Owing back taxes is a problem. It’s also a solvable one.
Where people are when they call
Some people owe back taxes from last year and are genuinely shaken by it. Others have been dealing with a balance for years and are ready to finally resolve it. However you got here and however long it’s been — there are options. The IRS has programs designed for exactly this situation.
What matters now is understanding what those options are and which one fits your situation. That’s what we do. We review your account, pull your transcripts, and come back with a clear picture of where things stand and what paths are available to you.
Resolution options
Installment agreement
A payment plan with the IRS. You pay the balance over time in manageable monthly payments. Most people qualify and the process is more straightforward than most expect.
Offer in Compromise
In some cases the IRS will accept less than the full amount owed. Qualifying depends on your specific financial situation — income, assets, expenses. We’ll tell you honestly whether it’s a realistic option.
Currently Not Collectible status
If you genuinely can’t pay, the IRS can place your account in a temporary hardship status — pausing collection activity while your situation is evaluated. This isn’t forgiveness, but it buys time.
Penalty abatement
Penalties added to your balance can sometimes be reduced or removed. The underlying tax may still be owed, but reducing penalties can make the total significantly more manageable.
Something worth knowing
The IRS generally has 10 years from the date of assessment to collect a tax debt. That doesn’t mean waiting it out is a strategy — collection activity can intensify over time — but it does mean the situation isn’t necessarily permanent. Understanding the timeline is part of knowing your options.