4 Common Tax Return Mistakes
 by TaxRezPro

4 Common Tax Return Mistakes

As the tax-filing season unfolds, many taxpayers are taking the bull by the horns and doing their own taxes. Though it may seem like good news for the individual taxpayer, it’s important to watch out for common tax filing mistakes. Tax preparation software makes some errors like addition and subtraction blunders less likely, but even the best software cannot eliminate all potential problems and human error. If you are getting ready to file your tax return, be sure to take a second (or third) look before you hit send. Keep a close eye out for these 4 common tax return mistakes to ensure the IRS does not come knocking at your door.

Note: If you do get in trouble with the IRS and they claim you owe $10,000 or more, call us at 1.888.4TAXREZ or use our contact form and we’ll schedule a free, no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options in full to permanently resolve your tax problem.

That said, let’s jump into the 4 common tax return mistakes that could land you in tax trouble.

1. Transposed Numbers

If the 1099 you receive shows $6300 in income and you inadvertently enter $3600 instead, the IRS may see this as a tax dodge instead of an innocent mistake. At best, transposing numbers will slow down your refund and raise a red flag with the tax agency. At worst, it could trigger an audit or further examination of your entire return.

IRS computers are very good at comparing the figures taxpayers report to the ones they receive independently from banks, brokerage firms, and other agencies. Be sure to double-check and verify every number you enter and make sure it is right. Your tax software can tell you if your numbers do not add up, but they cannot catch transposed figures.

2. Misspelled Names

It is easy to misspell a name or transpose a Social Security number when entering dependent information, but doing so could cause real problems with your return. Be sure to double-check the names, ages, and Social Security numbers of all your children before sending your return to the IRS.

Do not assume that all of that information will be transferred from a prior year’s return.

3. Missing Social Security Numbers

It is easy to forget this vital piece of information, and doing so could delay your return and cause long-lasting problems. You may assume that your tax prep software will automatically enter your Social Security number, but that does not always happen.

Be sure to give your Social Security number (and that of your spouse) one last look before filing your return. That last-minute check could save you a world of trouble later on.

4. Not Reporting All Your Income or Taking Too Many Deductions

The IRS will likely get notified of any income you received throughout the year, and it doesn’t just include your W2 wages. It’s important to keep track of all your income and report it to the IRS correctly to avoid any problems.

It can also be tempting to click a few extra boxes and input a few made-up numbers as deductions to bring your tax liability down. DO NOT DO THIS. Just because the software lets you do this, doesn’t mean you should.

It’s not the software’s job to tell you whether or not you should be taking that extra deduction or write off, it’s the taxpayer’s job, to be honest, and file their tax returns correctly.

Need Tax Relief?

If you made a mistake on your tax return and end up on the receiving end of an IRS notice, or if you have years of un-filed tax returns don’t wait, contact us today. There is a solution to every IRS problem! Let us help you stop worrying and start living!

Contact Us Today

If you need an expert tax resolution provider who knows how to navigate the IRS maze, call us today at 1.888.4TAXREZ or use our contact form, and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem.

in Tax
Cryptocurrency And Your Taxes
 by TaxRezPro

Cryptocurrency And Your Taxes

Cryptocurrency has become an incredibly popular way to invest, but the tax side of this virtual coin can be difficult to navigate. The IRS has gone back and forth over the years on its stance on cryptocurrency, making it confusing even for the most diligent investors. So here’s what you need to know about cryptocurrency and your taxes.

In March of 2021, the IRS announced Operation Hidden Treasure to crack down on cryptocurrency reporting. If you’ve bought and/or sold cryptocurrency recently, it’s important to declare your crypto correctly on your tax forms in order to avoid fraud and evasion charges.

Here’s what you need to know about cryptocurrency and your taxes.

If you know you owe IRS back taxes on your crypto gains, it’s important to reach out to a tax resolution firm like ours that is skilled in negotiating back tax debt with the IRS. We can help you file amended returns and get you back in compliance, while potentially negotiating with the IRS on your behalf. Contact us today for a consultation.

What Is Operation Hidden Treasure?

Operation Hidden Treasure is a joint effort by the IRS Civil Office of Fraud Enforcement and its Criminal Investigation Unit. This operation is designed to search for unreported income from cryptocurrency.

Operation Hidden Treasure has trained agents to examine the blockchain in order to find signs of tax evasion. Blockchain is the digital ledger that tracks your cryptocurrency mining and transactions. The signs that IRS agents look for are marked as signatures that make it easier to detect further fraudulent activity.

Crypto users have found ways to skirt reporting requirements by sending multiple transactions under a certain dollar amount or pouring their virtual currency into shell corporations, different countries, and cold storage. The IRS is also collaborating with European law enforcement agencies to tackle international fraud.

How To Protect Your Assets

The IRS considers virtual currency to be property akin to gold, rather than money and is taxed accordingly. If your only crypto transaction this year was purchasing crypto with US dollars, then that does not need to be reported, according to the IRS FAQ on their website. However, if you sold your crypto or you traded your crypto for any goods or services, then that does need to be reported.

When you sell your crypto, keep track of its value when you purchased it, and its value when you sold it. While crypto and the IRS can both be murky subjects, your transparency is the key to protecting your financial assets from future tax audits.

Need Tax Relief?

To get ready for the upcoming tax season, it’s important to get your portfolio organized. If you have bought, sold, or traded crypto in the past year, contact a tax lawyer or a tax resolution firm like ours for advice on how to report your cryptocurrency transactions. There is a solution to every IRS problem! We help you stop worrying and start living.

There is a solution to every IRS problem!

Contact Us Today

If you need an expert tax resolution provider who knows how to navigate the IRS maze, call us today at 1.888.4TAXREZ or use our contact form, and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem.

in Tax
Tips for Making Self Employment Less Taxing
 by TaxRezPro

Tips for Making Self Employment Less Taxing

As more people open their own businesses, freelance, and use gig work for income, here are tips for making self employment less taxing. A growing number of people are voting with their skills and leaving the world of traditional employment behind. These are folks who are opening small businesses, embracing freelancing, and using gig work to make a great income.

As this trend continues, many newly self-employed individuals are finding themselves at a loss, especially when tax season rolls around. Getting blindsided by a huge tax bill after working so hard all year is one of the worst feelings in the world.

Traditional employees can rely on their employers to withhold taxes and report their earnings to the IRS, but self-employed individuals must do these things themselves. To make matters worse, the self-employed often pay higher taxes than their traditionally employed counterparts, leaving them short of the cash they need when tax deadlines roll around. If you get blindsided by a tax bill of more than $10k to the IRS or state but can’t pay in full, call 1.888.4TAXREZ or use our contact form. We help people find tax relief.

Here are a few tips for making self-employment less taxing:

Set up a business bank account

The self-employed need to keep their personal and business activities separate, and the best way to do that is with a business bank account. A basic business checking or savings account will make it easier to track your income and expenses, making tax season easier and less costly.

Open a business credit card account

Having a separate credit card in the name of your business will give you an easy way to pay expenses applicable to your self-employment income. This can make expense tracking, reporting, and tax filing a lot easier.

Avoid underpayment penalties by making quarterly payments

When you work a traditional job your employer is responsible for accurate tax withholding, but the self-employed are not so lucky. As a self-employed individual you are responsible for paying your taxes on a timely basis, and failing to do so could trigger costly penalties and interest. Making quarterly payments to the IRS and state is the best way to avoid those expensive repercussions.

Track expenses throughout the year, not just at tax time

If you wait until the tax deadline to add up your expenses, you could miss deductions that would have otherwise reduced the amount you owe. It is important to keep track of expenses when they are incurred to prevent this underreporting.

Research retirement plans for the self-employed

The self-employed have access to some exceptionally generous retirement plans, including solo 401(k) plans and SEP-IRAs. These accounts can sharply reduce the amount of taxes you pay, so do your homework and choose the one that is right for you.

Have your taxes reviewed by a qualified tax professional

When your taxes are simple, doing them yourself is pretty easy. When you’re self-employed, tax software makes filing taxes easy, but that simplicity could cost you. Even if you are confident in your abilities, it never hurts to have your work reviewed by a CPA or enrolled agent. This can save you a lot of money.

There is a lot to love about self-employment, from the chance to work at home to the opportunity to live life on your terms. There is no doubt that being self-employed can be a taxing experience. This is why it is important to plan carefully from the start. The tips listed above can help you reduce your taxes, allowing you to keep more of the money you’ve worked hard for.

Do you owe back taxes?

Many taxpayers fall behind on their taxes for years on end after getting blindsided by a big tax bill every year. It’s okay if that’s you, we are here to help you stop worrying and start living.

There is a solution to every IRS problem!

If you need an expert tax resolution provider who knows how to navigate the IRS maze, call us today at 1.888.4TAXREZ or use our contact form, and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem.

in Tax
3 Steps to Tax Filing Success
 by TaxRezPro

3 Steps to Tax Filing Success

If you are a member of the gig economy, you are not alone. Millions of others have made the same choice, voting with their feet and their time and left the world of traditional employment. As a member of the gig economy, you have a lot to look forward to, but tax season is probably not one of them. Tax deadlines are a stressful day for everyone, but gig workers face some additional challenges their traditionally employed counterparts do not. Faced with these issues, it’s important to tackle the problem head-on. Here are 3 steps to tax filing success.

Note: It’s not uncommon for gig workers to find themselves behind on their taxes. If you find yourself in tax debt, owe back taxes, or are under audit, our firm can help negotiate with the IRS and potentially settle your tax debt.

As a tax resolution firm, we always recommend that you reach out to a professional who knows how to aggressively negotiate and defend you against the IRS on your behalf. Call us today. Our tax resolution specialists can navigate the IRS maze so that you have nothing to worry about. That said, let’s jump into the 3 steps.

Step 1 — Start As Early As Possible

The first of 3 steps to tax filing success; it’s always a good idea to start your tax planning early! It’s even more critical when you are self-employed or a member of the gig economy. If you are used to getting your taxes done in an afternoon, you have a serious wake-up call in front of you. If you do not start early, you might not finish on time.

Keep in mind that you may not be able to file early, as it likely will take some time to wrap your head around the complicated tax laws, find the right tax professional, research deductions and ensure that all your income numbers are correct. That does not mean, however, that you cannot start early. Taking initiative early is sure to make your life less stressful when the tax filing deadline rolls around.

Step 2 – Make Sure You Are Accounting for All Your Income

It’s easy to overlook some of your income when you are self-employed, especially if you are juggling multiple clients and doing possibly hundreds of different gigs. If you let something slip through the cracks, however, the IRS is likely to call you on it — and hand you a big tax bill for their trouble.

As you get ready to file your taxes, take the time to add up all your income across many different sources, including gig work, freelancing, consulting work, and anything else that brought in money in the year just past. You might even want to cross-reference that income against other sources such as bank deposits and payments by payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, and others. This final step could help you uncover income you might otherwise have missed.

Step 3 – Review Your Possible Deductions

The bad news is that being a member of the gig economy can cause some tax headaches but there is good news as well. As a gig worker or self-employed individual, you have access to some lucrative tax deductions, and now is the time to review and claim them.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to write off things like the amount you pay for internet access, phone service, and office supplies, and those deductions could lower the amount of income subject to the self-employment tax, an important consideration for gig workers and their families.

If you maintain a dedicated space for conducting business in your home, you may be able to take the home office deduction, but it is important to know and follow all the rules. Doing this wrong can trigger a nasty letter from the IRS. These rules can be complicated, and that brings up one final piece of advice.

Welcome to The Gig

When you work for a traditional employer, your tax filing needs are pretty simple. Your employer sends you a W2 at the beginning of each year, and you simply report the amount you made and how much you paid in taxes. From there, it’s simply a matter of math, and in no time your taxes are done.

Your life and your tax situation are far more complicated when gig work and self-employment income are involved. Even if you have been comfortable doing your taxes up to now, your first year of gig work might also be the first time you reach out for help.

The gig economy is going strong, and this fast-growing segment of the economy is showing no signs of slowing down. If you have been working in this economy, you have enjoyed the freedom and flexibility inherent in the business model, but now it’s time to pay the piper — and the IRS. The three-step plan laid out above can make tax time at least a little easier, so you can get on with the rest of your life.

Owe Back Taxes?

That were just 3 steps to tax filing success. If you find yourself a large surprise tax bill or a collection notice from the IRS, the steps you take next are absolutely critical. Trying to take on the IRS on your own is a dangerous and potentially expensive, thing to do, and you should always contact a tax resolution firm.

By working with an expert, you can gain access to vital information about small business settlement programs the IRS offers. You can gain access to the expertise you will need to settle your tax bill for less than you owe and get back in the good graces of the IRS. Time is of the essence when the IRS comes calling, and with the interest and penalty clock ticking you do not have one second to waste.

There is a solution to every IRS problem!

Contact Us Today

If you need an expert tax resolution provider who knows how to navigate the IRS maze, call us today at 1.888.4TAXREZ or use our contact form, and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem.

in Tax
What Should I Do if the IRS Calls?
 by TaxRezPro

What Should I Do if the IRS Calls?

What Should I Do if the IRS Calls?

There are a number of things you can do to help things go smoothly when dealing with the IRS and representatives:

Remain friendly

Being confrontational will make the IRS agent less likely to work with you on a tax resolution or be helpful. Remember that the IRS holds all of the power in this situation; you cannot scare or coerce them into taking your side.

Be patient

The IRS can be very repetitive and detail-oriented which can become tiresome and frustrating to many people. But, it is a necessary part of the tax resolution process; complaining will not help your case.

Change-of-address

If you have moved, notify the IRS by filling out their change-of-address form (IRS Form 8822). This will ensure that you get important notices on time and help keep you from missing deadlines.

Always respond to notices or letters from the IRS

Respond promptly but only after you are certain you understand what the letter means and what is being asked for.

Ask for the name and ID number of any IRS employee who calls you

To be safe it is best to check and make sure that you are actually dealing with a real IRS employee and not give any detailed information until you confirm that the call is legitimate.

Stay Calm

It is understandable that you might be fearful or nervous when facing the IRS even if you have done nothing wrong. However, such nervousness may give the impression that you actually do have something to hide. Proper guidance through the tax resolution process is essential.

Of course, considering the stakes involved, this is much easier said than done. No matter what you do you will always be at a disadvantage when dealing with the IRS. Most taxpayers have little or no experience in handling tax problems, tax resolution, and the IRS collection process. However, the IRS agents you will be facing are the absolute experts when it comes to dealing with taxpayers like yourself. It is their job. It is what they do every single day of their working lives. And, while most people know very little about the myriad of details and nuances of the tax code the IRS knows every rule and every tool they can use against you. The IRS literally knows every trick in the book because it is their book, they wrote it.

When you do have tax problems and are seeking a tax resolution, your odds of success will be heavily influenced by how well you communicate with the IRS and its employees or agents.

There is a solution to every IRS problem! Let us help you stop worrying and start living!

Contact Us Today

If you need an expert tax resolution provider who knows how to navigate the IRS maze, call us today at 1.888.4TAXREZ or use our contact form, and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem.

in Featured / Tax / Tax help
1099-MISC-versus-a-1099-K
 by TaxRezPro

1099-Misc and 1099-K, What’s the Difference?

When filing your taxes, it is extremely important to understand the difference between a 1099-MISC and a 1099-K. There are numerous advantages to working for yourself, such as being your own boss and being able to set your own hours and while there are a lot of perks to being self-employed, there are also a lot of additional responsibilities. For instance, you are responsible for keeping track of all the expenses you incur throughout the tax year, tracking your mileage and maintenance associated with your work vehicle, and ensuring that you are making estimated tax payments throughout the year to avoid owing when filing your taxes.

1099-MISC

This form is issued to independent contractors or those that are self-employed who have been paid $600 or more. If you were paid under $600, this may not trigger a 1099-MISC to be generated, however, you are still responsible for reporting all taxable income that you have received throughout the tax year. It is also required to report all self-employment income if your net earnings are $400 or more. 

When a taxpayer receives their 1099-MISC form, they can also claim deductions against their income that should be listed on their schedule C. Adding any work expenses as deductions can help reduce a possible balance you may owe at the end of the tax year.

1099-K

A 1099-K, also known as a Payment Card or Third Party Network Transactions, is used by credit card companies and third-party processors like Paypal and Amazon to report payment transactions they process for retailers or other third parties. You’ll typically receive a 1099-K if you have accepted credit cards or third-party processors and also had more than $20,000 in sales as well as over 200 individual transactions through a third-party processor.

There is a solution to every IRS problem! Let us help you stop worrying and start living!

Contact Us Today

If you need an expert tax resolution provider who knows how to navigate the IRS maze, call us today at 1.888.4TAXREZ or use our contact form, and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem.

in Uncategorized
How to Prepare For a Tax Audit
 by TaxRezPro

How to Prepare For a Tax Audit

So, you’ve done your taxes and the IRS has sent you a letter that you are being audited. You may feel like the walls are caving in, you’re having panic attacks, and you have no idea what to do. Taking a deep breath and reading this article can help you prepare for an audit. You don’t have to be nervous. The IRS audits are just trying to figure out if your income and figures match; it simply inquires about your tax return. The IRS defines an audit as,” to determine if income, expenses, and credits are being reported accurately.” Here are a few tips on how to prepare for a tax audit.

How Do I Handle an IRS Audit?

The first step to handling an IRS audit is reading and acknowledging the notification letter. Don’t ignore the IRS letter, even though it might seem easier and tempting to ignore bad news. Read it, read slow, and read it again.

Check the letter is legitimate and notifies you of an audit. An IRS audit letter will come to you by certified mail, it will include personal information such as name, taxpayer ID, form number, and employee ID number. Just because you receive a letter from the IRS doesn’t automatically mean you’re being audited.

Read which year in question they are auditing, and what documents they are specifically asking for. Prepare all the necessary returns and explanations for the representatives.

Types of IRS Audits

There are different types of IRS tax audits. These are:

  • Correspondence Audit
  • Office Audit/In-person Audit
  • Field Audit
  • Taxpayer Compliance Measurement Program Audit

Preparing for An In-Person Audit

If you’re going for an in-person interview, there are steps you can take to prepare. There is a physical interview at the IRS office where you will speak with IRS employees. It is possible that the IRS will ask for proof of abnormally high deductions.

Gather the necessary returns and explanations that were requested in your IRS letter in preparation for this office audit.

During this audit, don’t say more than what is asked. Offer no more documents than what was requested. Saying more leads to more questions, so say less.

If you feel that an attorney is necessary, you have the right to have him or her present.

Preparing for a Correspondence Audit

Correspondence audits, also known as mailed-in audits, involve the IRS requesting additional information, such as receipts or canceled checks, regarding your tax return. In many cases, this audit will only ask you to correct a simple mistake that you can correct by mailing in all the correct documents. Providing the correct documents and reading your letter carefully can simplify these audits.

Preparing for a Field Audit

The last type of IRS audit is a field audit. This is where the IRS may actually come to your home or to your job. This can be scary but remember to breathe and don’t offer information if you aren’t fully prepared. Remember if you feel that you need an attorney or tax professional you can request to have the audit done in their office.

Tips for Preparing for an IRS audit

  1. Understand the Issue
    To better prepare yourself for any of these types of audits, read up on the tax laws that are specific to the problem. Knowing this information will better prepare you for questions asked by the auditor and leave them more satisfied with your answers.
  2. Be polite and honest
    When being questioned be polite and courteous and answer each question truthfully. It is not wise to lie to the IRS.
  3. Gather the right documentation
    Make sure that all the documents presented are accurate, clear, and on time. Be sure you have all the documents at the auditing. If you have all the correct information the auditing process will run much smoother.
  4. Request more time
    If you feel that you need more time to prepare for the audit you can request it. Don’t hesitate to let the IRS know. You can go on their website and request more time to prepare.

What Happens After an IRS Audit?

Once all the auditing is wrapped up you will receive an examination report, which is wise to look over carefully for anything that might confuse you. Don’t hesitate to call the IRS and ask about anything you need to clarify. If you disagree with a finding let them know, so that you and the auditor can come to a compromise.

If you follow these tips then the audit process will be a breeze, or at least a little easier to handle.

You can learn more about the different types of IRS audits and what happens in an IRS audit in our dedicated blog post.

There is a solution to every IRS problem! Let us help you stop worrying and start living!

Contact Us Today

If you need an expert tax resolution provider who knows how to navigate the IRS maze, call us today at 1.888.4TAXREZ or use our contact form, and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem.

in Tax / Tax help
Should You DIY? 3 Times You Need to Hire a Tax Relief Professional
 by TaxRezPro

Should You DIY? 3 Times You Need a Tax Relief Professional

Dealing with the IRS takes a very specialized skill set that most tax preparers don’t possess. Make sure you have a tax resolution specialist on your side. Before you end up in that horror story, here are 3 times you need a tax relief professional like TaxRezPro.

In the world of money, there’s only one person with your best interests at heart – and that person is you. Making your own financial decisions and handling your own finances can give you peace of mind and prevent costly mistakes. In terms of finances, the DIY approach has plenty to offer but it does have limitations especially when it comes to the IRS.

It is not uncommon for clients to attempt to handle their taxes on their own. However, this can raise red flags with the IRS, resulting in audits or getting slapped with a tax bill they cannot afford. They might set up an installment agreement on their own, but oftentimes, the DIY approach just makes the penalties and interest keep stacking up, placing you in an endless loop of compounding interest, penalties, and your tax debt growing every month despite making monthly payments. Many of our clients started out by trying to do this on their own or with their current tax preparer and didn’t get the results they were hoping for.

So let’s take a look.

1. You just received a huge windfall

No matter how well you handle your finances, a major windfall can throw your plans into a loop. Whether you have won a lottery ticket or are the recipient of a major inheritance, seeking outside advice is a wise move.

If you choose the DIY approach and make a mistake, you could end up paying more in taxes than you should, but a high tax bill is not the only danger. Handling your windfall the wrong way could throw off your asset allocation, impact financial aid for your college-bound children and create additional problems down the road.

2. You have existing IRS tax problems

You cannot afford to go it alone when you have problems with the IRS. A single slipup could leave you liable for even more if you try to resolve tax issues on your own. Imagine you were in court without a lawyer representing you. Would you go before a judge without a lawyer? Most likely not. Here, it’s the same. Representing yourself before the IRS is generally not a good idea. Don’t do it. 

In the event that you receive a notice from the IRS, time is of the essence. However, you should not let the desire for fast action be at the expense of professional guidance and help. If you want to resolve your issues fairly without going broke, do yourself a favor and find the right tax resolution firm. Hiring an enrolled agent, CPA or an attorney that is trained in tax relief is the best way to preserve your rights, and you do not want to go it alone.

3. Protecting your assets

Whenever you owe taxes, the IRS is only interested in getting paid what they believe you owe.

You’ll have everything you have in your bank account seized. If you run a business, that means you won’t be able to pay your employees, pay your office rent or keep your lights on, ultimately putting you out of business. They’ll also garnish your paycheck leaving you about 10% to 25% of your net pay to live on. Good luck with that.

In addition, they can attach liens to your real estate, personal property, and financial assets. In other words, everything you have worked so hard for is at stake.

Hiring the right tax relief professional can help you avoid such extreme measures taken by the IRS. They’ll communicate with the IRS on your behalf and can often remove a lien or levy. If you have assets you can’t afford to lose, then hiring a tax relief pro is the only way to go.

Here’s the bottom line

Even if you are confident in your Do It Yourself (DIY) approach or feel your tax problem isn’t so serious, it never hurts to get a second opinion. If you are doing everything right, that tax resolution specialist’s advice will give you peace of mind. If there are deficiencies in your actions, the advice you get could stop you from making a devastating, and possibly irreversible, mistake. Plus, you may find out that you can settle your back tax liabilities for less than what you owe. Oftentimes, for a fraction of what’s owed!

Contact Us Today

If you need an expert tax resolution provider who knows how to navigate the IRS maze, call us today at 1.888.4TAXREZ or use our contact form, and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem.

in Tax / Tax help
 by TaxRezPro

Do You Owe Back Taxes? Why You Should Stop Panicking & Start Planning

Do you owe back taxes?

If you owe back taxes to the IRS, some amount of panic is understandable. After all, the Internal Revenue Service has the power of the federal government in its corner, something no other debt collector can claim. They are considered the most brutal collection agency on the planet.

It is easy to freeze up and just do nothing when you owe the IRS, but hiding from, or doing nothing about your tax debt will not make it go away. In fact, ignoring the taxes you owe will only make the situation worse, as interest and penalties can really add up. You also risk having your paycheck garnished (the IRS does not need a court order to do this) or your bank account levied. The IRS can also file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien making it all but impossible to obtain financing for a car or home.

So instead of panicking about your tax debt and hoping the problem will go away, you need to take some proactive steps. Now is not the time to panic and hide – now is the time to start taking action.

What can you do?

Some of these steps you can do on your own if you’d like, while others will likely require the intervention of an experienced tax resolution expert. Here are some proactive steps you can take to get a handle on your tax debt. If you need help resolving your IRS tax problem, contact us here. We help people with IRS problems every day.

Confirm the Amount Owed

When you owe back taxes, one of the first things you should do is make sure you really owe the money. The IRS has been known to make mistakes, a lot of mistakes, and the agency is far from foolproof. Contact the IRS or have us do an IRS transcript analysis to determine the amount the IRS claims you owe.

Seek Out Deductions You May Have Missed

At the very least, you may not owe as much as you think you do, and every dollar you can remove from the bill is one more dollar in your favor. Now is the time to scour your past and current tax returns, looking for deductions and tax credits you might have missed.

Unless you are a seasoned tax expert, you will probably need some professional assistance to make this happen. If you are already working with a CPA or tax expert, you can ask them to look at your past tax returns but only a tax resolution expert, who helps people like you for a living, can protect your income and assets as you go through the process.

If you missed a few deductions and tax credits along the way, your tax professional can file amended returns on your behalf, lowering the amount of tax debt you owe – and possibly eliminating it altogether. However, you usually can’t go back more than 3 years to amend returns.

Look for Special Programs You May Qualify For

The bad news is the IRS wants its money and has the power to collect it.

The good news is the tax agency also offers several programs tax filers can use to make the repayment process easier. In some cases, the IRS may even be willing to settle for less, possibly much less, than the total amount of back taxes you owe.

These programs are not available to everyone, and if you have the resources needed to pay your back taxes, the IRS is unlikely to give you much of a break. But if your resources are limited, the tax agency may decide that a small amount of tax repayment is better than none at all.

The first step in the process is finding the programs for which you might qualify, and that will probably require the help of an experienced tax resolution expert. Most CPAs do not have this experience. Negotiating with the IRS is not an easy thing to do, and you may need help to drive the best bargain and reduce your back taxes. In the end, it may be well worth paying a tax relief expert to negotiate on your behalf, especially if you end up with a much lower tax bill.

Don’t Panic, Contact Us Today

It is easy to panic when you owe back taxes, but you should not let fear get in your way. The longer you ignore the problem, the worse it is likely to get, and the sooner you act, the better off you, and your finances, will be. There is a solution to every IRS problem!

If you need an expert tax resolution provider who knows how to navigate the IRS maze, call us today at 1.888.4TAXREZ or use our contact form, and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem.

in Tax / Tax help