Question 1

How quickly can you stop the IRS from garnishing my wages?

Accepted Answer

We can usually halt wage garnishments within 24-48 hours of becoming your authorized representative. The key is immediate action—once we file the proper paperwork with the IRS, they're required to stop collection activities while we negotiate your case.

However, timing matters. If you wait until the day before your employer starts withholding money, we might not be able to stop that first garnishment. The earlier you contact us after receiving IRS notices, the more options we have to protect your income.

We've stopped garnishments on the same day for clients who called us early enough in the process. Don't wait to see if the IRS is serious about their threats—they always are.

Question 2

Can you really reduce what I owe to the IRS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it depends entirely on your financial situation. The IRS has specific programs like Offer in Compromise that allow qualified taxpayers to settle their debt for less than the full amount owed. The key word is "qualified"—not everyone meets the strict criteria.

We analyze your income, expenses, assets, and future earning potential to determine if you qualify for debt reduction programs. If you do qualify, we prepare a comprehensive offer that demonstrates why accepting less money now is better for the IRS than trying to collect the full amount over time.

For taxpayers who don't qualify for settlement programs, we focus on removing penalties and interest charges, which can often reduce your total debt by thousands of dollars. Every case is different, which is why we provide honest assessment during your consultation.

Question 3

What happens if I can't afford to pay anything right now?

Accepted Answer

The IRS has a status called "Currently Not Collectible" for taxpayers experiencing genuine financial hardship. If your monthly expenses equal or exceed your income, you may qualify to have collection activities suspended until your financial situation improves.

Being placed in Currently Not Collectible status stops wage garnishments, bank levies, and other collection actions. However, your tax debt doesn't disappear—it continues to accrue interest, and the IRS reviews your status annually to see if your situation has changed.

This option works best as temporary relief while you get back on your feet financially. We help you understand what information the IRS needs to approve hardship status and how to maintain compliance while you're in the program.

Question 4

How much do tax resolution services cost in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Our fees depend on the complexity of your case and which resolution options we pursue. Simple payment plan negotiations cost less than complex offers in compromise that require extensive financial documentation and negotiation.

We provide transparent pricing during your consultation after reviewing your specific situation. No surprise fees or charges that weren't discussed upfront. Most clients find our fees are a fraction of what they save through reduced penalties, interest, and negotiated settlements.

Many clients are surprised to learn they can afford professional help. When you consider the cost of continued penalties and interest, plus the stress and time involved in dealing with the IRS yourself, professional representation often pays for itself.

Question 5

Will working with you hurt my credit score?

Accepted Answer

Tax resolution services don't directly impact your credit score. However, the underlying tax problems might already be affecting your credit if the IRS has filed tax liens against you.

One of the benefits of successful tax resolution is getting tax liens released, which can actually improve your credit score over time. When we negotiate payment agreements or offers in compromise, we also work to get existing liens withdrawn when possible.

The IRS reports tax liens to credit bureaus, but they don't report payment agreements or other resolution arrangements. This means resolving your tax debt can help your credit situation rather than hurt it, especially if we can get liens removed as part of your settlement.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Unfiled returns are actually more serious than owing money on filed returns. The IRS can file substitute returns for you using only the income information they have, which usually results in higher taxes owed because you don't get credit for deductions and exemptions.

We help you get compliant by preparing and filing all missing returns before negotiating any resolution of your tax debt. This often reduces the total amount you owe because we can claim all the deductions and credits you're entitled to receive.

The IRS typically requires current compliance before approving payment plans or settlement offers. This means you need to be caught up on filing returns and making current year tax payments. We handle the entire compliance process to get you in good standing as quickly as possible.

Tax Resolution Hollisterville, PA