Back Taxes Help: How to Set Up a Payment Plan With the IRS

Filing Back Taxes

Back taxes can drive you into significant debt due to penalties and accumulating interests. You may also lose your assets due to liens imposed by the IRS. Setting up a payment plan is the best way to avoid such consequences while organizing your finances.

The IRS allows taxpayers to pay their debt using various installment plans. It also offers tax forgiveness programs to reduce the burden of delinquent taxes.

Here, we discuss ways to set up a payment plan with the IRS. We will also cover some debt relief programs you can consider.

Apply Online

One way to set up a payment plan with the IRS is by applying online. Log in to your e-filing portal using your account ID. After that, complete Form 9465 (installment agreement request) and submit it.

This document will require you to provide details needed during payment plan processing. Such may include the amount you owe, your employer, and your bank information. It also provides a section inquiring about the amount you can afford and the date you want to remit the installments.

Contact the IRS by Phone

Another way to set up an installment plan is by calling the IRS. Use the number 800-829-1040 to apply for debt relief for personal taxes. On the other hand, if you need an installment plan for your business, use 800-829-4933.

The IRS may provide phone numbers on the bill or notice sent by mail. Contact this number if you do not want to fill out the payment plan form. The agent will then request some information and use it to request a payment plan on your behalf.

Apply by Mail

The method used to set up a payment plan by mail can vary. If you request a tax relief program while submitting your returns, attach Form 9465 to the front. However, send the document to the nearest IRS office if you mailed your tax return forms or filed them online.

Contact a Tax Resolution Expert

Working with a tax resolution expert is the best way to set up an installment plan with the IRS. Professionals can review your financial documents and help you file back taxes. They will also consider your income and expenses before recommending a suitable tax relief program.

When setting up a tax forgiveness plan with an expert's help, they will identify all the documents needed for the process. Afterward, they will guide you in filling out various forms or do it for you. The expert will then verify your application before submitting it to the IRS.

IRS Tax Payment Plans to Consider

 The IRS has several IRS fresh start programs to help you deal with back taxes. Such include:

The short-term installment plan is available if you owe a total amount of less than $100,000. When applying for this program, you won't pay a setup fee. Still, you will have to clear the total debt in 180 days or less.

If you owe the IRS less than $50k, you may qualify for a long-term installment plan. The setup fee is $31 when applying online and $107 when using other methods.

An IRS offer in compromise lets you pay less than what you owe. However, you must remit 20% of the debt when sending your application. If the IRS approves your request, you may clear the balance in installments.

An IRS hardship program stops all debt collection measures. Such may include imposing tax liens and freezing bank accounts. Still, the interest and penalties on the owed amount will continue accruing until you can pay.

Reach Out to FinishLine Tax Solutions to Set Up a Payment Plan

Getting tax relief services from expert tax relief companies ensures you opt for a program suitable for your financial capability. At FinishLine Tax Solutions, we provide reliable back taxes help.

Our CPAs and tax attorneys will offer all the guidance and assistance you need. They may also advise ways to manage debt and deal with a tax audit. Call us now for a consultation.

Delinquent Taxes and How to Handle Them

Delinquent Taxes and How to Handle Them

The IRS requires each taxpayer to remit the taxes they owe before the provided deadline. If you do not send the whole amount, the debt accumulates with an interest of 1.5% each month up to 25%. Besides, your account becomes delinquent, implying that you now owe the IRS and are subject to debt collection.

If you have delinquent taxes, it is crucial to clear them to avoid getting in trouble with the IRS. This measure also stops the penalties from accumulating, saving you from repaying a hefty amount.

Here, we provide more details about delinquent taxes and the best ways to deal with them. We will also discuss the precautions you can take to avoid owing the IRS in the future.

What Happens When I Have Delinquent Taxes?

Once the deadline for paying taxes passes, the IRS will start the collection process. The first step they will take is sending a notice to your mailing address.

This document states the amount due and the consequences you may face if you do not pay. It also indicates how much the penalties and fines will accumulate until you clear the balance.

It is vital to contact the IRS after receiving the notice to develop a payment plan. If you do not do this, they may take various debt collection actions.

For example, the IRS can freeze all your bank accounts and assets. Besides, they may file a federal tax lien, affecting your ability to get financial credit.

How to Handle Delinquent Taxes

The best way to deal with delinquent taxes is by responding to the notice sent by the IRS in time. If possible, pay the total amount you owe and update your filing documents. In case you cannot repay in full, it is advisable to consult a tax liability professional.

With their help, you can determine the most suitable installment program based on your financial situation and the amount you owe. Further, it will be easier to negotiate with the IRS for an installment payment program.

Repaying Delinquent Taxes

The IRS offers various programs to help you pay delinquent taxes. These include an installment agreement, offer in compromise, and currently not collectible. The installment agreement plan allows you to repay debts that are equal to or less than $50,000. In most cases, the IRS will give you 72 months to clear the total amount.

Offer in compromise is a tax relief program that allows you to pay less than what you owe. Still, you will need to remit an agreed lump sum amount and then pay the balance over a specified duration.

When facing financial hardships, you may not be in a position to pay your tax debt. In such a case, the IRS can declare your account currently not collectible to stop recovery attempts. To qualify for this relief program, you must show that paying your debt will cause severe hardship.

How to Avoid Delinquent Taxes

Delinquent taxes often result from minor calculation errors and failing to provide correct information. Hence, it is essential to double-check all figures when filling your forms. Alternatively, use the IRS online system to avoid miscalculations or hire an expert to file your taxes.

More strategies to prevent a tax debt are:

  • Filing under the correct status
  • Reporting all your income
  • Reviewing all your details before submitting tax forms

Another way to avoid delinquent taxes is by ensuring you remit the total amount owed by the due date. Further, understand all the taxes that apply to your filing status to ensure you pay the correct amount.

Get Professional Help to Deal with Delinquent Taxes

Handing delinquent taxes without the help of an expert can be challenging. At Tax Industry, we provide reliable tax resolution services. Our experienced attorneys and CPAs can help you qualify for a repayment program by providing all the needed documentation.  Reach out to us now to book a consultation appointment and resolve your tax liability.