Friday, July 19, 2024

Colorado Springs: How do I qualify for an IRS Installment Agreement?


If you owe the IRS a large tax debt that you are unable to pay in full, the notices and prospect of the IRS coming after you can be intimidating.  What can you do if do owe the IRS a large sum that you are unable to pay in full?  Should you just ignore the IRS? Or, is there an option available for you to sleep well at night and get peace of mind?

Under Section 6331 the IRS can help you with by setting up an installment agreement.  The installment agreement will help you to mange your tax obligation.  You will be allowed to pay over time in order to get caught up with your tax obligations.  How can a taxpayer qualify for an installment agreement?

If the specific requirements are not meant, the IRS will not even consider or allow a taxpayer to start an installment agreement.  First, a taxpayer must be tax compliant.  This means that all all required tax returns must be filed.   The amount you owe is also important.  Is an installment agreement best for you?  It may or may not be, depending on your facts and circumstances.

Working with a tax professional who will do an analysis of your situation is highly recommended to determine if the installment agreement or possibly an offer in compromise is better for you.

If an installment agreement is the way to go then I recommend enrolling in a Direct Debit Installment Agreement (DDIA). This ensures timely payments directly from your bank account, reducing the risk of default. The monthly payment amount must settle the debt within 72 months or before the Collection Statute Expiration Date, whichever comes sooner.

Depending on the size of the amount owed, you may qualify for a Streamlined Installment Agreement.  With this type of installment plan there are no forms required and no documents needing to be submitted. You are automatically accepted.  For certain large amounts owed you will need to complete forms and submit documents.  Working with a tax professional who can analyze your situation, will walk you through the process and make simple for you to resolve your tax debt and avoid further collection actions.


 
 
525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 359-8789
success@cashtracksfinancial.com
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Colorado Springs: Can I Really Settle My Tax Debt for Pennies on the Dollar?


The simple answer to the question in title of this blog is "maybe".  Why do I say that?
 
The IRS provides a lifeline for those who either cannot pay or who doubt they actually owe the tax  through the Offer in Compromise (OIC) program, governed by Section 7122 of the Internal Revenue Code. This program allows taxpayers to settle their tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed for those who qualify.  Taxpayers have to be patient as this process can take at least a year to complete.
 
To qualify for an OIC a taxpayer must calculate their RCP using guidelines provided by the IRS that include both actual expenses and nation standards.  Once RCP is calculated the determination is made whether a taxpayer qualifies for the OIC or has to set up an installment agreement and full pay.

I recently completed a case that took over a year for the IRS to send us the OIC acceptance letter.  The taxpayer was unable to pay the tax in full after calculating the RCP.  This was a doubt as to collectibility offer.  We were able to settle an $80,000 plus debt for $100.  The taxpayer has two responsibilites now: 1) To make the $100 payment and 2) Stay tax compliant for the next five years, including making estimated tax payments if required.  If these two conditions are not met, the taxpayer can become liable once again for $80,000 tax debt.

We cannot settle every case for such a small amount.  Each taxpayer's facts and circumstances are unique.  Only a full analysis of your situation can determine what the best course of action will be.  Using a local Enrolled Agent(EA), CPA, or tax attorney who will complete such an analysis is highly recommended.

Section 7122 on Offer in Compromise is a valuable tool for taxpayers in distress.  However, this path requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of the obligations involved. Consulting with a tax professional can enhance the chances of a successful application.





525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 359-8789
success@cashtracksfinancial.com
 

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Colorado Springs: What is an IRS Tax Levy? What is the Purpose



What would lead to the IRS to levy your bank accounts or other property?  The legal seizure of your accounts or property is an extreme measure the IRS could take to satisfy a tax debt.  If you have been ignoring the IRS when it comes to filing tax returns or making payments on your taxes, this extreme measure may be used to get your attention.  Nothing will quite get your attention as your bank stating that your accounts are essentially frozen due to an IRS levy.

How many letters did you receive from the IRS? If you failed to open the letters and respond to the IRS, the levy process most typically begins with the IRS assessing the and sending a Notice and Demand for Payment.  With no payment made or contact initiated to the IRS, the next notice possibly sent through certified mail, is a Final Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of Your Right to a hearing at least 30 days before the levy action.

Most commonly I have heard of bank accounts being subject to an IRS levy.  I some cases the frozen funds can be made available for you the taxpayer.  Each taxpayer's circumstances are unique.

The best solution for an IRS levy is to never get an IRS levy. Stay compliant and make your tax payments in a timely manner.

However, if you do receive a levy notice taking quick action is highly advised. I recommend you do any or all of the following:
  1. Hire a tax professional (EA, CPA, or Tax Attorney) to assist you through this process
  2. Collect documents and records to build your case
  3. Request a Collection Due Process hearing or
  4. Prepare to make a payment in full, arrange a payment schedule, or if qualified file for an offer in compromise.
Ignoring a tax levy can lead to severe financial consequences. Immediately working to resolve the issue with a tax professional will help you quickly resolve the issue.  As you work with a tax professional toward a resolution, you will be able to sleep better an minimize the impact on your financial well-being.


 
525 N Cascade Ave., Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 359-8789
success@cashtracksfinancial.com
 
 
 
 
 
 

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