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If you’ve received a letter from the IRS, don't worry – we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s a simple issue or a more complex tax audit, our expert tax resolution services are designed to put your mind at ease. Our experienced tax professionals are ready to meet with you in person or virtually to provide clear, actionable solutions and take the stress out of dealing with the IRS.
No matter if you’re facing an audit, penalties, collections, or any other tax-related challenge, our simple three-step approach guarantees you’ll receive the right assistance every step of the way. From addressing issues to resolving concerns, we’re here to guide you through it all.
Assessment – We begin by thoroughly reviewing your situation to understand the full scope of your tax issue.
Strategic Planning – Next, we create a tailored plan of action to resolve your concerns, ensuring you are in the best possible position moving forward.
Resolution – Finally, we work diligently to resolve the issue, handling all communications and paperwork to get you back on track.
Understanding Common Tax Issues and How We Can Help You Resolve Them
Explore helpful articles in our Tax Resource Center to gain insight into common tax problems, including IRS concerns. Our team is here to guide you through the complexities and find the best solutions for your specific situation. Let us handle the details, so you can focus on what matters most.
Unpaid taxes can cause significant stress, especially when the IRS begins sending letters or imposing penalties. Whether due to financial difficulty, an oversight, or a sudden life event, it’s crucial to address your unpaid taxes as soon as possible to avoid more severe consequences.
What Happens When You Owe Taxes? When you fail to pay your taxes on time, the IRS may begin assessing penalties and interest. These additional fees can quickly add up, making your original tax debt much more difficult to manage. If unpaid for an extended period, your case could be sent to collections or result in wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens on your property.
How to Check Your Tax Debt To resolve your unpaid taxes, you first need to understand exactly what you owe. The IRS will provide you with a notice outlining your balance, but you can also log into your IRS account online or contact them directly to get the details. Be sure to review the notice carefully to understand any penalties or interest that may have been applied to your original tax amount. IRS: Check Your Tax Account
Setting Up a Payment Plan If you can’t pay your taxes all at once, don’t panic. The IRS offers several options for paying your debt over time. One of the most common solutions is an Installment Agreement , where you pay your taxes in monthly installments. There are different types of installment plans available, including short-term and long-term plans, depending on how much you owe and your ability to pay. IRS: Apply for an Installment Plan
The IRS also offers Offer in Compromise (OIC) for individuals facing significant financial hardship, which allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed. IRS: Offer in Compromise
Penalties and Interest The IRS charges penalties for failure to file and failure to pay. These penalties can be reduced or eliminated depending on your circumstances. We can help you work with the IRS to mitigate these costs through negotiation and ensure your repayment plan is manageable.
Avoiding Future Tax Problems Once your tax debt is resolved, it's important to stay on top of your future taxes to prevent falling into a similar situation. Setting up automatic payments, working with a tax professional to ensure accurate filings, and making estimated tax payments throughout the year can help you avoid another crisis.
How We Can Help If you're struggling with unpaid taxes, we offer comprehensive assistance, from negotiating payment plans with the IRS to providing tax filing support. Let us help you navigate the process, reduce penalties, and get your financial life back on track.
It’s easy to make mistakes when filing your taxes. Whether you miss a deduction, misreport your income, or make a mathematical error, tax mistakes can lead to serious problems, including audits, additional taxes owed, or penalties. However, fixing those mistakes is possible—and the earlier you do it, the better.
Common Tax Filing Errors
Some of the most common mistakes made during tax filing include:
How to Correct Your Return If you discover a mistake after filing your tax return, it’s important to act quickly. You can file an Amended Return (Form 1040-X) to correct your tax filing. This form allows you to report new or corrected information and make any necessary changes. IRS: Amended Return
The Amended Return Process To file an amended return:
Gather Your Documents: Collect any updated forms or records that support your corrections, such as W-2s, 1099s, or receipts for deductions.
Complete Form 1040-X: This form allows you to make the necessary corrections and explain why the changes are being made.
How Amended Returns Affect Your Taxes Amending your return can result in either a refund if you overpaid or a higher tax bill if you underreported income. The IRS may also adjust your penalties and interest, depending on the nature of the mistake.
Avoiding Future Errors To avoid errors in the future, always double-check your tax forms and consider using tax preparation software or working with a professional. Keeping thorough records throughout the year will ensure that your tax return is accurate and complete.
How We Can Help If you’ve made a mistake on your tax return, don’t worry! We can help you file an amended return, correct any errors, and ensure your tax obligations are handled properly.
Receiving a notice that you’ve been selected for a tax audit can be unnerving. While audits are typically a routine process for the IRS, it’s important to take them seriously and respond appropriately. Fortunately, with the right support, you can navigate the audit process with confidence.
What Triggers an IRS Tax Audit ? The IRS selects tax returns for audits based on a variety of factors, including:
How the Audit Process Works
The audit process typically involves three types:
Correspondence Audit: The IRS will send you a letter requesting additional documentation or clarifications.
Office Audit: You may be asked to meet with an IRS agent in person at a local IRS office to discuss your return.
Field Audit: The IRS agent may visit your home or business to review your financial records and documents.
Steps to Take During an Audit
Review the Audit Notice: Understand exactly what the IRS is questioning, and gather the necessary documents.
Respond Promptly: Ensure that you meet all deadlines for providing information or attending meetings.
Provide Accurate Documentation: Organize your records (receipts, bank statements, W-2s, etc.) to demonstrate that your return is correct.
Consider Professional Help: Navigating an audit can be complex. Having a professional by your side ensures your rights are protected, and you can resolve the issue efficiently.
If you’ve received an audit notice, don’t panic. We’ll guide you through the process, ensure your documents are in order, and help you resolve any issues with the IRS. Our goal is to reduce your stress and get the best possible outcome.
Useful Links:
IRS: Tax Audits Overview
IRS: What to Do If You’re Audited
How to File Unsubmitted Tax Returns: A Complete Guide
Filing a tax return each year is a responsibility for most taxpayers. The IRS keeps a record of individuals who fail to submit their returns, and not filing can lead to serious consequences. For more serious cases, the IRS may take enforcement actions.
If you’ve missed filing past tax returns, you could face penalties, interest charges, or even have your refund withheld. In some cases, the IRS may file a return on your behalf, but this will often not include valuable credits or deductions you’re eligible for. This is referred to as a Substitute for Return (SFR).
It’s essential to understand how to file those overdue returns. While the process might seem challenging at first, it’s crucial to get your tax filings in order.
With the right guidance, you’ll be able to resolve your situation with the IRS, regain peace of mind, and restore confidence in your financial standing. Keep reading for a step-by-step breakdown of how to handle your back tax returns.
What To Do If You Can't Pay Your Tax Bill: A Helpful Guide
If you’re unable to pay your tax bill, the most important thing to do is take action by working with the IRS to find a solution.
The IRS offers several options to taxpayers in need, such as payment extensions and structured installment plans. For those experiencing severe financial hardship, there are options for deferring payments or even negotiating a settlement.
A tax professional can assist you in finding the right strategy when you owe taxes and can’t afford to pay the full amount.
Many people face situations where paying a tax bill just isn’t possible. If you find yourself in this position—whether due to a current tax return or unpaid taxes from a previous year—you have a few pathways to explore. Depending on your situation, the IRS might offer:
More time to pay through extended deadlines
Payment plans (Installment Agreements) with flexible terms
Deferred payment options (Currently Not Collectible Status) or Settlement offers (Offer in Compromise) if you're going through financial difficulties
A tax expert can help you evaluate these choices and negotiate directly with the IRS to set up a manageable plan for your situation.
Don’t worry—it’s possible to find a solution that works for you.
How to Handle IRS Penalties: What You Should Know
The IRS imposes a variety of penalties, and each one has different causes and requirements.
Two common ways to reduce or eliminate penalties are demonstrating reasonable cause or applying for first-time penalty abatement. However, it’s not uncommon for penalty relief requests to be denied, in which case, appealing the decision may be necessary to have the IRS reconsider your circumstances.
When dealing with IRS penalties, expert assistance can make a big difference.
Every year, the IRS issues millions of penalties—around 40 million to be exact. There are over 150 different types of penalties, but the majority stem from situations like late filing and late payment.
Don't let IRS penalties overwhelm you. There are options for resolving them and getting back on track.
How to Manage IRS CP2000 Notices (Underreporter Inquiry)
You’ll receive a CP2000 notice if the income reported on your tax return doesn’t match the information the IRS has on file.
While a CP2000 notice is not an audit, it functions similarly. It’s essential to respond completely by the specified deadline to avoid further complications.
You have the right to dispute any penalties or contest the CP2000 decision. However, you must formally request this.
If you're unsure where to begin, a tax professional can help. At Taxpert, we offer expert assistance in resolving CP2000 issues and provide upfront pricing for our services, so you don’t have to handle it directly with the IRS.
What You Need to Know About Tax Identity Theft
Tax identity theft happens when someone uses your stolen personal information, like your Social Security Number (SSN), to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund in your name. This is the most common form of tax-related identity theft. You’ll usually learn about it when you attempt to file your own return, only to have the IRS reject it because a return has already been filed using your SSN. If you file by paper, the IRS will send you a notice with the same information. If this happens, it’s likely that you’ve been a victim of tax identity theft.
Another form of tax identity theft occurs when someone uses your SSN to get a job and report earnings under your name. This type of fraud can be even more complicated to resolve. You’ll typically find out about it later in the year when the IRS sends you a notice about unreported income that you didn’t earn, but which was reported using your identity. In this case, the IRS may audit you or attempt to collect taxes on income that wasn’t yours. Resolving these cases can take up to a year, and during that time, your refunds may be withheld, and you may receive multiple notices from the IRS.
Filing Past Tax Returns: A Step-by-Step Guide
Most individuals are obligated to file a federal income tax return each year. The IRS tracks those who are required to file but fail to do so—and failing to submit your returns can lead to serious consequences. In more severe cases, the IRS may take action to resolve the issue.
If you miss filing tax returns for previous years, the IRS may charge penalties and interest, withhold any refunds, or even file a return on your behalf. However, this substitute return will likely exclude credits and deductions you’re entitled to (this is known as a Substitute for Return or SFR).
It’s important to learn how to file past tax returns, even though the process may seem intimidating. However, taking the time to file is beneficial in the long run.
With proper guidance, you’ll be able to catch up on your filings and feel confident knowing you’re on good terms with the IRS. Keep reading as we walk you through the process.
Can You Still File Previous Years' Taxes?
If you missed filing your tax returns for a previous year, you may be wondering if you’re still required to file. In most cases, the answer is yes. However, if you weren’t required to file in the first place, you won’t need to submit a return for that year.
Reasons You May Need to File Past Tax Returns
Certain tax situations may require you to file a return for a previous year, especially if you owe specific taxes such as:
Self-Employment Tax: If you earned $400 or more in self-employment income.
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): If you’re subject to the AMT.
Additional Tax on Qualified Plans: If you had transactions in an IRA or other tax-advantaged accounts (you may file IRS Form 5329 if this is the sole reason for filing).
Household Employment Taxes: If you hired domestic workers and need to file Schedule H.
Social Security and Medicare Taxes: If you earned tips not reported to your employer or received wages from an employer who didn’t withhold these taxes.
Recapture Taxes: For example, the first-time homebuyer credit.
Write-In Taxes: Including uncollected Social Security, Medicare, or Railroad Retirement taxes, as well as taxes on group-term life insurance or HSA distributions.
Distributions from Specific Accounts: If you or your spouse received distributions from a Health Savings Account (HSA), Archer MSA, Medicare Advantage MSA, or from wages exceeding $108.28 from an organization exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes.
Premium Tax Credit: If you received an advance payment of this credit.
For more information on these situations, you can check out our full guide, "Do I Need to File Taxes?"
We're Here to Support You Every Step of the Way
Whether you're dealing with straightforward notices or more intricate audits, our tax professionals have the experience to handle a wide variety of federal and state tax matters.
After a complimentary diagnostic review by one of our experts, we’ll offer a clear and upfront price—no surprise charges or hidden fees.
We’re available year-round to provide guidance, ensuring you stay on top of your taxes and avoid issues down the line.