Frequently Asked Questions (IRS Tax Resolution)

Yes. We work with clients across the U.S. on federal IRS matters and handle most cases remotely by phone, email, and secure document upload.

We focus exclusively on IRS (federal) tax matters. If you also have a state issue, we can discuss next steps or coordinate with a professional in your state.

We help with back taxes and tax debt, unfiled returns, IRS payment plans, Offers in Compromise, hardship status (Currently Not Collectible), IRS collections (liens/levies/garnishments), audits/CP2000 notices, appeals, penalty abatement, and business/payroll tax problems.

Yes. The consultation is free. We’ll listen to your situation, review what you have, and explain realistic next steps.

We’ll review the basics of your situation, request key documents (often IRS notices and/or transcripts), and then outline the most realistic options based on your facts and goals.

Fees depend on the complexity of your case (years involved, filings needed, IRS status, and the resolution path). We explain pricing up front before any work begins.

Yes. We offer interest-free payment plans for our fees in many cases (terms vary based on your matter).

We back the work we promise with a money-back guarantee (terms apply). We’ll explain what it covers before you sign anything.

No. Submitting a form or calling does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship begins only after a signed engagement agreement.

No. Please do not send confidential information until we have a signed engagement agreement and you are using our secure process.

If possible, have any IRS letters/notices, an estimate of what you owe, the years involved, and basic income information (W-2/1099/self-employment). Don’t worry if you don’t have everything—we can help you organize what’s needed.

We typically start with IRS transcripts and your notice history to confirm balances, years, compliance status, and whether collections are active.

That’s common. We can usually confirm missing years and IRS status through transcripts and IRS records once representation is in place.

Sometimes—but not always. Depending on your income, assets, and IRS status, the best path may be a payment plan, hardship status, penalty relief, or (in qualifying cases) an Offer in Compromise.

Ignoring IRS notices usually makes things worse. Penalties and interest can grow, and collections can escalate. The sooner you act, the more options you typically have.

It depends on the issue, how many years are involved, and IRS processing times. Many cases take months, not days. We’ll give you a realistic expectation after we review your situation.

You’re not alone. We help clients get delinquent returns prepared and filed correctly so they can get back into compliance and qualify for resolution options.

It depends on your facts and IRS records. In many situations the IRS focuses on recent years, but requirements can vary. We’ll confirm which years matter in your case.

An SFR is a return the IRS creates using information it has (often without deductions you might be entitled to). In many cases, filing accurate returns can correct the record and reduce what the IRS assessed.

It’s a formal IRS payment plan that allows you to pay over time. The plan type and terms depend on the amount owed and your financial situation.

Often, an approved installment agreement reduces collection pressure—but timing and compliance matter. We’ll explain what to expect in your specific situation.

Installment agreements can default if payments are missed or if you fall out of compliance. We help you set up a plan you can maintain and avoid common default triggers.

Sometimes. The IRS may accept an Offer in Compromise if it agrees it’s unlikely to collect the full balance. Many people do not qualify, so we focus on honest eligibility review first.

The IRS considers income, allowable expenses, assets, and overall ability to pay. We review your financial picture and IRS records to estimate whether an offer makes sense.

In most cases, yes. Filing compliance is usually required before the IRS will consider an offer.

CNC is an IRS hardship status where the IRS agrees you can’t pay right now and typically pauses active collection for a period of time. It’s not a settlement.

No. CNC can pause collection activity, but the balance may continue to accrue penalties and interest. It’s often a “breathing room” strategy and sometimes a bridge to another solution later.

It varies. The IRS may review your finances periodically. If your situation improves, the IRS may ask you to resume payments or pursue another resolution option.

In many cases, collection pressure can be reduced with the right approach and timing, but it depends on where you are in the IRS process and what you qualify for. The most important step is acting quickly.

A lien is a legal claim against property; a levy is the IRS taking money or assets (like a bank levy). Wage garnishment is a type of levy against paychecks.

Final notices can signal increased collection risk and can have deadlines. Don’t ignore them—get help quickly so you understand your options and timelines.

A CP2000 is a proposed adjustment (often based on income mismatch). It’s not always called an “audit,” but it still requires a careful response.

Some notices are simple, but mistakes can be costly or widen the issue. We help you respond correctly, meet deadlines, and present documentation clearly.

An appeal is a request for independent review (often through the IRS Office of Appeals) if you disagree with the IRS’s determination. Not every case is appealable, but many are.

Payroll taxes involve employee withholdings, and the IRS often escalates faster when payroll periods are behind. The goal is to get compliant and stabilize the situation quickly.

Yes. Many business owners have both. We look at the full picture and recommend a realistic strategy.

Penalty abatement is an IRS process that may reduce or remove certain penalties when you qualify. It doesn’t erase the underlying tax, but it can significantly lower the overall balance.

No. First-time abatement depends on your compliance history and the type of penalty. We review your IRS account history to determine if it’s an option.

We aim for proactive communication and will keep you informed as your case progresses. The pace can depend on IRS processing timelines and whether the IRS requests additional information.

Start with Back Taxes & Tax Debt Relief or Unfiled Tax Returns—those are the most common. During your consultation, we’ll help you choose the best strategy based on your facts.