehigh, PA