Question 1

How much does professional tax resolution cost in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

The cost varies significantly based on the complexity of your tax situation and the services needed. Simple tax preparation might run $150-$400, while complex resolution cases involving back taxes, audits, or IRS negotiations typically require more comprehensive representation.

All County Tax Resolution offers free initial consultations, so you'll know exactly what you're facing before making any financial commitments. We'll explain all costs upfront—no surprise fees or hidden charges after you've already started the process.

Many clients find that professional representation actually saves money in the long run by reducing penalties, negotiating better payment terms, or identifying deductions and credits they missed on their own.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Unfiled returns are one of the most serious tax problems you can face, but they're absolutely fixable with the right approach. The IRS typically requires the last six years of unfiled returns, though they may ask for more depending on your situation.

The key is addressing this systematically rather than trying to handle it alone. All County Tax Resolution helps gather all necessary documentation, prepares the missing returns, and negotiates with the IRS to minimize penalties and interest charges.

Many people avoid filing because they're afraid of what they'll owe, but not filing makes everything worse. The failure-to-file penalty is typically 10 times higher than the failure-to-pay penalty, so getting those returns filed quickly is crucial to limiting the financial damage.

Question 3

Can you really negotiate with the IRS to reduce what I owe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but success depends on your specific financial circumstances and following the right procedures. The IRS offers several programs like Offers in Compromise, Currently Not Collectible status, and various payment plans that can significantly reduce your tax burden.

About 26% of Offers in Compromise are accepted by the IRS, but experienced tax professionals often achieve acceptance rates five times higher than the national average because we know how to properly prepare and present these cases.

The IRS will consider reducing your debt if you can demonstrate that paying the full amount would create genuine financial hardship or if there's legitimate doubt about what you actually owe. However, these programs have strict qualification requirements and specific deadlines that must be met exactly right.

Question 4

How long does it take to resolve IRS tax problems?

Accepted Answer

Timeline varies dramatically based on the complexity of your case and which resolution option makes sense for your situation. Simple payment plans might be approved within 30-60 days, while Offers in Compromise can take 6-12 months or longer.

The IRS is currently dealing with significant backlogs, which means everything takes longer than it used to. The Taxpayer Advocate Service reports delays in processing and has temporarily changed case acceptance criteria to help address the backlog.

However, once you have professional representation, the immediate pressure stops. All County Tax Resolution contacts the IRS immediately to establish representation, which typically halts collection actions while your case is being resolved. You'll have breathing room to work through the process properly instead of dealing with constant threats and demands.

Question 5

Do I need a tax attorney or can a tax resolution firm help?

Accepted Answer

Both tax attorneys and enrolled agents can represent you before the IRS, but the choice depends on your specific situation. For most tax resolution cases—payment plans, offers in compromise, penalty abatements—experienced tax professionals provide the same representation authority as attorneys.

Tax attorneys become essential if your case involves potential criminal issues, complex business structures, or litigation against the IRS. However, the vast majority of tax problems are resolved through administrative processes where enrolled agents and tax professionals are equally effective.

All County Tax Resolution has the credentials and experience to handle most tax resolution cases effectively. If your situation requires legal counsel, we'll let you know upfront rather than trying to handle something beyond our scope of practice. Transparency about what we can and cannot do is part of our client-first approach.

Question 6

What should I bring to my free consultation?

Accepted Answer

Bring every piece of tax-related documentation you have—IRS notices, unfiled returns, W-2s, 1099s, previous tax returns, and any correspondence with tax authorities. Even if some documents are incomplete or you're missing pieces, bring what you have.

Don't spend weeks trying to organize everything perfectly before scheduling your consultation. The sooner you get professional help, the sooner you can stop the accumulation of penalties and interest. All County Tax Resolution can help you identify what additional documentation is needed and guide you through obtaining missing records.

Most importantly, bring honest information about your current financial situation—income, expenses, assets, and debts. The more accurate the financial picture, the better we can assess which resolution options might work for your specific circumstances. Everything discussed during your consultation is confidential, so complete honesty serves your best interests.

Tax Preparation Marshalls Creek, PA