Question 1

Can the IRS really take my entire paycheck if I owe back taxes?

Accepted Answer

Not your entire paycheck, but they can take most of it. The IRS leaves you with a minimal amount based on your filing status and dependents—often just enough to barely cover basic living expenses.

For a single person in Pennsylvania, that might mean keeping only $1,000-$1,500 per month while the rest goes to the IRS. If you're married with children, you'll keep more, but it's still usually not enough to maintain your current lifestyle.

The good news is that wage garnishments can be stopped. We can negotiate a release if you enter into a payment plan or qualify for other relief programs. But time matters—the longer you wait, the more they take.

Question 2

What's the difference between a tax lien and a tax levy in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

A tax lien is a legal claim against your property—it's the government's way of saying "we have first rights to anything you own." In Ross Township, this affects your ability to sell your home, refinance, or even get approved for credit cards.

A tax levy is when they actually take your stuff. Bank levies empty your accounts. Wage levies take your paycheck. Asset seizures can take your car, your house, or your business equipment.

Pennsylvania files both federal and state liens, so you might be dealing with multiple claims against your property. The key is addressing this before levies start, because once they begin taking your assets, you're in crisis mode rather than resolution mode.

Question 3

How long does it take to resolve tax problems with the IRS?

Accepted Answer

Simple payment plans can be approved in 30-60 days. More complex cases like Offers in Compromise typically take 6-12 months, sometimes longer if the IRS requests additional documentation.

The timeline depends on what you're trying to accomplish and how quickly you respond to IRS requests. If you're just setting up an installment agreement, that's relatively fast. If you're trying to settle your debt for pennies on the dollar, expect a longer process.

Here's what matters most: we can usually stop collection actions within days of taking your case. So even if the final resolution takes months, you get immediate relief from garnishments and levies while we work on the permanent solution.

Question 4

Do I qualify for an Offer in Compromise to settle my tax debt?

Accepted Answer

Most people don't qualify, but those who do can save tens of thousands of dollars. The IRS looks at your ability to pay based on your income, expenses, and assets. If you can't realistically pay the full amount you owe over the remaining collection period, you might qualify.

In Pennsylvania, we also have to consider state tax debt, which has different rules than federal. You might qualify for federal relief but not state relief, or vice versa.

The qualification process is complex and involves detailed financial disclosure. The IRS wants to see bank statements, pay stubs, asset valuations, and expense documentation. If you qualify and they accept your offer, you're done—the remaining debt is forgiven.

Question 5

What happens if I just ignore my tax problems and hope they go away?

Accepted Answer

They don't go away. In Pennsylvania, there's no statute of limitations on tax collection, so your debt will follow you indefinitely. Meanwhile, penalties and interest keep adding up at 8% per month on state taxes and similar rates on federal debt.

The IRS has extraordinary collection powers. They can seize your bank accounts, garnish your wages, place liens on your property, and even take your house or car. They don't need to sue you first—they can just take your stuff.

The longer you wait, the more expensive resolution becomes. A $10,000 tax debt can easily become $20,000 or more with penalties and interest. Problems that could be resolved with a simple payment plan early on might require more drastic measures later.

Question 6

How much does professional tax resolution help cost in Ross, PA?

Accepted Answer

Our fees depend on the complexity of your case and what needs to be done. Simple cases might cost $2,000-$3,000. Complex cases involving multiple years, unfiled returns, or Offers in Compromise typically run $3,000-$5,000.

Here's how to think about it: if you owe $50,000 in taxes and we can get that reduced to $10,000 through an Offer in Compromise, you've saved $40,000. Even after paying our fee, you're significantly ahead.

We offer free consultations to Ross residents because we want you to understand your options before making any financial commitments. During that consultation, we'll give you a clear picture of what resolution will cost and what you can expect to achieve.

Tax Resolution Ross, PA