Question 1

How quickly can you stop IRS wage garnishments in High Lake, PA?

Accepted Answer

We can typically halt wage garnishments within 24-48 hours of taking your case. The key is immediate action - we contact the IRS directly to request a Collection Due Process hearing or negotiate an immediate release based on financial hardship.Pennsylvania law provides additional protections for certain income types, and we leverage both federal and state regulations to protect your wages. The sooner you contact us after receiving garnishment notices, the more options we have available.Don't wait until your next paycheck is affected. Once we're representing you, the IRS must work through us rather than continuing direct collection actions against you.

Question 2

What's the difference between IRS payment plans and Offers in Compromise?

Accepted Answer

Payment plans spread your full tax debt over time - you pay everything you owe plus interest, but in manageable monthly amounts. The IRS offers various installment agreements, from short-term (120 days) to long-term (up to 72 months) depending on how much you owe.An Offer in Compromise actually reduces your total debt - you pay less than the full amount owed and the IRS forgives the rest. However, qualification is strict. The IRS must believe the offered amount represents the most they can reasonably collect from you.We analyze your financial situation to determine which option provides the best outcome. Sometimes a payment plan makes more sense; other times an OIC is worth pursuing. Pennsylvania residents often benefit from combining these strategies with state tax resolution efforts.

Question 3

Can you help with Pennsylvania state tax problems too?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Pennsylvania's Department of Revenue has become increasingly aggressive in recent years, and their collection procedures can be just as problematic as federal issues. We handle both simultaneously to ensure comprehensive resolution.Pennsylvania offers some unique programs, including tax forgiveness for qualifying low-income residents and specific relief options for inheritance tax problems. We understand how Pennsylvania's flat 3.07% income tax rate affects different income levels and can structure solutions accordingly.State tax liens can be just as damaging as federal liens to your credit and property ownership. We negotiate with Pennsylvania's Office of Taxpayers' Rights Advocate when necessary and ensure both federal and state issues are resolved together.

Question 4

How do I know if I qualify for Currently Not Collectible status?

Accepted Answer

Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status applies when paying your tax debt would prevent you from meeting basic living expenses - housing, food, utilities, transportation, and medical care. The IRS uses national and local expense standards to determine qualification.In Pennsylvania, we consider your housing costs, which average higher than many states due to property tax burdens. If your necessary monthly expenses exceed your income, or if paying the IRS would drop you below allowable living expense levels, you may qualify for CNC status.CNC doesn't eliminate your debt, but it stops collection actions while your financial situation improves. Interest continues accruing, but you get relief from garnishments and levies. We regularly review cases to ensure you maintain qualification or transition to permanent resolution when possible.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Unfiled returns create serious problems beyond just owing money - the IRS can file substitute returns on your behalf using worst-case assumptions, often resulting in much higher tax bills than you actually owe. Pennsylvania also requires filing even if you don't owe state taxes.We start by determining which years need filing and gathering necessary documentation. Often, you're entitled to refunds for some years that can offset taxes owed for others. This is especially common in Pennsylvania where withholding may exceed your actual 3.07% flat tax obligation.The key is filing correct returns before the IRS takes enforcement action. Once we have accurate returns filed, we can pursue appropriate resolution strategies. Voluntary compliance always results in better outcomes than waiting for the IRS to force the issue.

Question 6

How much do tax resolution services cost in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Our fees depend on your case complexity, not how much you owe the IRS. Simple payment plan negotiations cost significantly less than complex Offer in Compromise cases requiring extensive financial documentation and negotiation.We provide transparent fee quotes upfront after evaluating your situation. Unlike national tax resolution mills that charge based on your debt amount, we price based on the actual work required. Most Pennsylvania residents find our fees reasonable compared to the money we save them through successful negotiations.We also offer payment plans for our services because we understand you're already facing financial challenges. The goal is getting you back on solid financial ground, not creating additional hardship through excessive professional fees.

Tax Resolution High Lake, PA