Question 1

How long does tax resolution take in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Most tax resolution cases in Pennsylvania take 3-6 months to complete, though complex situations involving multiple tax years or business tax debt can take longer. The timeline depends on which resolution option works best for your situation.Offers in compromise typically take 6-12 months because the IRS thoroughly reviews your financial information. Installment agreements usually process within 30-60 days once we submit your application with proper documentation.The key is starting the process quickly. Once we contact the IRS on your behalf, collection actions typically stop while your case is under review, giving you immediate relief even before final resolution.

Question 2

Can you really reduce what I owe the IRS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it depends on your specific financial circumstances. The IRS offers several programs designed to help taxpayers who genuinely cannot pay their full tax debt, including offers in compromise and penalty abatement.An offer in compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount if you can demonstrate financial hardship. We've seen reductions of 70-90% in cases where taxpayers truly cannot afford their full debt based on their income and necessary living expenses.Penalty abatement can eliminate failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties, which often make up 25-50% of your total balance. Even if you can't qualify for an offer in compromise, removing penalties can significantly reduce what you owe.

Question 3

What happens if I ignore IRS collection notices?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring IRS notices leads to increasingly aggressive collection actions that can devastate your finances. The IRS will start with wage garnishments, taking up to 75% of your disposable income until your debt is paid.Bank levies come next, freezing your accounts and seizing available funds. The IRS can also file federal tax liens against your property, damaging your credit score and preventing you from selling or refinancing your home.In extreme cases, the IRS can seize physical assets including your car, home, or business equipment. These collection actions happen automatically once you're in the system - the IRS doesn't need court approval to garnish wages or levy bank accounts.

Question 4

How much do tax resolution services cost in Tirzah?

Accepted Answer

Tax resolution fees vary based on the complexity of your case and which services you need. Most firms charge $500-1,200 for the initial investigation and case analysis, though some companies include this in their total fee structure.Simple installment agreement setups typically cost $1,500-3,000, while complex offers in compromise can range from $3,000-7,000 depending on the amount of debt involved and the documentation required.We provide transparent fee quotes upfront so you know exactly what to expect. Many clients find that professional representation saves them far more than it costs through reduced penalties, better payment terms, and protection from costly collection actions.

Question 5

Do I need a lawyer for IRS tax problems?

Accepted Answer

While you can represent yourself with the IRS, professional representation significantly improves your chances of a favorable outcome. Tax attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents have specialized training in tax law and IRS procedures that most taxpayers lack.The IRS deals with tax professionals differently than individual taxpayers. Revenue agents know that professionals understand the system and are more likely to negotiate reasonable settlements rather than pursue maximum collection.Professional representation also protects you from making costly mistakes during the resolution process. Saying the wrong thing during an IRS interview or submitting incomplete documentation can result in rejection of your case and additional collection actions.

Question 6

Can the IRS take my house for unpaid taxes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the IRS can seize your home for unpaid taxes, though this is typically a last resort after other collection methods have failed. The process usually begins with a federal tax lien, which attaches to all your property including your house.If you continue to ignore IRS collection efforts, they can proceed with actual seizure and forced sale of your property. However, this rarely happens if you're working with the IRS to resolve your debt through payment plans or other arrangements.The key is taking action before the situation escalates. Once we establish communication with the IRS and demonstrate good faith efforts to resolve your debt, asset seizure becomes extremely unlikely. Most cases resolve through installment agreements or offers in compromise that protect your home while addressing your tax obligations.

Tax Resolution Tirzah, PA