Question 1

How long does tax resolution typically take in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Most tax resolution cases take 3-6 months from start to finish, but it depends on your specific situation and which resolution option works best for you. Simple payment plans can be set up quickly, sometimes within weeks.

Offer in Compromise cases take longer because the IRS requires extensive financial documentation and has specific review timelines. Currently Not Collectible status can often be achieved faster if you meet the hardship criteria.

The key is getting started immediately. Every day you wait, penalties and interest keep accumulating, making your debt larger and harder to resolve.

Question 2

Can the IRS really seize my home for tax debt?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the IRS can seize your home, but it's typically their last resort and they must follow specific legal procedures first. They usually start with bank levies and wage garnishments because those are easier and faster.

Before seizing your primary residence, they're required to get approval from a federal district court judge. This gives you time to work out a resolution if you act quickly.

However, they can and will seize other assets much more easily—cars, boats, business equipment, rental properties, and investment accounts. Don't wait until you're facing seizure to get help.

Question 3

What's the difference between a tax lien and a tax levy?

Accepted Answer

A tax lien is the IRS's legal claim against your property. It's like a mortgage that follows you—affecting your credit score and making it difficult to sell or refinance property. Liens are public record, so they show up on background checks.

A tax levy is when they actually take your property or money. Bank levies freeze your accounts. Wage levies garnish your paycheck. Asset levies seize and auction your belongings.

Think of it this way: a lien says "we have a claim on your stuff." A levy says "we're taking your stuff right now." Both can be resolved, but levies require immediate action.

Question 4

Do I qualify for an Offer in Compromise program?

Accepted Answer

Offer in Compromise isn't for everyone, despite what you might see in TV commercials. The IRS only accepts offers when they believe it's the most they can realistically collect from you within a reasonable time.

You might qualify if you can't pay your full tax liability without creating financial hardship, if there's legitimate doubt about whether you actually owe the amount, or if paying would be unfair due to exceptional circumstances.

The IRS looks at your income, expenses, assets, and future earning potential. If you have significant assets or steady income, you probably won't qualify. But there are other resolution options that might work better for your situation.

Question 5

What happens to my business if I have payroll tax problems?

Accepted Answer

Payroll tax problems are the most serious type of tax debt because the IRS views this as "trust fund" money—taxes you collected from your employees that belong to the government. They pursue these aggressively and quickly.

If you're behind on payroll taxes, the IRS can shut down your business, seize your assets, and hold you personally liable even if your business is incorporated. This personal liability survives even if your business files bankruptcy.

The key is addressing payroll tax problems immediately. Every day you wait makes it worse, and the IRS moves much faster on these cases than regular income tax debt.

Question 6

How much will tax resolution services cost me?

Accepted Answer

Our fees depend on the complexity of your case and which resolution option we pursue. Simple cases like payment plans cost less than complex Offer in Compromise submissions that require extensive financial analysis and documentation.

We charge a consultation fee upfront, but if you engage our services, we credit 100% of that fee toward your resolution work. This means you're not paying twice—the consultation fee becomes part of your total cost.

We'll give you a clear fee structure before you commit to anything. No surprises, no hidden costs, no percentage of your tax debt. You'll know exactly what you're paying and what you're getting for that investment.

Tax Resolution Elk Lake, PA