Question 1

How much does tax resolution cost in Hamilton, PA?

Accepted Answer

The cost depends on your specific situation and which resolution option works best for you. We provide consultations to review your case and explain all costs upfront before you commit to anything.

If you decide to move forward with our services, we credit 100% of your consultation fee toward your resolution work. Most clients find that our fees are a fraction of what they save through the resolution process. For example, if we settle a $50,000 tax debt for $8,000 through an Offer in Compromise, you've saved $42,000 minus our fees.

We don't charge upfront fees for services you don't need, and we don't use high-pressure sales tactics. You'll know exactly what you're paying and what you're getting before we start.

Question 2

Can the IRS really take my house or garnish my wages?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they absolutely can and will. The IRS has more collection power than almost any other creditor. They can seize your home, garnish your wages, levy your bank accounts, and take other assets without going to court first.

However, they usually follow a process. You'll typically receive multiple notices before they take aggressive collection action. The key is acting before they start seizing assets, not after. Once a levy is in place, it's much harder and more expensive to resolve.

That's why timing matters. If you're getting IRS notices, don't ignore them hoping they'll go away. They won't. But if you address the problem quickly, you have many more options available and can often prevent collection actions from starting.

Question 3

What is an Offer in Compromise and do I qualify?

Accepted Answer

An Offer in Compromise lets you settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. It's not automatic - the IRS has to accept your offer based on your ability to pay, income, expenses, and asset equity.

The IRS looks at what they could realistically collect from you over time versus what you're offering to pay now. If your offer is equal to or more than their collection potential, they'll typically accept it. Most people who qualify can settle their debt for 10-20% of what they originally owed.

Not everyone qualifies. If you have significant assets or high income relative to your debt, the IRS will expect full payment. But if you're struggling financially and the debt is more than you could reasonably pay over time, an Offer in Compromise might be your best option. We can determine your eligibility during your consultation.

Question 4

How long does the tax resolution process take in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which resolution option we pursue and how quickly the IRS responds. Simple Installment Agreements can be set up in 30-60 days. Offers in Compromise typically take 6-12 months for the IRS to review and approve.

Currently Not Collectible status can be granted relatively quickly if you clearly qualify. Penalty abatement requests usually get responses within 2-3 months. The key is having all your documentation organized and submitting everything correctly the first time.

Pennsylvania state tax issues often resolve faster than federal cases. The PA Department of Revenue is generally more willing to work with taxpayers, especially if you're making good faith efforts to resolve the problem. We handle both simultaneously to get you completely resolved as quickly as possible.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Not filing makes everything worse and more expensive. The IRS will eventually file returns for you called Substitute for Returns, and they won't include any deductions or credits you're entitled to. This means you'll owe more than you actually should.

Plus, the failure-to-file penalty is much higher than the failure-to-pay penalty. You're charged 5% of what you owe each month for not filing, versus 0.5% per month for not paying. If you can't pay what you owe, at least file the return to minimize penalties.

We can help you get caught up on unfiled returns as part of your resolution. Sometimes filing the missing returns actually reduces what you owe because you're entitled to deductions the IRS didn't give you on their substitute returns. But you need to file before we can negotiate any payment arrangements or settlements.

Question 6

Are tax resolution companies legitimate or are they scams?

Accepted Answer

Many are scams, which is why you need to be careful. Legitimate companies will never guarantee specific results, demand large upfront fees, or promise to settle your debt for "pennies on the dollar" without reviewing your financial situation first.

Red flags include companies that advertise heavily on TV, promise immediate results, or claim they can eliminate your debt completely regardless of your circumstances. The IRS doesn't just forgive tax debt because you hire someone - there are specific programs with specific qualification requirements.

We provide free consultations where we review your actual situation and explain what's realistically possible. We don't make promises we can't keep, and we don't charge you until we know exactly what we can do for you. Ask any company you're considering for references from recent clients and check their Better Business Bureau rating before you commit to anything.

Tax Resolution Hamilton, PA