4 Facts You Might Not Know About the IRS and Debt Relief

In 2013, Pew Research conducted a survey asking Americans how they felt about 13 different government agencies. They found that 51% of Americans expressed unfavorable views of the Internal Revenue Service, ranking it at the bottom of the list. The IRS was the only agency where the majority of people did not have a favorable view.

The IRS is a high volume government agency servicing millions. Although it can seem like the IRS is the bearer of bad news when it comes to tax related issues, they are also associated with   doing a great deal of good. Here are four facts you may not know  about the IRS as it relates to debt relief.

1. The IRS Provides Options

When a taxpayer is suffering from tax related debt such as back taxes and seeking relief, the IRS provides options. One of the options the IRS provides is the Fresh Start Program. This is an initiative that makes it easier for individual and business taxpayers to pay back taxes, avoid IRS liens and get tax relief. The IRS is continuously working to improve such programs. For example, with the Fresh Start Program, the IRS recently increased the Notice of Federal Tax Lien filing threshold. By increasing the minimum liability, tens of thousands of taxpayers are protected each year.

As part of the Fresh Start Initiative, the IRS can also issue “withdrawals” of tax liens that had previously been released. When a lien is released, it still remains on your credit report. However, with the addition of lien withdrawals to the Fresh Start Program, liens can now be removed from your records to help repair your credit score and obtain future loans.

Another option the IRS provides within the Fresh Start Program is streamlined installment agreements. The IRS gives taxpayers a 72-month payment period to pay past debts. In addition to streamlined installment agreements, the IRS Fresh Start Tax Settlement program has also made it easier for taxpayers to qualify for an offer-in-compromise. More flexibility has also been added to the way the IRS calculates a taxpayer’s ability to pay when evaluating the settlement options. The debt settlement allows you to pay less than the full amount you owe if you qualify.

It’s important to note that the Fresh Start Program is not for everyone but it is an option provided to taxpayers owing back taxes. The IRS is continuously working to improve such programs and to provide the best options available to those with tax issues.

2. The IRS has a Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)

The IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers who are experiencing unresolved federal tax problems. It is designed to be your voice within the IRS.

The program helps individual and business taxpayers who are experiencing financial difficulty. Similar to a debt relief company, they assign you one advocate who will do everything possible to get your problem resolved. The TAS has helped thousands of taxpayers with tax debt issues that resulted from identity theft, embezzlement, fraud, tax levies and liens.

It’s important to note that while TAS is a great service offered by the IRS, it may not be the best option for handling your tax debt situation. Each situation is unique and while some situations can be handled by TAS, other situations are best handled by a debt relief service. It’s best to do research on both options to see which one is best for you.

3. The IRS Provides Relief to People in Need 

In the aftermath of major disasters, the IRS typically provides additional tax relief to affected individuals and businesses. One example of this was in 2012 when Hurricane Sandy destroyed parts of Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. Following this disaster, the IRS granted tax relief to taxpayers in the affected areas. The tax relief postponed filing dates and payment deadlines.

Another example of the IRS providing relief came in 2013, when devastating tornados hit Moore and Oklahoma City, OK. After this disaster, the IRS provided special tax relief to affected taxpayers. In addition to postponing filing dates and payment deadlines, the IRS abated interest, late-payment and late-filing penalties. While it may seem the IRS is hesitant to offer relief, when it truly matters and people have experienced disasters, the IRS responds.

4. Former Employees Are Still Willing to Help

If you find yourself in a situation where you need individual or business tax debt relief, it can be extremely helpful to talk with former IRS Agents who understand the inner workings of the IRS. Often times, once these individuals have finished working at the IRS, they continue working to help taxpayers resolve tax debt.

If you owe taxes to the IRS, it can be a very confusing, overwhelming and frustrating process. Consider working with a debt relief service that employees former IRS Agents, who understand how the taxation authorities work and can help alleviate your stress.

Conclusion

The IRS is an incredibly large, complex agency within our government. If you have individual or business tax debt, it can be difficult to know what to do or where to turn. At Landmark Tax Group, we’re dedicated to doing what is best based on your specific tax situation. As one of our former clients said:

“Great place for tax [relief] advice. Even if they don’t see a need for you to use and pay for their service, they’ll still give you excellent advice and direction at no cost. They are worth a call.”  – Tom M., Laguna Beach, CA

Not only are we licensed Tax Relief Specialists, we are also former Senior IRS Agents that now serve the best interests of taxpayers like you – all we do is handle IRS Tax Relief matters, all day, every day. Speak to us for FREE at (949) 260-4770.