Colorado Springs: Can Bankruptcy Solve My Tax Problems?

Having a large tax debt can make you feel both frightened and overwhelmed that your bank account will be drained by the IRS.  Then, someone suggests that if you file bankruptcy that will eliminate the tax debt.  It this true? Will filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminate your tax debt?

Certain IRS debts may be dischargeable in bankruptcy. To qualify for discharge under Chapter 7 or Chapter 11, the tax debt must meet specific criteria:

1. Age of Debt: The tax debt must be at least three years old.
2. Filing Date: You must have filed a tax return for the debt at least two years before filing for bankruptcy.
3. Assessment Date: The IRS must have assessed the tax debt at least 240 days before you file for bankruptcy.
4. No Fraud or Evasion: The tax return must not be fraudulent, and you must not be guilty of tax evasion.

If these conditions are met, the tax debt may be discharged, meaning you are no longer legally required to pay it. However, any cancellation of debt (COD) income resulting from the discharge is reportable on the bankruptcy estate's tax return, not your individual return.

It's also important to note that while bankruptcy can provide relief, it doesn't eliminate all tax-related obligations. Consulting with a bankruptcy attorney or tax professional can help you navigate the complexities and determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Cash Tracks Financial of Colorado Springs

Marcelino Dodge, EA, CTRC

525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

(719) 359-8789

www.cashtracksfinancial.com

success@cashtracksfinancial.com

Colorado Springs: Can I Challenge a Bad IRS Tax Assessment?

 

 

 

 

Cash Tracks Financial of Colorado Springs

Marcelino Dodge, EA, CTRC

525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

(719) 359-8789

www.cashtracksfinancial.com

success@cashtracksfinancial.com

 

Colorado Springs: Can I Challenge a Bad IRS Tax Assessment?

 

Nothing causes worry and stress more than receiving a piece of mail with the Internal Revenue Service as the sender.  Then, after you open the piece of mail to your surprise the IRS is assessing you tax and penalties on income that you are not even sure is income you earned.  What do you do?

Step one is to contact a tax professional to help you sort through this and determine if the assessment is even correct.  Marcelino Dodge, EA, CTRC will assist you in determining if the assessment is correct

Next, if it is determined the tax bill is wrong, contacting the IRS to discuss the issue will sometimes resolve misunderstandings or errors. If the initial contact does not resolve the issue, a formal challenge the assessment would be next.

Taxpayers have the right to request a review of the penalty before it is assessed. If the penalty has already been assessed, Marcelino Dodge, EA, CTRC  can help you request a penalty abatement either before or after the penalty is paid.

If the abatement request is denied, you can appeal the decision. An appeal is sent in writing to a different IRS office.  This written request for consideration by IRS Appeals is an impartial reconsideration because your request is being seen in an IRS office that did not initially review your case.

Should the appeal not resolve the issue, the next option is to take your case to Tax Court.  Sometimes though after you file the petition to Tax Court, your case may be settled before even going to court.  If you do go to court and the court finds in your favor and determines that the IRS’s position was largely unjustified, you may be eligible to recover some of your administrative and litigation costs.

Navigating any tax dispute can be complex, so it’s helpful and recommended to consult with a tax professional who can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation. Remember, you have rights and options to ensure fair treatment by the IRS.

Cash Tracks Financial of Colorado Springs

Marcelino Dodge, EA, CTRC

525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

(719) 359-8789

www.cashtracksfinancial.com

success@cashtracksfinancial.com