Learning about an unresolved tax matter can send chills down anyone's spine. Whether it's unpaid taxes or an issue with a past return, we know that tax problems carry serious consequences, and resolving them is likely to be a stressful affair that ends up costing us time, money, and mental and emotional health. Here we highlight multiple situations where a professional tax consultant can be a big help in pursuing tax resolution on your behalf.
As many have learned the hard way, the IRS and other tax entities are not to be trifled with. If you have a tax matter to resolve, it's highly advisable to engage a professional consultant who has significant experience negotiating settlement terms. A good tax consultant will not only ensure that you are completely compliant but can save you money with experienced negotiation tactics.
Since consultants deal with tax entities on a regular basis, they have a good understanding of how far they can push on behalf of their clients. They also have a thorough understanding of tax laws and requirements, which helps prevent any mistakes you might have made in trying to negotiate on your own.
Receiving a letter from the IRS can certainly raise our blood pressure, and that's before we even open the envelope to read what it's about. For many people, there's a fear of the unknown when it comes to addressing complex tax laws and trying to follow all the rules. This can cause tremendous stress if you find yourself having to solve a tax problem on your own.
In addition to being bad for our health, undue stress can cause us to make poor decisions. This is the last thing we need when trying to resolve tax matters, as mistakes can have disastrous consequences. This is why many people turn to consultants in these situations, as turning your problem over to an experienced professional gives you the best chance for a favorable outcome and provides you with the peace of mind to go on living your life.
If you haven't filed tax returns for many years, you may be worried about legal repercussions. A tax consultant will alleviate your worry by investigating your situation and helping you determine what steps you should take. This could involve seeking past employment information to enable filing tax returns for the years in question, but this isn't necessarily always the case.
For example, your consultant's investigation may determine that the IRS has filed substitute-for-returns (SFRs) on your behalf using the information they have available, such as W-2 and 1099 forms. An SFR filed on your behalf may or may not need adjustments, and a good consultant will help you answer this question in addition to helping you put a tax plan in place to avoid repeating missed tax filings in the future.
This is a common dilemma associated with tax resolution - you owe a lot of money, and can't afford to pay it. If the IRS or other tax entities determine that you owe them money, you can expect them to start calling you and applying pressure and legal threats. This pressure can force you to make poor decisions that may cost you a lot of money, so it's important to remember that you have options at your disposal.
An experienced consultant will study your situation and provide you with options for legal resolution and then negotiate terms with the appropriate tax agency. Some of these options include installment agreements that allow you to pay your debt over time, or an offer in compromise, where the tax agency may accept only partial payment of your debt. Consultants know whether you qualify for these options and how best to propose them on your behalf.
If your tax debt goes unresolved long enough, the IRS will turn your case over to a revenue officer. This is when the heat really gets turned up, as revenue officers will use aggressive tactics and almost any means necessary to get you to pay up. Understandably, things can turn contentious, and you'll want to avoid making poor decisions under emotional duress.
Experienced consultants know this game very well, and are experts at stepping in and dealing with revenue officers in a composed, professional manner. They will calmly assert your rights as a taxpayer and enable resolution as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Tax agencies may take these steps as a last resort to collect the debt you owe. A tax lien is a claim against property you own, such as your house. If you receive a lien notice, you'll need to quickly take multiple steps to avoid seizure of your property, and a consultant will help guide you through the process. You'll also benefit from their experience in ensuring the lien has been completely discharged and withdrawn from the record.
Tax agencies can also garnish your wages to collect your debt to them, and one of the last things any of us needs is the unwelcome surprise of a shrinking paycheck. Central to any good tax resolution strategy is taking proactive steps to resolve the matter before it leads to unwanted steps like tax liens and wage garnishment.
Married taxpayers often file joint tax returns with their spouses as this can provide certain benefits. While filing jointly can be useful, it does mean that both parties are jointly and severally liable for the tax and any subsequent penalties that arise in later years, even after they divorce.
This further means that both spouses are responsible for all tax due even if only one spouse earned all the income or improperly claimed tax credits or deductions. There are some instances where one spouse can apply for innocent spouse relief, and a consultant will help you understand if you are eligible to do so.
Businesses are obligated to pay payroll taxes for any employees who receive wages from them, and they can and will be penalized for not doing so. If your business receives notice of an unresolved payroll tax issue, you'd be well advised to seek professional assistance.
An experienced consultant will assess your situation and determine if you have been assessed this penalty in error. If so, they will mount a fair and thorough defense on your behalf that includes guiding you through the completion of IRS Form 4180 and preparing you for the corresponding interview. If successful, this can lead to recovery of any penalties that were assessed against your company.
All of these situations illustrate how a professional consultant can help resolve any tax matters you have as quickly and painlessly as possible. Putting such problems in the hands of an expert will not only avoid stress but ensure a thorough legal resolution that costs you as little as possible. Contact Tax Alliance in Santa Ana, CA to get the tax help you need when you need it most.
Because of advancements in our technology, we are able to communicate with the IRS electronically, its as if we are in the same office! Faster service and more cost effective!
If you are not happy with our tax services within the initial 21 days, we will give you a 100% refund of services rendered, no questions asked!
You find it, we will match it! Tax Alliance will match and beat (by 10%) any competitive offer. Contact our office today and receive a free no obligation tax consultation.
Because of advancements in our technology, we are able to communicate with the IRS electronically, its as if we are in the same office! Faster service and more cost effective!
If you are not happy with our tax services within the initial 21 days, we will give you a 100% refund of services rendered, no questions asked! We help our clients nationwide!
You find it, we will match it! Tax Alliance will match and beat (by 10%) any competitive offer. Contact our office today and receive a free no obligation tax consultation.