If you’re avoiding the IRS’s calls and hiding from your mailbox, it’s time to take action. Speak to an attorney about resolving your tax situation before it gets any worse.
Many taxpayers choose to have a professional represent them to better their chances of an agreeable settlement with the IRS. An attorney or accountant that has prior experience with similar cases can help limit or completely stop any correspondence from the IRS.
At some point, we’ve all dreaded tax season. But it doesn’t have to be an annual nightmare. There are many programs available to get you caught up on taxes and erase any debt owed. Seek help if you’re unsure where to start – your future self will thank you!
Table of Contents
How Can You Negotiate With The IRS?
You may be able to negotiate a payment plan or an offer in compromise with the IRS if you owe them money.
After you find a monthly payment amount that is reasonable, begin negotiating with the IRS. You can calculate your net income and expenses by reviewing your financial documents.
If you cannot pay your taxes in full, the IRS usually offers a payment plan where you make monthly installments until the debt is gone. Requesting a payment plan is one of the most popular methods to negotiate with the agency. Usually, they are willing to work out an arrangement that has manageable payments for you.
If you find that you cannot pay your monthly dues, an offer in compromise may be the right solution for you. With this method, rather than immediately paying off the entire amount, you agree to pay a lump sum that is less than the full amount – meaning both parties will save money eventually. The IRS will only accept an offer in compromise if they believe it’s more favorable compared to other repayment arrangements with you.
Why Hire A Tax Attorney?
In order to achieve the best possible outcome with the IRS, it is crucial that you seek out the advice of a tax attorney. They will be able to guide you through the process and negotiate on your behalf to get a favorable outcome.
A tax attorney can help you determine if engaging in negotiations with the IRS is worth your time and effort.
A lawyer skilled in tax negotiations is useful because they can offer insights into nearly every negotiating scenario.
What Kind Of Tax Help Can An IRS Attorney Provide?
A tax lawyer can assist you with a multitude of issues, including owing back taxes or if the IRS has made an error in their assessment of your tax liability. A few examples of what a tax lawyer can do for you are as follows:
Offer In Compromise (OIC)
If you can’t pay your full tax liability, an offer in compromise allows you and the IRS to settle for less than what is owed. If you cannot afford to pay your full tax liability, this could be a useful option for you.
Payment Plan
If you owe taxes and cannot pay the entire amount upfront, don’t worry–you can set up a payment plan with the IRS. If you’re able to make monthly payments, but not one lump sum payment, then working out a payment plan with an attorney will help keep you penalty-free and in good standing with the IRS or state.
Agreement For Installment Payments
The Internal Revenue Service understands that not everyone can pay their taxes all at once, and offers payment plans to accommodate this. These installment agreements allow you to resolve your tax debt over a longer period of time through monthly payments.
You will usually need to negotiate with the IRS in order to establish a payment plan. These payments can be made automatically, through a debit card, or credit card. If you’re late on your payments, the IRS could cancel your installment agreement entirely.
You will usually need to negotiate with the IRS in order to establish a payment plan. These payments can be made automatically, through a debit card, or credit card. If you’re late on your payments, the IRS could cancel your installment agreement entirely.
Tax Resolution for Previous Years
Outstanding taxes from a previous year that have not been paid, either in full or partially. These taxpayers are also responsible for any additional fines, penalties, and interest charges.
If you don’t repay your taxes, the government may take aggressive actions against you, such as wage garnishment and seizure of assets. However, there is always the potential for a successful resolution to your back taxes situation.
Penalty Abatement
If you’re struggling to pay or file your taxes on time, there’s no need to panic. Your lawyer may be able to get the penalties reduced or removed through a process called penalty abatement. Although, if you can’t follow these tax guidelines and pay on time, the fees could be quite costly—sometimes more than what you originally owed.
Once we lift the penalties from your tax bill, you might be able to set up a payment plan for the remaining balance.
Release Of A Federal Tax Lien
A lien is a legal claim to your property. The IRS can place liens on your belongings, including cars, houses, and money in accounts. Other creditors may also be able to do this, but the IRS usually takes precedence.
When the IRS seizes your property to be sold in order to satisfy back taxes, that’s called a levy. On the other hand, a lien can be removed with help from an attorney.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Tax Attorney?
Don’t be nervous if this is your first time contacting a law firm. The lawyers will speak to you without using difficult legal jargon so that you can easily understand what they’re saying. Many tax attorneys offer complimentary consultations to assess how they can best help potential clients.
The first consultation doesn’t cost anything, and during it, the tax attorney will want to know the basics of your issue. With extensive experience in tax resolutions, they will provide you with a summary of possible options that have worked for people in situations comparable to yours. They can furthermore explain what might happen if you choose not to do anything about the problem.
Most tax attorneys charge either per hourly rate or a flat fee.
- Hourly Rate: While the average hourly rate for a tax attorney is between $200-$400, some more experienced lawyers working in major firms could charge upwards of $1000/hour.
- Flat Fees: If your situation isn’t pressing or complicated, you might want to explore the “flat fee” option. With this type of billing, you pay one set price no matter how many hours your lawyer works on your case.
Is Hiring A Tax Attorney Worth It?
Tax attorneys are valuable because they understand the minute details of the IRS and can make plans that will result in a positive outcome for you. They will also protect you from any wrongful behaviors and, if need be, stand with you during your court case.
Conclusion:
If you’re struggling to pay your taxes or come to an agreement with the IRS, it might be time to seek professional help. A tax attorney can assess your situation and provide you with the best options moving forward. They will also negotiate on your behalf and protect you from any wrongful behaviors. Ultimately, hiring a tax attorney may be the best decision you make when it comes to resolving your tax debt.
