Modesto Tax Advice

There can be severe consequences to having unresolved problems with the IRS. Failing to address the matter can result in the IRS putting a levy (seize) your assets - from your paycheck or bank account(s).

There are a number of ways you can keep this from occurring. The first is called Offer in Compromise. Taxpayers have the option to settle their tax debt in full via this Congress-mandated program. The IRS can calculate an amount less than the full payment originally deemed due. Once there is an offer pending, the IRS will not levy your property. This offer can be in one of three basic forms.

The first is called a Doubt as to Liability. One makes this type of offer only when there are questions as to whether the debt is lawfully owed.

The second of these is called Doubt as to Collectability. This is the most common type of offer and what people typically think of when they think of an Offer in Compromise.

Effective Tax Administration is the third type of offer. These offers are rare, at least in terms of acceptance by the IRS. In this type of settlement, usually the taxpayer is able to make the payment, but for some reason it is determined that it would be difficult to implement payment.

The second basic way of resolving your IRS problems is a fairly well-kept secret. It is based on the fact that the IRS actually has a time limit during which they must collect their tax. This is called the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED) and is generally ten years from the date of the assessment of the tax. You can sometimes simply wait for this date.

This third method happens if the IRS determines that a taxpayer has no ability to pay. Curently Not Collectible Status is what this type of status is called. When you are in status of Currently Not Collectible, the screen number that the IRS employee looks at is 53 - hence the name. During the time you are in this status, your debt is in the hardship category and the collection statute continues to run.

The fourth alternative to handling unresolved IRS issues is to set up an installment agreement (payment plan). You are probably already with this, it is straightforward.

Another method of obtaining relief from IRS tax debt is via bankruptcy. Some of the taxes and penalties or interest levied by the IRS may be discharged in this case.

Penalty abatement is your sixth option. This is forgiveness by requesting a cancellation of penalties. The original tax debt is still owed.

The last method is Innocent Spouse Relief. Here, taxes due by a former or current spouse may be forgiven under particular circumstances.

When you have had tax issues with the IRS, you are well advised to seek professional assistance for resolving the matter.

American Tax Lawyer, Darrin T. Mish represents taxpayers all over the United States and on every inhabited continent. His many years of experience in dealing with tax problems benefit clients tremendously. For more information, visit http//americantaxlawyer.com. Darrin may be reached by calling toll free (888) 438-6474.