IRS Extension Requests - Paying Taxes on Your Terms - Not Theirs

Penalties, Liens, and Levies...oh my! Of all the IRSoccurred that were beyond your control and now you
problems you might encounter, the collections problemscan't pay. Prove you made an effort.
are the worst by far. Preventing IRS Tax Debt is a lot2) You must prove that paying on time will cause an
easier than curing it. Being armed with insidereconomic hardship for you. You have to show the IRS
knowledge can help you pay your debt on your ownthat basic living expenses could not be paid for if you
terms, not on the IRS' terms.pay your taxes on time.
Beat 'em at their Own Game: One of the IRS' best3) You must agree to give the IRS security for the
kept secrets is the fact that the law provides for anunpaid tax. This means the IRS will place a Lien on you.
extension of time to pay taxes. The IRS may denyIt may sound like a bad idea- but if you were to just
this, but the agency even has a form for it (Form 1127pay your bill late instead of requesting an extension-
"Application for Extension of Time for Payment ofthe IRS would likely place a Lien on you anyway. If you
Tax"). It's hard to win the extension, since most peoplehave no assets, this will not apply to you.
do not know what evidence they need to provide toRequest Granted, More Money Saved!: If you're lucky
be entitled to it, but it can be won.and an extension is granted you may receive up to 6
How To Win the Fight:months to pay your taxes- without penalties. Interest
1) You must prove to the IRS that although you didstill accrues during the extension period, but by avoiding
save money to pay for your taxes, and circumstancesthe penalties you can cut the debt in half.