What happens if I ignore my IRS tax debt?
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Ignoring IRS debt is one of the worst things you can do. The IRS will continue adding penalties and interest — currently 5% failure-to-pay per month — and will eventually file a federal tax lien, issue bank levies, garnish your wages, and in extreme cases seize physical assets. The IRS has 10 years to collect, and every month you wait the balance grows.
How far back can the IRS collect?
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The IRS has 10 years from the date of assessment to collect a tax debt. This is called the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED). However, certain events can pause or extend this clock — such as filing for bankruptcy, submitting an Offer in Compromise, or being out of the country. A tax professional can calculate your exact CSED.
Can the IRS take my house?
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Yes, the IRS has the legal authority to seize and sell real estate to satisfy a tax debt, but this is rare and typically a last resort after other collection actions have failed. More commonly, the IRS will file a tax lien against your property (which affects your credit and ability to sell or refinance) rather than physically seizing it. Acting before a lien is filed gives you the most options.
What is a federal tax lien?
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A federal tax lien is a legal claim by the IRS against all of your current and future property — real estate, personal property, and financial assets. It is filed publicly and appears on your credit report, damaging your score and ability to get loans, refinance, or sell property. A lien is different from a levy: a lien is a legal claim, while a levy is an actual seizure of property.
What is an Offer in Compromise?
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An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is an IRS program that allows eligible taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed. The IRS considers your ability to pay, income, expenses, and asset equity. Acceptance is not guaranteed — the IRS accepts roughly 40% of applications — but a well-prepared OIC by a licensed professional significantly improves your odds.
How do I know which resolution program is right for me?
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The right resolution program depends on how much you owe, your income, your assets, and whether you are currently compliant with your filing obligations. An Offer in Compromise works best for those who genuinely cannot pay; an installment agreement works for those who can pay over time; Currently Not Collectible is for those with true financial hardship. Our free consultation covers all of this.
Will the IRS really settle for less than I owe?
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Yes — but not for everyone. The IRS accepts Offers in Compromise when it concludes you cannot pay the full amount before the collection statute expires, or when collecting the full amount would create economic hardship. In fiscal year 2023, the IRS accepted approximately 13,000 OICs. The average accepted offer settled debt for significantly less than the full balance. Results vary widely based on individual circumstances.
How long does tax resolution take?
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It depends on the resolution type. A wage garnishment release can happen in days. An installment agreement can be set up in a few weeks. An Offer in Compromise typically takes 6–24 months from submission to IRS determination. Innocent Spouse Relief usually takes 6–12 months. We give you a realistic timeline upfront based on your specific case.
Is the consultation really free?
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Yes, completely free and with no obligation. Our initial consultation involves a licensed tax professional reviewing your IRS situation, explaining your options, and giving you a realistic assessment of what resolution is possible. We will never pressure you into signing anything.
Who will be working on my case?
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Your case is handled by licensed Enrolled Agents, CPAs, or Tax Attorneys — the only three categories of professionals authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS. You will always know who is working on your case, and you can contact them directly throughout the process.
Do I have to deal with the IRS directly?
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No. Once we file a Power of Attorney (IRS Form 2848), all IRS communication goes through us. The IRS is legally required to contact your representative — not you — for most matters. Many clients go the entire resolution process without speaking to the IRS directly.
What if I have unfiled tax returns?
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Unfiled returns must be filed before most IRS resolution programs can proceed. The good news is that getting compliant is often less frightening than people expect. We can pull your IRS wage and income transcripts to reconstruct your returns, and we file them strategically to minimize your liability and exposure. We then immediately pursue the best resolution for any resulting balance.