Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, the IRS can garnish your wages without going to court first. They'll send notices to you and your employer, then start taking up to 25% of your disposable income - sometimes more depending on your filing status and dependents.

The good news is we can often stop wage garnishments quickly by negotiating a payment plan or other resolution with the IRS. Once we establish representation, we can usually get collection actions paused while we work out a solution that works for everyone.

Many Westfall residents don't realize they have options even after garnishment starts. We've stopped garnishments for clients who thought it was too late, so don't assume your situation is hopeless just because the IRS has already started taking your money.

Question 2

How much does tax resolution cost in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Most tax resolution cases in Pennsylvania cost between $2,500 and $5,000 depending on complexity and the amount owed. We provide completely upfront pricing after reviewing your situation, so you'll know exactly what to expect before we start.

The investment almost always pays for itself. If we can reduce your tax debt by $15,000 through an Offer in Compromise, or stop a wage garnishment that was taking $800 per month, the savings far exceed our fees within just a few months.

We also offer payment plans for our services, so you don't need to pay everything upfront. The key is stopping the bleeding first - protecting your wages and bank accounts - then working out the financial details as we go.

Question 3

What is Pennsylvania Tax Forgiveness and do I qualify?

Accepted Answer

Pennsylvania Tax Forgiveness can eliminate your entire state income tax liability if your income falls below certain thresholds based on family size and marital status. Many Pike County residents qualify but never apply because they don't know about it.

To qualify, you need to file a PA-40 return and complete Schedule SP. The program considers your total household income, including nontaxable sources like Social Security and unemployment, against the eligibility tables published by the state.

If you qualify for 100% forgiveness, you can even stop having Pennsylvania taxes withheld from your paycheck going forward. We help clients apply for this program as part of comprehensive tax resolution - it's often overlooked money left on the table.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, through the IRS Offer in Compromise program, we can often settle tax debts for a fraction of what's owed. The IRS accepts about 26% of applications nationally, but experienced professionals like us have much higher acceptance rates because we know what works.

The key is proving you either can't pay the full amount, paying it would create financial hardship, or there are legitimate doubts about what you actually owe. We analyze your complete financial picture to determine if you're a good candidate before moving forward.

Even if you don't qualify for an Offer in Compromise, we can usually negotiate significant penalty reductions, favorable payment plans, or Currently Not Collectible status to provide immediate relief while protecting your assets.

Question 5

How long does tax resolution take in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Simple payment plans can often be established within 30-60 days. More complex resolutions like Offers in Compromise typically take 6-12 months to complete, though we can usually stop collection actions like garnishments and levies much sooner.

The timeline depends on your specific situation, how much you owe, and which resolution strategy works best for your circumstances. Pennsylvania state tax issues often resolve faster than federal cases because the state has fewer bureaucratic layers.

What's important is that we can provide immediate relief from collection actions while working toward a permanent solution. You don't have to wait months to get protection from garnishments and levies - that happens right away.

Question 6

What happens if I haven't filed tax returns for several years?

Accepted Answer

Unfiled returns create serious problems because the IRS can file substitute returns that often show much higher tax liability than you actually owe. They use worst-case assumptions and don't include deductions or credits you're entitled to claim.

We prepare and file all missing returns as part of the resolution process. Often, properly prepared returns show you owe much less than the IRS calculated, or sometimes even result in refunds that can offset other tax years.

The key is getting compliant quickly while negotiating the best possible resolution for any taxes you do owe. Waiting only makes the problem worse as penalties and interest continue to compound monthly - but it's never too late to fix the situation properly.

Tax Resolution Westfall, PA