Question 1

How long does tax resolution take in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Most cases resolve within 3-6 months, but it depends on your specific situation and which programs you qualify for. Simple payment plans can be set up in weeks. More complex cases involving offers in compromise or penalty abatements take longer because the IRS requires more documentation.

The key is starting the process quickly. Once we file the proper paperwork, collection actions typically stop while we negotiate. That means no more wage garnishments or bank levies while we work out your solution.

Question 2

Can you really reduce what I owe the IRS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but not everyone qualifies for debt reduction programs. The IRS has specific criteria for offers in compromise, penalty abatements, and hardship programs. We evaluate your income, expenses, assets, and future earning potential to determine what you're eligible for.

Many people do qualify for penalty relief, especially if they have a clean compliance history before their tax problems started. We've also helped clients get significant reductions through currently not collectible status when their financial situation genuinely prevents full payment.

The important thing is having someone who knows which programs exist and how to properly apply for them.

Question 3

What happens if I ignore my tax debt?

Accepted Answer

The IRS doesn't go away. They'll start with wage garnishments, taking up to 25% of your paycheck. Then they'll levy your bank accounts, seize assets, and place liens on your property that prevent you from selling or refinancing.

Interest and penalties keep adding up, often doubling or tripling your original debt over time. We've seen clients who owed $15,000 initially but waited so long that penalties and interest pushed it over $45,000.

The sooner you address tax debt, the more options you have and the less you'll ultimately pay. Waiting only makes everything worse and more expensive.

Question 4

How much does tax resolution cost?

Accepted Answer

Our fees depend on the complexity of your case and which services you need. Simple cases like setting up payment plans cost less than complex offers in compromise that require extensive financial documentation and negotiation.

We're transparent about costs upfront. No hidden fees or surprise charges. Most clients find that our fees are far less than what they save through penalty reductions, lower payment plans, or debt settlements we negotiate.

We also offer payment plans for our services because we understand you're already dealing with financial pressure. The goal is to solve your tax problems, not create new financial stress.

Question 5

Do I qualify for IRS tax forgiveness programs?

Accepted Answer

Several programs exist, but each has specific requirements. Offers in compromise require proving you can't pay the full amount based on your income, expenses, and assets. Currently not collectible status applies when paying would create financial hardship.

First-time penalty abatement is available if you've been compliant for the three years before your tax problems started. Innocent spouse relief helps when tax debt resulted from a spouse's actions you weren't aware of.

The only way to know what you qualify for is through a detailed review of your financial situation and tax history. That's what we do in your initial consultation.

Question 6

Will tax resolution hurt my credit score?

Accepted Answer

Tax liens used to appear on credit reports, but the major credit bureaus stopped including them in 2018. However, unpaid tax debt can still affect you indirectly through wage garnishments and bank levies that impact your ability to pay other bills.

Resolving your tax debt actually helps your overall financial situation. Once you have a payment plan or settlement in place, you can budget around it instead of worrying about surprise garnishments or levies.

Many clients find their credit improves after tax resolution because they're no longer stressed about IRS collection actions and can focus on managing their other debts properly.

Tax Resolution Maplewood, PA