Wage Garnishment Exemption Guide: Income You Can Keep

Wage Garnishment Exemption Guide: Income You Can Keep

Wage garnishment cannot touch certain income sources protected by federal and state law. Social Security benefits, SSI, VA benefits, federal retirement payments, unemployment compensation, and workers’ compensation remain legally exempt from most creditor...
What Is One-Time Forgiveness From The IRS?

What Is One-Time Forgiveness From The IRS?

Written By: Michael Vale Reviewed By: Bridgette Austin, Esq., EA, Co-Founder and Tax Attorney Last Reviewed: November 13, 2025 The IRS does not have a single program literally called “one-time forgiveness.” It is a phrase taxpayers use for the handful of IRS options...
What Is A Tax Return, And How Long Must You Keep It?

What Is A Tax Return, And How Long Must You Keep It?

Tax returns serve as critical financial documents that every taxpayer needs to understand and properly maintain. These official forms report your annual income, deductions, and credits to government tax authorities for assessment. Filing a tax return determines...
What Is Tax Resolution? Understanding Relief And Resolution

What Is Tax Resolution? Understanding Relief And Resolution

Tax resolution is the strategic process of addressing and resolving outstanding tax debt through IRS-approved programs and professional negotiation. Unlike general tax relief (which reduces annual tax burden through deductions and credits), tax resolution specifically...
Will The IRS Take My Refund If I Have An Installment Agreement?

Will The IRS Take My Refund If I Have An Installment Agreement?

Written By: Michael Vale Reviewed By: Bridgette Austin, Esq., EA, Co-Founder and Tax Attorney Last Reviewed: September 18, 2025 Yes. If you have an IRS installment agreement (also called an IRS payment plan) and you still owe back taxes, the IRS applies your federal...
Do My Tax Returns Have To Be Filed Before I Can File Bankruptcy?

Do My Tax Returns Have To Be Filed Before I Can File Bankruptcy?

It depends on which type of bankruptcy you’re filing. For Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you generally don’t need current tax returns filed beforehand, but you must provide your most recently filed return to the trustee. For Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must have tax...