Question 1

How quickly can you stop my wage garnishment in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Most wage garnishments stop within 10-30 days after we file Collection Due Process rights and appropriate appeals with the IRS. The exact timing depends on your employer's payroll processing and how quickly they implement the garnishment release.We immediately file Form 12153 requesting a Collection Due Process hearing, which typically results in an automatic stay of collection actions while your case is under review. Your employer receives official IRS documentation directing them to stop the garnishment.In true emergency situations where garnishment would cause immediate financial hardship, we can contact the IRS revenue officer directly and request expedited relief within 24-48 hours. This requires demonstrating that continued garnishment would prevent you from meeting basic living expenses.

Question 2

What's the difference between tax settlement and installment agreements?

Accepted Answer

Tax settlement through Offer in Compromise means you pay significantly less than the full amount owed—sometimes pennies on the dollar. This requires proving to the IRS that collecting the full debt would create economic hardship or that there's doubt about the amount owed.Installment agreements allow you to pay the full debt over time through manageable monthly payments, typically 3-6 years. These are much easier to qualify for but don't reduce the total amount you owe, including penalties and interest.The best option depends on your specific financial situation. If your monthly expenses exceed your income, or if paying the full debt would prevent you from meeting basic living needs, you may qualify for settlement. We analyze your complete financial picture using IRS Collection Financial Standards to determine which strategy provides the best outcome.

Question 3

Can you remove tax liens from my credit report?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the removal process depends on how we resolve your underlying tax debt. If we successfully negotiate an Offer in Compromise settlement, the federal tax lien gets released within 30 days of your final payment, and we help expedite removal from your credit reports.With installment agreements, liens typically remain active until the debt is fully paid, but we can sometimes negotiate lien subordination or withdrawal in specific circumstances—especially if removing the lien helps you secure employment or housing.Once the IRS officially releases the lien, we assist with the credit bureau dispute process to ensure removal from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion reports. This process usually takes 30-60 days after the IRS releases the lien, and we follow up to ensure complete removal.

Question 4

How much does professional tax resolution cost in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Our fees depend on your case complexity and which resolution strategy we pursue. Simple installment agreement cases cost significantly less than complex Offer in Compromise cases requiring extensive financial documentation and negotiation with IRS settlement officers.We provide transparent, upfront pricing after reviewing your complete tax situation during the initial consultation. No hidden fees, surprise charges, or ongoing monthly costs. Most clients discover our professional fees are substantially less than the penalties and interest they'd accumulate by attempting DIY resolution.Many clients use their tax refunds, money saved from stopped garnishments, or funds freed up from debt reduction to pay our fees. We also offer reasonable payment plans for our services when needed, because we understand you're already dealing with financial stress.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Unfiled tax returns are often easier to resolve than most people realize, and frequently result in significantly lower debt than IRS estimates. We prepare and file all delinquent returns as part of your resolution case, usually reducing your total debt substantially from the IRS's substitute return assessments.When you don't file, the IRS creates Substitute for Return assessments that never include deductions, credits, or exemptions you're legally entitled to claim. When we prepare your actual returns with proper deductions, the debt typically drops dramatically—sometimes by 50% or more.We handle the entire process: gathering necessary tax documents from employers and financial institutions, preparing accurate returns for all missing years, and filing them with the IRS to bring you into compliance. This positions you for the best possible debt resolution outcome and prevents future collection problems.

Question 6

Will the IRS actually accept less than what I owe?

Accepted Answer

The IRS does accept reduced settlements through their Offer in Compromise program, but qualification is based on strict financial criteria regarding your ability to pay. They evaluate your current income, allowable expenses, asset equity, and future earning potential over the remaining collection period.If you genuinely cannot pay the full debt within the IRS's 10-year collection statute of limitations without creating financial hardship, you may qualify for settlement. The key is demonstrating through detailed financial analysis that full collection would prevent you from meeting basic living expenses.We thoroughly analyze your financial situation using the same Collection Financial Standards the IRS uses internally. Approximately 40% of properly prepared and submitted Offer in Compromise applications get accepted, but success depends heavily on accurate financial documentation and strategic presentation of your case.

Tax Resolution Island Plain, PA