Question 1

How long does tax resolution take in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

The timeline depends on your specific situation and which resolution option works best for you. Simple installment agreements can often be set up within 30-60 days, while Offers in Compromise typically take 6-12 months for the IRS to review and approve.

In Pennsylvania, the state has its own timeline requirements. For PA tax debt, you get a 6-month appeal period, then 6 months to pay through a Deferred Payment Plan with 20% down and the balance split over 5 months. We work within these deadlines to protect your interests and get the best possible outcome.

The key is starting the process immediately. Every day you wait, interest and penalties continue to accrue, and your options may become more limited.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, through the IRS Offer in Compromise program, but you have to qualify based on your financial situation. The IRS will only accept an offer when it represents the most they can reasonably expect to collect from you within a reasonable time period.

We analyze your income, expenses, assets, and future earning potential to determine if you qualify and what amount the IRS might accept. About 26% of all offers are accepted nationwide, but experienced professionals have much higher success rates because we know how to properly prepare and present cases.

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue also has a compromise program, though it's more restrictive and focuses on cases involving doubt about the liability or effective tax administration rather than just inability to pay.

Question 3

What happens if the IRS has already levied my bank account?

Accepted Answer

You typically have 21 days from when the bank receives the levy notice to take action before they send your money to the IRS. During this time, we can request a levy release and work to get your funds returned if you qualify.

Even if the 21 days have passed, we can still request an Asset Levy Release in certain circumstances. The key is demonstrating that the levy is causing economic hardship or that you've entered into a payment arrangement that makes the levy unnecessary.

For Wayne County residents, we understand the local banking relationships and can often work quickly with area banks to minimize the disruption to your business or personal finances while we negotiate your release.

Question 4

Do I need a lawyer for tax resolution?

Accepted Answer

You don't necessarily need a lawyer, but you do need someone who understands IRS procedures and has experience negotiating with tax authorities. Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys all have the legal right to represent you before the IRS.

The advantage of professional representation is that we know the system, the forms, the deadlines, and the negotiation strategies that work. We also serve as a buffer between you and the IRS - all communication goes through us, which reduces your stress and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

For complex cases involving criminal issues, significant assets, or business tax problems, attorney representation may be specifically recommended. But for most individual tax debt situations, experienced tax resolution professionals can achieve excellent results.

Question 5

How much does tax resolution cost?

Accepted Answer

Our fees depend on the complexity of your case and which services you need. We provide a consultation to review your situation and give you a clear understanding of costs upfront - no surprises or hidden fees.

If you decide to move forward, we credit 100% of your consultation fee toward your resolution work. This means the consultation essentially costs nothing if you engage our services. We believe in transparency about costs so you can make informed decisions about your financial future.

Most clients find that our fees are a fraction of what they save through successful tax resolution. When we can settle a $50,000 tax debt for $5,000, or stop penalties and interest from continuing to accrue, the return on investment is substantial.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Unfiled returns actually make your tax situation worse and limit your resolution options. The IRS can file substitute returns for you based on information from employers and banks, and these almost always result in higher tax bills than if you filed yourself.

We help you get caught up on all unfiled returns as part of the resolution process. This involves gathering your tax documents, preparing accurate returns, and filing them properly. Once your filings are current, we can then pursue the appropriate resolution strategy for your total tax debt.

The good news is that getting compliant with filing requirements often reveals deductions and credits you're entitled to, which can significantly reduce your overall tax liability. It's not uncommon for clients to discover they owe much less than they feared once proper returns are filed.

Tax Resolution Girdland, PA