Question 1

Can the IRS really take money directly from my paycheck in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the IRS can garnish your wages in Pennsylvania without going to court first. They only need to send you a Final Notice of Intent to Levy and wait 30 days. Once they contact your employer, they can take up to 75% of your disposable income.

Pennsylvania state law doesn't protect you from federal wage garnishments. The IRS has broad collection powers that override most state protections. However, we can stop wage garnishments by negotiating payment plans, Offers in Compromise, or other resolution options.

The key is acting quickly. Once a wage garnishment starts, it continues until your tax debt is paid in full or we negotiate a different arrangement. Don't wait—contact us immediately if you receive any levy notices.

Question 2

How much will it cost to resolve my Pennsylvania tax problems?

Accepted Answer

Our fees depend on the complexity of your case and the type of resolution needed. Simple payment plan negotiations cost less than complex Offer in Compromise cases that require extensive financial documentation and IRS negotiations.

We provide paid consultations that are 100% credited toward your resolution fee if you decide to hire us. This means you get expert advice upfront, and if we take your case, the consultation cost goes toward your total fee.

Most clients find our fees are a fraction of what they owe in taxes, penalties, and interest. When we can eliminate tax debt entirely or reduce it significantly, the savings far exceed our costs. We'll give you a clear fee structure upfront—no surprises, no hidden costs.

Question 3

What's the difference between an Offer in Compromise and a payment plan?

Accepted Answer

An Offer in Compromise lets you settle your tax debt for less than you owe—sometimes significantly less. You make a lump sum payment or short-term payments, and the IRS forgives the remaining debt. However, you must prove you can't pay the full amount due to financial hardship.

A payment plan spreads your full tax debt over time with monthly payments. You still owe the entire amount plus interest, but you avoid collection actions like wage garnishments and bank levies while making payments.

Offers in Compromise are harder to qualify for but provide much greater savings. Payment plans are easier to get approved but cost more long-term. We analyze your financial situation to determine which option gives you the best outcome.

Question 4

Can you help with Pennsylvania state tax problems too?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Pennsylvania has its own collection powers and can be just as aggressive as the IRS. The state can garnish wages, levy bank accounts, and place liens on property for unpaid income taxes, earned income taxes, and other state obligations.

Pennsylvania's tax system is particularly complex with multiple local taxes that vary by municipality. Pocono area residents deal with earned income tax, local service tax, and various municipal taxes that can create compliance issues.

We handle both federal and Pennsylvania state tax problems. Our local expertise means we understand Pennsylvania's unique tax requirements and collection procedures. We can negotiate with both the IRS and Pennsylvania Department of Revenue simultaneously to resolve all your tax problems at once.

Question 5

How long does tax resolution typically take in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Simple cases like payment plan agreements can be resolved in 30-60 days. More complex cases involving Offers in Compromise or penalty abatement can take 6-12 months or longer, depending on IRS processing times and case complexity.

Pennsylvania state cases often move faster than federal cases, but timing varies based on the type of resolution and your specific circumstances. Emergency situations like wage garnishments or bank levies get priority handling and can often be resolved within days.

We keep you informed throughout the process and provide realistic timelines upfront. While we can't control IRS processing times, we can ensure your case moves as quickly as possible by submitting complete, accurate documentation and following up aggressively on your behalf.

Question 6

What happens if I ignore IRS notices and collection letters?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring IRS notices makes everything worse. The IRS has extensive collection powers and will use them. They can garnish your wages, levy your bank accounts, seize your property, and place liens that destroy your credit.

Each notice you ignore moves you closer to aggressive collection action. The IRS follows a predictable sequence: assessment, demand for payment, final notice, and then collection action. Once they reach the collection phase, your options become more limited and expensive.

Pennsylvania residents who ignore tax problems often face both federal and state collection actions simultaneously. The state can be just as aggressive as the IRS. The longer you wait, the more penalties and interest accumulate, making resolution more difficult and expensive. Contact us immediately—even if you've been ignoring notices for months or years.

Tax Resolution Pocono Playhouse, PA