Question 1

How long does tax resolution take in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Most tax resolution cases in Pennsylvania take between 3-8 months to complete, depending on the complexity of your situation and which resolution program you qualify for. Offer in compromise cases typically take 6-8 months because the IRS requires extensive financial documentation and review time. Installment agreements can often be set up within 30-60 days, especially if you owe less than $50,000. The key is getting started immediately—every day you wait, penalties and interest continue to accumulate on your tax debt. Pennsylvania state tax issues can sometimes be resolved more quickly than federal cases, but having both federal and state problems requires coordinated strategy to avoid conflicts between agencies.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, through the IRS Offer in Compromise program, but qualification is strict. The IRS will only accept an offer if it represents the maximum they can reasonably expect to collect from you within the statute of limitations period. They look at your income, expenses, assets, and future earning potential using specific formulas. If you have significant assets or steady income, you probably won't qualify for pennies on the dollar. But if you're facing genuine financial hardship, an offer in compromise might reduce your debt substantially. Pennsylvania residents should know that state tax debts require separate negotiations with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. We handle both federal and state offers to ensure you get comprehensive relief.

Question 3

What happens if the IRS levies my bank account?

Accepted Answer

A bank levy freezes your account immediately, and you typically have 21 days before the bank sends your money to the IRS. During this 21-day period, you cannot access any funds in that account—checks will bounce, automatic payments will fail, and you cannot make withdrawals. The good news is that levies can often be released quickly if you take immediate action. We can contact the IRS within hours to negotiate a levy release, especially if the levy creates financial hardship or if you're willing to enter into a payment agreement. For Pennsylvania residents, state agencies can also levy bank accounts for unpaid state taxes. The procedures are similar, but the timelines and requirements differ. Acting fast is crucial—once the 21 days pass, recovering those funds becomes much more difficult.

Question 4

Do I need a lawyer for tax resolution?

Accepted Answer

You don't need a lawyer, but you need qualified representation. Tax resolution requires someone who understands IRS procedures, collection guidelines, and negotiation strategies. The IRS deals with tax professionals every day—they know when someone understands the system and when they don't. Enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys can all represent you before the IRS. What matters most is experience with tax resolution specifically, not just tax preparation. The skills needed to prepare returns are completely different from the skills needed to negotiate with revenue officers. For Pennsylvania taxpayers, you also want someone familiar with state tax procedures. Pennsylvania Department of Revenue operates differently than the IRS, and coordinating both cases requires local knowledge that national companies often lack.

Question 5

How much does tax resolution cost in East Lenox?

Accepted Answer

Tax resolution fees vary based on the complexity of your case and which services you need. Simple installment agreements typically cost less than complex offer in compromise cases that require extensive financial analysis and negotiation. Most reputable tax resolution companies charge flat fees rather than hourly rates, so you know your costs upfront. Beware of companies that ask for large upfront payments or promise specific outcomes—the IRS doesn't work that way. At All County Tax Resolution, we credit 100% of your consultation fee toward your resolution services if you decide to move forward. This ensures you're not paying twice for the same work and demonstrates our confidence in providing value from day one.

Question 6

Can tax resolution stop wage garnishment immediately?

Accepted Answer

Yes, wage garnishments can often be stopped quickly, but it requires immediate professional intervention. Once the IRS issues a wage levy to your employer, they're legally required to comply. However, we can contact the IRS to request an immediate release, especially if the garnishment creates financial hardship. The fastest way to stop a wage garnishment is to enter into a payment agreement or demonstrate that the levy prevents you from meeting basic living expenses. The IRS has specific guidelines for what constitutes financial hardship, and knowing these guidelines is crucial for quick resolution. Pennsylvania state wage garnishments follow different procedures than federal levies. State garnishments can sometimes be stopped through different mechanisms, and having both federal and state garnishments requires coordinated strategy to resolve both issues simultaneously.

Tax Resolution East Lenox, PA