If you’re struggling with tax debt, it can feel overwhelming and isolating. But rest assured, there are several strategies designed to help you manage, reduce, or even eliminate your tax debt. Below, we’ll explore five effective tax relief strategies that can help you regain control over your financial situation.
What Is Tax Debt Relief?
Tax debt relief refers to various measures that can help taxpayers reduce or manage their tax burden. This can include tax credits, deductions, or even specific programs like stimulus checks and disaster-related deadline extensions. However, when dealing with tax debt, tax relief typically involves specialized programs aimed at helping taxpayers manage, pay off, or settle their overdue taxes.
The IRS offers several options under its Fresh Start program, which is designed to make it easier for taxpayers to address their tax debts without undue stress. Let’s break down some of these options.
5 Proven Ways to Manage Your Tax Debt
1. Setting Up an IRS Payment Plan
One of the most straightforward ways to manage your tax debt is by setting up an IRS payment plan. This plan allows you to pay off your tax bill over time, making it easier to handle large sums that you might not be able to pay all at once. There are two main types of payment plans: short-term and long-term.
Key Points to Consider:
- While a payment plan can make your debt more manageable, interest will continue to accrue on the unpaid balance until it’s fully paid off. However, opting for a plan can cut your failure-to-pay penalty in half.
- If your tax debt exceeds $25,000, the IRS requires that payments be made through automatic withdrawals from your bank account. This ensures consistent and timely payments.
- Keep in mind that if you pay using a debit or credit card, or even a digital wallet, there will be processing fees. For debit cards, the fee ranges from $2 to $2.50 per payment, while credit cards typically charge around 2% of the payment amount.
- If you’re a lower-income taxpayer, you might qualify for a waiver of the setup fees, making this option even more accessible.
Setting up a payment plan with the IRS is a practical first step toward resolving your tax debt, and it shows the IRS that you’re committed to paying what you owe.
2. Settling Your Debt with an Offer in Compromise
An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is another route to consider if you’re facing significant tax debt. This option allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. However, it’s important to note that the IRS accepts fewer than half of the OIC applications it receives, so this is typically considered a last resort after exploring other options.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- The application process for an OIC requires a $205 fee, along with an initial payment — both of which are generally nonrefundable. This makes it essential to ensure that you qualify before applying.
- There is some relief for lower-income taxpayers, who may have the application fee and initial payment waived.
- You need to be up-to-date on all your tax filings to be eligible for an OIC. If you haven’t filed in recent years, you’ll need to get current before applying.
- The IRS may file or maintain tax liens until your offer is accepted and you’ve fulfilled the terms. These liens are a way for the IRS to secure its interest in your property until your tax debt is settled.
- If you’re currently in bankruptcy, you won’t be eligible for an OIC, as the IRS doesn’t allow offers in compromise for those undergoing bankruptcy proceedings.
An Offer in Compromise can be a powerful tool for tax relief, but it’s important to approach it with a clear understanding of the requirements and challenges involved.
3. Requesting “Currently Not Collectible” Status
If your financial situation is particularly challenging, and you’re unable to pay both your taxes and basic living expenses, you might qualify for “Currently Not Collectible” (CNC) status. This status temporarily halts IRS collection efforts, giving you breathing room while your financial situation improves.
Important Considerations:
- CNC status is not a permanent solution; it’s a temporary reprieve. The IRS will likely review your financial situation annually to determine if you’re still eligible.
- While CNC status can stop aggressive collection actions, your tax debt doesn’t disappear. Interest and penalties will continue to accrue, and the IRS may still place a tax lien on your property.
Applying for CNC status can provide much-needed relief if you’re facing extreme financial hardship, but it’s important to have a long-term plan for resolving your tax debt.
4. Penalty Abatement for First-Time Offenders
If you’ve been hit with an IRS penalty for failing to file or pay on time, but you have an otherwise clean record, you might qualify for first-time penalty abatement. This relief is available if you’ve filed your tax returns on time for the past three years and haven’t faced any penalties during that period.
Additional Options:
- The IRS also offers penalty relief for reasonable cause, which might apply if you were unable to file on time due to a serious illness, the death of a family member, or a natural disaster. To qualify for this type of relief, you’ll need to provide documentation that supports your claim, such as hospital records or court documents.
Penalty abatement can be a valuable option for taxpayers who have a good history with the IRS but have encountered unexpected difficulties that led to a penalty.
5. Working with a Tax Relief Company
Hiring a tax relief company might seem like an attractive option, especially if the process feels too complicated or overwhelming. These companies often promise to negotiate with the IRS on your behalf to reduce your tax debt. However, it’s important to approach this option with caution.
What to Watch Out For:
- Be aware that the IRS rejects most Offers in Compromise, so be skeptical of companies that guarantee success.
- If a tax relief company makes mistakes or delays your application, you’re still responsible for your tax debt, including any interest and penalties.
- Many tax relief companies charge an upfront fee, which might be a percentage of the debt you owe. It’s important to consider whether the potential savings justify the cost of their services.
While some tax relief companies are legitimate, many taxpayers can resolve their issues directly with the IRS without the need for outside help. If you do choose to work with a company, make sure to do your research and select a reputable one.
Do You Need a Tax Extension?
If you missed the deadline to request a tax extension from the IRS, don’t panic — there’s still hope. Some individuals automatically qualify for extra time, which can be a huge relief, as long as they steer clear of a few common mistakes.
Who Gets More Time?
U.S. Citizens or Residents Abroad: If you’re a U.S. citizen or resident living and working outside the country on the tax deadline, you may automatically qualify for a two-month tax extension from the IRS. This extension gives you more time to file without the need to submit a formal request. However, if you need even more time, you can file IRS Form 4868, which could grant you an additional four months to deal with your taxes. In certain cases, the IRS may grant even more time, so it’s worth checking the instructions on Form 4868 for details.
People Affected by Natural Disasters: The IRS often grants tax extensions to individuals affected by federally declared disasters. The amount of extra time varies depending on the disaster, but the IRS maintains a list of qualifying events and their corresponding extension deadlines. This can provide much-needed relief for those who are dealing with the aftermath of events like hurricanes, floods, or wildfires.
Members of the Military: Members of the military, particularly those in combat zones, are also eligible for tax extensions. For example, soldiers in combat areas can receive an extra 180 days from their last day in the combat zone to file their tax returns. Additionally, if a service member is hospitalized due to a combat injury, this extension can be further extended to accommodate recovery time.
In each of these cases, the IRS provides clear guidelines and forms to ensure that qualifying taxpayers receive the extensions they need to file their taxes without added stress.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of tax debt can be daunting, but understanding your options is the first step toward regaining control. Whether you’re considering a payment plan, applying for an Offer in Compromise, or seeking penalty abatement, it’s important to take action sooner rather than later.
Remember, if you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, professional help is available. Contact Austin & Larson Tax Resolution for expert guidance tailored to your unique situation. Our team is here to help you find the best path forward and achieve the financial relief you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tax relief?
Tax relief refers to programs or policies that help taxpayers reduce or manage their tax debt. This can include deductions, credits, or specific IRS programs designed to alleviate the burden of overdue taxes.
How do I qualify for an IRS payment plan?
To qualify, you must owe less than $50,000 in combined tax, penalties, and interest, and all your tax returns must be filed. You can apply online through the IRS website.
What is an Offer in Compromise?
An Offer in Compromise is an agreement with the IRS that allows you to settle your tax debt for less than what you owe. It’s generally considered a last resort and is only accepted if you meet specific criteria.
Can I get tax relief if I’m in financial hardship?
Yes, if you’re facing financial hardship, you might qualify for programs like Currently Not Collectible status, which temporarily halts collection efforts.
What happens if I miss a tax payment while on a payment plan?
If you miss a payment, the IRS may terminate your installment agreement, which can lead to immediate collection actions like wage garnishments or liens. It’s crucial to stay current on payments or contact the IRS if you foresee difficulties in making a payment.
Can I negotiate my tax debt with the IRS?
Yes, the IRS offers several options for negotiating tax debt, including payment plans and Offers in Compromise. However, negotiation requires full disclosure of your financial situation, and the IRS will only accept offers that are in its best interest.
How does penalty abatement work?
Penalty abatement allows you to request the removal of penalties for failing to file or pay on time. The IRS may grant this if you have a clean record or can demonstrate reasonable cause, such as a serious illness or natural disaster.
Can I get more time to file my taxes if I’m in the military?
Yes, military members, especially those in combat zones, can get additional time to file their taxes. The extension typically lasts for 180 days from the last day in the combat zone, with further extensions possible if recovering from a combat injury.
What should I do if I can’t pay my tax bill in full?
If you can’t pay your tax bill in full, the best course of action is to set up a payment plan with the IRS or explore other options like an Offer in Compromise or Currently Not Collectible status. Ignoring the debt will lead to further penalties and interest.
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