Ft. Lauderdale IRS Attorney

Having unresolved problems with the IRS can lead to severe consequences. If one does not address the matter, the IRS can eventually levy (seize) assets from your paycheck or bank account(s).

There are a number of ways you can keep this from occurring. The first method we will look at is called Offer in Compromise. This is a program mandated by Congress that allows taxpayers the option of making an offer to settle their tax debt in full. The taxpayer can make an offer to 'settle for less' and the IRS would determine the amount. Your property or wages will no longer be seizable once there is an offer in place. The offer can be one of three different types.

The first is called a Doubt as to Liability. The lawfulness of the debt is what is in question here.

The second of these is called Doubt as to Collectability. Within the Offer of Compromise Category, this is the most common.

The third type of offer is called Effective Tax Administration. This type of offer is one of the most rarely accepted by the IRS. In this type of settlement, there is usually some difficulty in implementing payment.

There is a fairly well-kept secret that constitutes the second basic way to resolve IRS difficulties. There is a time limit for the collection of income tax by the IRS. The Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED) usually occurs ten years from assessment of the original tax debt. It is sometimes possible to wait for the elapse of this date.

The third way to handle IRS difficulties applies if a taxpayer has no ability to pay (according to the IRS' analysis). Currently Not Collectible is the name of the status of this situation. 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). 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 the sixth of your options. In penalty abatement, quite simply, you are asking for those to be cancelled. You still owe your original debt.

The last method is Innocent Spouse Relief. Failure of a current or former spouse to file or pay taxes can be forgiven.

When you are ready to resolve your IRS problems, you are well advised to seek professional assistance.

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.