Question 1

How Long Does Tax Resolution Take In Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Most cases resolve within 3-6 months, depending on which program you qualify for and how responsive the IRS is with your specific case. Simple payment plans often get approved in 30-60 days when you have proper documentation.

Offers in compromise take longer because the IRS conducts a thorough financial investigation. They examine bank statements, asset valuations, income verification, and living expenses. This process typically requires 6-12 months but can result in massive debt reduction.

Currently not collectible status can be approved quickly if you meet hardship criteria. This immediately stops all collection activity while your financial situation stabilizes, giving you breathing room to get back on your feet.

Question 2

Can I Stop Wage Garnishment Immediately In Wayne County?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but timing is critical. The IRS must provide 30 days notice before starting wage garnishment, but once it begins, they can take up to 70% of your disposable income every paycheck.

We can request immediate garnishment release if it creates economic hardship. This requires demonstrating that you cannot afford basic living expenses with your remaining income after the garnishment.

Setting up an installment agreement often triggers garnishment release. The IRS frequently stops garnishments when you enter a payment plan, even if your monthly payment is less than what they were garnishing from your wages.

Question 3

What Tax Debts Qualify For Forgiveness Programs?

Accepted Answer

Federal income tax debt qualifies for most settlement programs, including the principal tax owed plus accumulated penalties and interest. Trust fund taxes from business payroll are more challenging but not impossible to settle under certain circumstances.

The IRS evaluates your ability to pay when considering offers in compromise. If you cannot realistically pay the full debt before their collection statute expires, you may qualify for a significant settlement.

Pennsylvania state tax debt has separate resolution programs through the Department of Revenue. We often negotiate federal and state settlements simultaneously to maximize your savings and ensure both agencies accept the arrangement.

Question 4

How Much Do Tax Resolution Services Cost?

Accepted Answer

Our fees vary based on your case complexity and the services required. Simple installment agreement requests cost less than comprehensive offers in compromise that need extensive financial documentation and negotiation.

You receive a detailed written fee agreement upfront that explains exactly what you'll pay. No hidden charges or surprise bills later. Most clients save substantially more in reduced penalties, interest, and principal debt than they invest in professional representation.

We offer payment plan options for our fees when appropriate. We'd rather work with you on a reasonable payment schedule than see you struggle alone against the IRS collection machine.

Question 5

What Happens If I Owe Both Federal And Pennsylvania State Taxes?

Accepted Answer

We resolve both simultaneously to prevent conflicts between agencies. Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has independent collection authority but sometimes coordinates with federal actions. Comprehensive resolution prevents one agency from undermining another's payment agreement.

State tax liens damage your credit and property ownership just like federal liens. Pennsylvania can garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, and seize assets. The advantage is that state agencies are often more flexible in settlement negotiations than federal collectors.

Local earned income tax debt through collection agencies like Berkheimer adds another complication. We coordinate with all involved parties - federal, state, and local - to create one unified resolution strategy that addresses every aspect of your tax debt.

Question 6

Will Tax Resolution Hurt My Credit Score?

Accepted Answer

Tax liens no longer appear on credit reports since major credit bureaus stopped reporting them in 2017. However, unpaid tax debt damages your credit indirectly through wage garnishments and bank account seizures that affect your financial stability.

Resolving tax debt actually improves your credit by eliminating collection actions that disrupt your finances. Payment plans keep you current with tax obligations, preventing future liens and levies that could impact your credit indirectly.

If you already have recorded tax liens, we can often get them released or withdrawn after debt resolution. A withdrawn lien gets completely removed from public records, as if it never existed, protecting your property ownership and creditworthiness.

Tax Resolution Pleasant Mount, PA