Colorado Springs: Can a $400,000 IRS Payment Request Really be Reduced to $0?

 

There is nothing that will shock you and make you feel helpless as receiving a notice from the IRS that says something like "you failed to file your tax return so we filed a tax return for you and by the way, you now owe us $400,000 in taxes, penalties and interest." How and why does a taxpayer even receive such a notice?

There are several reasons why a taxpayer could receive such notice.  First is that they have not filed a tax return for one or more years.  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) received income documents (W-2's, 1099's, etc) from third parties indicating that income was paid to the taxpayer.  When the IRS went looking for a tax return to match the income documents, there was no tax return on record.  There can be any number of reasons why a tax return was not filed.  The reason is not important to the IRS.  The IRS is just looking for a tax return.  When the tax return is not filed the IRS has the statutory authority to file a substitute tax return on behalf of the taxpayer with the information they have.  That is happened with the client who received a $400,000 tax bill from the IRS and a $35,000 tax bill from the state.

How did we get this $400,000 tax bill reduced to $0?  After meeting with the taxpayer, we decided on a course of action that would help the taxpayer to reduce the debt.  At the time I did not know for sure how much of the tax debt we could reduce.  After implementing the agreed upon solution, we very pleased when we received letters stating that the federal tax is reduced to $0 and the state tax is reduced to $0.  This is a case where the taxpayer qualified to have the tax debt reduced.  I cannot guaranteed this result for every client.  What I can guarantee is that we will work very hard so your feelings of worthlessness and overwhelming worry will instead become confidence and thankfulness that the dark cloud the of the IRS taking your hard earned is gone.

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: Is There Really an IRS Fresh Start Initiative?

 

No, there is no active IRS Fresh Start Initiative.  If you visit www.irs.gov and type in "Fresh Start Initiative" there is no reference to an existing program.  Back in 2011 changes were made to  help taxpayers who are struggling to pay their tax debts.  The changes aimed to make it easier for individuals and small businesses to pay back taxes and avoid tax liens. There were several key benefits and changes to existing IRS policies to provide relief to taxpayers.

One of the main policy changes increased the threshold for filing a tax lien. Previously, the IRS would file a lien if a taxpayer owed $5,000 or more, but under the revised policies this threshold was increased to $10,000. This change helps protect taxpayers' credit scores and provides more time to pay off debts without the added pressure of a lien.

These policy updates expanded the Offer in Compromise (OIC) program, which allows taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed. The IRS now considers a broader range of financial hardships when evaluating OIC applications, making it more accessible to those in financial distress.  There are still financial thresholds and standards that taxpayers have to meet to qualify for an OIC.

Additionally, more flexible installment agreements were introduces. Taxpayers who owe up to $50,000 can now qualify for streamlined installment agreements, allowing them to pay their debt over six years without providing extensive financial documentation.  Although, it may be advantageous to apply for a lower payment.  

Overall, when you hear advertisements for the "IRS Fresh Start Initiative" know that the actual program ended in 2012 and search for a tax professional who will help you to eliminate the stress and overwhelming fear of dealing with the IRS.  Then you will sleep better at night knowing that you can feel successful and thankful that you have completely met all your tax obligations.

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: How shady is your tax representation?

 

Are you in the know or are you kept in the dark on you tax case? Are you feeling nervous and excluded from the process of fixing your tax issues? Learn how you can be joyful and hopeful about your tax case.

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: Overwhelmed and Stressed About Dealing With IRS?

 

Stressed about dealing with the IRS. Eliminate pain and anxiety with the services of an Enrolled Agent.

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: Feel Like You Are in Valley With Your Overdue and Unfiled Tax Returns?

 

Want to get out of the deep valley of dealing with 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

Colorado Springs: Why file back taxes!

 

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: Tax Resolution Training with NATP at Taxposium in Orlando, FL

 

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: What Could Cause My Tax Return to Be Audited?

There is nothing more frightening than opening your mailbox and finding a letter that has "Internal Revenue Service" in the return address section of the envelope.  Any number of questions will go through your mind: "What did I do wrong?"; "Did my tax professional make a mistake?"; or "Did I forget to report some income?"

While each of these questions are important to you, the reason for the IRS letter can range a a typo to non-cash contributions to foreign forms.  How can you as a taxpayer be prepared just in case a letter requesting verification of something on the tax return arrives?  Advance preparation and documentation is always the best.  Some of the biggest issues are non-cash contributions. If you are donating an item of significant value, an appraisal is always the best way to ready for the documentation request. You can even include the appraisal with the tax return.

Consistent losses on Schedule C can also trigger an audit.  You really need to keep good documentation of your efforts to make a profit.

I have only briefly covered two of the reasons why your return may be audited.  In all events it is best to always have the documents easily accessible for the positions you are taking on your tax return, just in case.  Prompt and thorough responses to the IRS are always best. 

An Enrolled Agent can represent you before the IRS in these cases to reduce your anxiety and worry of dealing with the IRS on your own.

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: What Can I Do My IRS Records Are Lost or Destroyed?

Imagine this: you come home to find your dog happily chewing on your IRS records or the unexpected natural disaster strikes and all your records are either washed away or blown away. Feelings of helplessness and worry set in about what steps you can take to file tax returns with no records.

This can be especially stressful when you have a business. How can you take that feeling of being exposed and change it to a feeling of optimism?

1) Contact a tax professional such as an enrolled agent who assist you record reconstruction and provide guidance.

2) You can contact employers and financial institutions to get copies. Sometimes you can download copies from online portals.

3) If you are business owner, there are rules that will allow the reconstruction of income and expenses, thus removing that numbing feeling of being exposed to the IRS with no hope.

4) Keep Future Records Safe: To prevent future mishaps, consider storing important documents in a secure location and store digital copies in the cloud that can serve as a backup.

While having your IRS records accidently destroyed can leave you feeling overwhelmed and isolated, it’s a manageable situation. With prompt action to reconstruct your records and notifying the IRS, you can minimize any potential issues. By keeping your records safe in the future you will feel confident and secure should the IRS come knocking. 

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: Is a Doubt as to Collectability Offer in Compromise Really Possible?

Do you feel numb and overwhelmed because of owing $20,000 or more to the IRS?  Have the IRS notices been stacking up? You hear an advertisement on the radio or see one on the television claiming that the IRS will settle your tax debt for pennies on the dollar.  You sit back and ask yourself is this really possible? Or, you think that it is too good to be true?

My answer to your questions is that with the proper guidance and professional assistance you can qualify for an IRS settlement.  But, you must complete the IRS process and provide substantiation of your claim. You must also have mountains of patience.  The process with the IRS can take time.

How do I know this?  About two years ago I had a new client come in with over $80,000 in taxes owed going back to 2013.  After completing an analysis of the taxpayer's circumstances and documents, I was able to determine that the taxpayer would qualify for a Doubt as to Collectability Offer in Compromise.  I completed the paperwork, gathered the support for what was stated on the OIC form, and had the taxpayer sign the OIC form.  I then submitted the package to the IRS.

After we received an acknowledgement letter, a few weeks later, it took about one year to get the initial response of a denial of the taxpayer's claim.  Since we felt we had a strong case, we appealed the initial result.  After a few months and some some communication with the appeals officer, we finally received the acceptance letter.  We were able to settle the taxpayer's $80,000+ debt for $100.  We both expressed a sigh of relief.  The taxpayer now has two responsibilities 1) pay the $100 and 2) stay tax compliant for the next 5 years.

This case shows that we can help taxpayer's to resolve tax debts they are unable to pay.

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