Question 1

How much does tax resolution cost in Birchtown, PA?

Accepted Answer

The cost depends on the complexity of your case and which resolution strategy we pursue. Simple cases might cost a few thousand dollars, while complex multi-year situations with multiple tax periods can cost more.We're upfront about our fees from the beginning, and we don't charge anything until we're confident we can help you. Many clients find that our fees are less than what they'd pay in additional penalties and interest if they tried to handle things themselves.Most importantly, we often save clients far more than our fees cost. If we can get your penalties removed or negotiate an Offer in Compromise, the savings typically dwarf what you pay us.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

In some cases, yes - but it's not automatic and it's not easy. The Offer in Compromise program allows qualifying taxpayers to settle their debt for less than the full amount, but the IRS only accepts about 25% of applications.To qualify, you generally need to show that paying the full amount would create financial hardship or that there's doubt about whether you actually owe the full amount. The IRS looks at your income, expenses, assets, and ability to pay over time.We'll analyze your financial situation during our consultation to determine if you're a good candidate for an OIC. If not, we'll recommend other strategies like installment agreements or penalty abatement that might be more appropriate for your situation.

Question 3

What happens if I don't file my tax returns?

Accepted Answer

Not filing tax returns is actually worse than not paying taxes you owe. The failure-to-file penalty is much higher than the failure-to-pay penalty, and in extreme cases, the IRS can pursue criminal charges.If you haven't filed returns for multiple years, the IRS may file substitute returns for you based on information they have from employers and financial institutions. These substitute returns typically don't include deductions or credits you're entitled to, so you end up owing more than necessary.The good news is that we can help you get caught up on unfiled returns and often reduce the penalties associated with late filing. We'll prepare the returns properly to make sure you get all the deductions and credits you deserve, which can significantly reduce what you owe.

Question 4

How long does the tax resolution process take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which resolution strategy we pursue and how quickly the IRS responds. Simple installment agreements can sometimes be set up in a few weeks, while Offer in Compromise applications typically take 6-12 months for the IRS to process.The timeline also depends on how current you are with your filings. If we need to prepare several years of unfiled returns first, that adds time to the process. However, we can often get collection activities stopped while we're working on your case.We'll give you a realistic timeline during our initial consultation based on your specific situation. Throughout the process, we'll keep you updated on progress and let you know if anything changes that might affect the timeline.

Question 5

Will the IRS work with me if I contact them directly?

Accepted Answer

The IRS will talk to you, but that doesn't mean they'll work with you in a way that's favorable to your situation. IRS agents are trained to collect as much money as possible as quickly as possible - they're not looking out for your best interests.Without professional representation, you might agree to payment terms you can't actually afford, miss out on programs you qualify for, or inadvertently say something that hurts your case. The IRS agents often know about resolution options that they won't volunteer unless you specifically ask.When you have professional representation, we can negotiate from a position of knowledge and experience. We know which arguments work, which documentation the IRS needs, and how to present your case in the most favorable light possible.

Question 6

What if I can't afford to pay anything right now?

Accepted Answer

If you truly can't afford to pay anything, you might qualify for Currently Not Collectible status. This temporarily stops IRS collection activities while you get back on your feet financially.CNC status isn't permanent - the IRS will review your financial situation periodically to see if your ability to pay has improved. But it can give you breathing room to deal with other financial issues without the stress of IRS collection activities.We can help you document your financial hardship and apply for CNC status if appropriate. We'll also work with you to develop a long-term strategy for when your financial situation improves, so you're not caught off guard when the IRS starts collection activities again.

Tax Resolution Birchtown, PA