Question 1

How quickly can you stop the IRS from garnishing my wages?

Accepted Answer

We can usually stop wage garnishments within 24-48 hours of being retained. The key is acting fast and having the right paperwork ready to go.

Once we contact the IRS as your authorized representative, we can request an immediate hold on collection activities while we work out a resolution. This includes wage garnishments, bank levies, and asset seizures. The IRS is required to work with us instead of continuing collection actions against you directly.

However, timing matters. If you wait until the day before your employer starts withholding money, it becomes much harder. The earlier you call us, the more options we have to protect your income and assets.

Question 2

Can you really settle my tax debt for less than I owe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through the IRS Offer in Compromise program, but it's not automatic and not everyone qualifies. The IRS will only accept less than you owe if you can prove you can't pay the full amount.

We analyze your income, expenses, assets, and future earning potential to determine if you qualify. If you do, we prepare a comprehensive offer that shows the IRS why accepting less money now makes more sense than trying to collect the full amount over time.

The success rate for offers in compromise is actually quite low when people try to do it themselves. But with proper preparation and representation, your chances improve significantly. We've successfully negotiated settlements that saved clients tens of thousands of dollars.

Question 3

What happens if I can't afford to pay anything right now?

Accepted Answer

The IRS has a status called "Currently Not Collectible" for people who genuinely cannot pay anything without creating financial hardship. This stops all collection activities until your situation improves.

To qualify, we have to prove that paying the IRS would prevent you from meeting basic living expenses like housing, food, transportation, and medical care. The IRS has specific allowable expense standards that we use to build your case.

While you're in Currently Not Collectible status, the IRS can't garnish wages, levy bank accounts, or seize assets. The debt doesn't go away, but collection stops. If your financial situation improves significantly, the IRS may resume collection efforts, but for now, you get the breathing room you need.

Question 4

How much do tax resolution services cost in Thompson, PA?

Accepted Answer

Our fees depend on the complexity of your case and the amount of work required. Simple cases start around $2,500, while complex cases involving multiple years and collection actions can cost more.

We're upfront about costs during your free consultation. No surprises, no hidden fees, no ongoing monthly charges that never end. You pay for the work required to resolve your case, and that's it.

Most clients find that our fees are a fraction of what they save through reduced tax debt, eliminated penalties, or favorable payment plans. When you consider the cost of continued IRS collection actions, professional representation pays for itself quickly.

Question 5

Will working with you hurt my credit score?

Accepted Answer

Tax resolution work typically helps your credit score over time, not hurts it. Tax liens and levies damage your credit much more than working with a professional to resolve your tax debt.

When we successfully remove tax liens or stop collection actions, your credit score often improves. Payment plans and settlements show that you're taking responsibility for your debts, which credit agencies view more favorably than ongoing IRS problems.

The IRS reports tax liens to credit agencies, but they don't report payment plans or settlements. So getting into a manageable payment plan actually removes the negative credit impact while keeping you compliant with the IRS.

Question 6

How long does the tax resolution process take?

Accepted Answer

Simple cases like setting up payment plans can be resolved in 30-60 days. Complex cases involving offers in compromise or multiple tax years can take 6-12 months or longer.

The timeline depends on several factors: how quickly you provide required documentation, how backlogged the IRS is, and what type of resolution we're pursuing. Offers in compromise take the longest because the IRS thoroughly investigates your financial situation.

What's important is that we typically stop collection actions within the first few days, giving you immediate relief while we work on the permanent solution. You're protected throughout the process, not just at the end.

Tax Resolution Thompson, PA