Question 1

How long does tax resolution take in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Most tax resolution cases take between 3-6 months to complete, but this depends entirely on your specific situation and which resolution option works best for you. Simple payment plans can often be arranged within 30-60 days.

Pennsylvania cases sometimes move faster than federal cases because the state is more aggressive about collection. This can actually work in your favor—when we negotiate with Pennsylvania, they're often more willing to accept reasonable settlement offers to close cases quickly.

The key is starting the tax debt relief process before collection actions escalate. Once we're representing you, we can usually get immediate protection from levies and garnishments while we work out the details of your resolution.

Question 2

Can you stop IRS wage garnishment immediately?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Once we submit proper representation paperwork and begin negotiating your case, we can often get wage garnishments released or reduced while we work out a permanent tax relief solution.

The IRS is required to leave you enough money to cover basic living expenses, but their definition of "basic" might not match yours. We know how to calculate and negotiate for reasonable living expense allowances that reflect your actual situation in Lathrop.

For Pennsylvania wage garnishments, the process is similar but sometimes moves even faster. The state wants to resolve cases and is often willing to release garnishments quickly when they see you're working with qualified representation to resolve the underlying tax debt.

Question 3

What's the difference between tax liens and tax levies?

Accepted Answer

A tax lien is the government's legal claim against your property—it's like putting their name on the title to your house or car. A tax levy is when they actually take your property, freeze your bank account, or garnish your wages.

Liens hurt your credit and make it nearly impossible to sell property or get loans. Levies hurt your daily life by taking your money and assets. Both can be devastating, but they're handled differently in our tax resolution services.

We can negotiate lien releases and withdrawals as part of your overall resolution. For levies, we focus on immediate release while working out payment arrangements or other tax relief options. The key is acting fast—once the IRS or Pennsylvania starts the levy process, your options become more limited.

Question 4

Do I qualify for an Offer in Compromise?

Accepted Answer

Most people don't qualify for the heavily advertised "pennies on the dollar" settlements you see on TV, but that doesn't mean you don't have good tax forgiveness options. The IRS only accepts about 33% of Offer in Compromise applications, and they have strict financial criteria.

To qualify, you generally need to prove you can't pay the full amount without creating financial hardship, or that there's doubt about whether you actually owe the full amount. The IRS looks at your income, expenses, assets, and future earning potential.

Even if you don't qualify for an Offer in Compromise, we can often negotiate payment plans with reduced penalties, currently not collectible status if you're facing genuine hardship, or other tax debt relief strategies that work better for your specific situation.

Question 5

How much do tax resolution services cost?

Accepted Answer

Our fees depend on the complexity of your case and which tax relief services you need. We offer consultations to review your situation and explain your options before you commit to anything.

Most tax resolution cases cost significantly less than what you'd pay in continued penalties, interest, and collection actions if you try to handle it yourself. We've seen people pay thousands in additional penalties while trying to negotiate with the IRS on their own.

The key is getting professional help before your situation gets worse. Early intervention almost always costs less than waiting until the IRS or Pennsylvania starts seizing assets or garnishing wages. We'll give you a clear fee structure upfront so you know exactly what to expect.

Question 6

Can you help with both IRS and Pennsylvania state tax problems?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. In fact, this is one of our strengths in tax resolution services. Many companies only handle federal issues, but Pennsylvania state tax problems can be just as serious—and they often move faster than IRS cases.

Pennsylvania's Department of Revenue is aggressive about collection and frequently uses private collection agencies. They can garnish wages, levy bank accounts, and file liens just like the IRS, but their process often moves quicker with fewer notices.

Having both state and federal tax problems means you're dealing with two separate agencies that don't coordinate with each other. Resolving one doesn't stop the other. We handle both simultaneously, which saves you time, stress, and usually money compared to dealing with them separately through different tax debt relief providers.

Tax Resolution Lathrop, PA