Ignoring that past due tax debt will get your new year off to a stressful start
2015 will be history in a matter of days. If looking back on 2015 also includes an outstanding tax debt, addressing that tax debt needs to be at the top of your New Year’s resolutions list.
Penalties and fees
If you have not yet paid your 2014 taxes, you’ve been racking up penalties and fees for each month of non-payment. The IRS assesses a non-payment penalty of 1/2 of 1 percent of the balance for each month after the initial due date. It may not sound like much, but it can penalties can add up to as much as 25 percent of the balance due.
That’s a lot if you’re on a tight budget, and penalties can add up quickly, not to mention past due notices from the IRS.
Don’t panic, and don’t ignore the IRS
Don’t assume the IRS will forget about those outstanding taxes, because their role is to collect tax payments from citizens. If you’re ignoring their written notices in hopes the IRS will forget and move on, it will never happen.
The IRS will become more aggressive with each passing month of non-payment. Regardless of where you are in this collection cycle, the IRS won’t forget. If you are facing asset seizure for non-payment of past due taxes, you need to take action immediately to protect your bank account and other assets.
Your best defense against the IRS
The bad news is you owe back taxes. The good news is that there are tax professionals who can help you. A qualified tax pro can determine if you’re eligible for an installment agreement, Offer In Compromise or Currently Non-Collectible status. A tax pro such as an Enrolled Agent or tax attorney can represent you in negotiations with the IRS.
One key advantage to hiring a tax pro: they know the complex IRS tax code inside and out, so you won’t have to. A qualified tax pro will also ensure your rights are upheld throughout the collection proceedings. They will also explain each step to you in terms that you can understand.
You won’t hear jargon or “legalese,” but you will hear an honest assessment of your financial circumstances and your options. Your tax pro can work with you in arriving at a payment arrangement you can live with over time.
If you’re facing 2016 with an outstanding tax bill, now is the time to take charge and take back your life. We have qualified tax pros on staff who can help you sort out your options, negotiate on your behalf with the IRS, and advise you every step of the way. Even better, they can translate that complex IRS jargon that might be difficult to interpret and understand.
If you’re ready to face 2016 with a clear plan of action, give us a call today at (888) 224-3004. You can also chat with us by clicking the white “Start Chat” button at the top of our homepage.
Either way, you don’t face to face past due taxes alone. We can help.