| A difficult scenario for many people is when they are | | | | taxpayers to help them catch up on their arrears. |
| in search of tax relief. For most people, this means | | | | There is no perfect fit for everyone, but perhaps if you |
| they have gotten behind on their IRS taxes and are no | | | | have a good understanding of what you are facing |
| quite sure what to do next. The IRS collections | | | | and what your options are, you may be able to |
| department doesn't seem to make your life any easier. | | | | determine which tax relief program you qualify for. |
| Yes, they act as if it's a newer gentler collections | | | | There are a couple things you need to understand first |
| team, but make no mistake...They have only one | | | | however. First of all, if you are applying for a tax relief |
| mission, which is to collect money! However for | | | | plan, you will need to be current with your tax returns. |
| obvious reasons, simply paying back any owed | | | | So ask yourself this, have you filed all your returns or |
| delinquent taxes is not as easy as it sounds. After all, if | | | | are there some years that are missing? If you have |
| a person owes $40,000 in back taxes, where exactly | | | | some returns that are unfilled, then you will either need |
| are they supposed to get that from? In the past, many | | | | to prepare your own taxes, or have a CPA prepare |
| would refinance their home and pay their back taxes | | | | your taxes. If you are in a situation where the IRS is |
| that way. But in the current economy, with | | | | after you, then frankly you should probably have a tax |
| foreclosures dooming so many lenders, refinancing | | | | representation firm that has CPA's on staff handle this |
| one's home is becoming impossible. Meanwhile, the IRS | | | | for you, including preparing your returns. Once your |
| continues sending out threatening letters, makes visits | | | | taxes are all filed and current, then you can begin the |
| to one's employers, and garnishes wages and levies | | | | negotiation process. This may include pulling master |
| bank accounts. So how is one to receive tax relief? | | | | files to see exactly what the IRS has on you, including |
| Well if you're behind on your federal taxes, the first | | | | penalties and interest. Once you have determined |
| thing you need to do is come to the realization that | | | | where you stand, you may want to consider filing an |
| you must do something, and do it now! Inform yourself | | | | appeal to abate some or all of your penalties. Keep in |
| of the collection process and of T.B.O.R.(Taxpayer Bill | | | | mind, there are many required forms and time lines |
| of Rights.) IRS Collection Agents count on the fact that | | | | that must be met since you're dealing with IRS |
| most people are scared of the IRS and don't know | | | | bureaucracy, but you can do this! During this process, |
| their rights. Granted, if you owe federal taxes, then you | | | | you should also determine whether you are likely to |
| should be scared because the IRS has enormous | | | | qualify for an Offer In Compromise, Installment |
| powers, but that doesn't mean you have to give up on | | | | Agreement, or some other payment arrangement to |
| life and bow down to them either. You should also | | | | settle your debt and finally receive the tax relief you |
| familiarize yourself programs that are available to | | | | are seeking. |