Monday, April 29, 2019

FILING BACK AND DELINQUENT TAXES: What You Should Know

Nobody wants to run afoul of the Internal Revenue Service, but it can be unnervingly easy to do. Mistakes and oversights can happen. The IRS may be sending you notices or you may just be digging your way out of some past troubles and trying to avoid any future problems.

You might be surprised to learn that filing your tax returns can be the quickest way out of any back tax issues, but you'll have to protect yourself in the process.

NEED HELP WITH IRS BACK TAXES, AUDIT REPRESENTATION OR SMALL BUSINESS TAX PREPARATION?

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Here are some steps to follow to take control of your back taxes.

GATHER ALL YOUR TAX DOCUMENTS

When was the last year you filed? Do you have a copy of that tax return? Do you still have W-2s and other tax documents for the years you didn't file? You can request copies of your tax documents from the Internal Revenue Service for free if you are missing anything, or contact your employer or the institution that would have sent them to you.

Keep in mind that they may not still have them on file, however, or at least they may not be easily accessible. There might be a fee if you choose this option.

PREPARE THE TAX RETURN OR HIRE A TAX PROFESSIONAL

Be sure to use reliable and easy-to-use software if you're going to prepare your tax returns yourself. Plan on spending about two to three hours on each tax return you need to file. Call Advance Tax Relief (713)300-3965 for assistance.
When filing yourself, make sure you are set for the appropriate tax year.
Regulations vary by tax year and the settings can be critical for compliance as well as your liabilities or refund on the bottom line.

In some cases, you might do better with an experienced tax professional, however, because he can help you with compliance and also help you to deal with the IRS down the road, if necessary. Often, the best way to find a tax pro is to ask your friends. Look for someone with significant experience in preparing back taxes. If you need advice on how to handle incomplete tax documentation or an advocate who will negotiate with the IRS on your behalf, a tax professional is the way to go.

PROTECT YOUR TAX REFUNDS

Believe it or not, many late filers are entitled to tax refunds. There are strict time limits for refunds, audits, and debt collection. In most cases, you have three years from the date your tax return was due before your refund "expires." But if you owe other tax debts, such as because you have a balance due from another year, your refund will typically be applied to that debt.

PAY OFF YOUR TAX DEBTS AND REQUEST TAX FORGIVENESS IF YOU QUALIFY

Create a plan for paying off your tax debts if it turns out that you owe the IRS money. You may also need to plan on how to protect yourself from an IRS investigation, assessment, lien, or possibly a levy, and this is where a tax professional can be helpful.

Your plan of action might be as simple as setting up an installment agreement with the IRS for a monthly payment plan or asking for an offer in compromise. Depending on your circumstances, an installment agreement can give you up to 72 months to pay, but you must owe the IRS $50,000 or less to qualify. Simply file IRS Form 9465, the Installment Agreement Request, with your tax return. You might also be able to establish an installment agreement online (click here to apply). If you owe less than $10,000, your request should most likely be automatically approved.

An offer in compromise is a bit more complex. It involves reaching an agreement with the IRS to pay less than your full balance due. An offer in compromise is typically only used if you are unable to pay through an installment plan. You will usually need the help of a professional for this, and it may be noted on your credit report.

For an offer in compromise, you must establish that you cannot pay your balance through an installment agreement or by any other means. Either way, address the situation as promptly as possible. Ignoring the IRS can get you into big trouble very fast as they can take action to place a lien or levy on your assets which may include bank accounts, your home, or your car.

PLAN AHEAD

Your next plan of action should be to focus on the future. It is a good opportunity to review your overall tax situation and to come up with strategies for reducing your taxes and achieving your financial goals. Again, a tax professional can help.

If you think you might owe the IRS next year as well, consider making estimated tax payments in advance. They are generally required for independent taxpayers not taking withdrawals from a payroll. Making quarterly estimated tax payments can also help you to avoid penalties on your annual tax return.

THE TAX LAWS YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW

Sometimes the IRS will take an educated guess about what your tax liability might be. The IRS will then send you a notice of proposed assessment, or even file a return on your behalf. You can reduce or eliminate the IRS’s proposed assessments by filing your back tax returns. The IRS can and will impose penalties and interest on tax liabilities that aren't paid in full by the deadline for the tax return. As mentioned, they can also place a lien or levy on your assets.

Your tax information is absolutely and completely confidential. A tax professional is ethically and legally obligated not to share your information with anyone—not even with the IRS—unless he or she has your explicit authorization.

SOME TIPS ON FILING DELINQUENT BACK TAXES

Late tax returns must be filed on paper and mailed to your local IRS Service Center. You can use tax software to prepare your returns, but then you must print them out and mail them in. You cannot file late returns electronically.

Mail your tax returns in separate envelopes and send them by certified mail. This way you'll have proof that the IRS received each individual return. Mailing them in separate envelopes will also help prevent the IRS from making any clerical errors in processing them.

You can also hand-deliver your tax returns to your local IRS office if time is of the essence. Make extra copies of page one of each return and take the copies with you. Ask the IRS representative to stamp the copies as received. These receipts will provide evidence of what you filed, when you filed, and where you filed.

GET TAX RELIEF HELP TODAY

If you think that you may need help filing your 2018/2019 tax return and past due tax returns, you may want to partner with a reputable tax relief company who can help you get the max refund and reduce your chances for an IRS AUDIT.

Advance Tax Relief is headquartered in Houston, TX with a branch office in Los Angeles, CA. We help many individuals just like you solve a wide variety of IRS and State tax issues, including penalty waivers, wage garnishments, bank levy, tax audit representation, back tax return preparation, small business form 941 tax issues, the IRS Fresh Start Initiative, Offer In Compromise and much more. Our Top Tax Attorneys, Accountants and Tax Experts are standing by ready to help you resolve or settle your IRS back tax problems.

Advance Tax Relief is rated one of the best tax relief companies nationwide.

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