Oh, no! You’ve gone and missed a payment and now the IRS has sent you Notice CP523, Installment Agreement Default Notice—Notice of Intent to Levy. What can you do? Not to worry. If your letter from the IRS is dated less than 30 days ago, you have time to call the toll-free number printed on the top of your letter and see what can be done to resolve the issue. Though you do have 30 days from the date of the notice, Read More
4 Factors an IRS Appeals Officer Considers During a Hearing
Owing money to the IRS can be a tough pill to swallow, but what can be even more challenging is the idea that they think you owe money when you actually don’t or when the IRS tries to collect the money from you unfairly without following its own administrative procedures. If you’ve received a notification from the IRS that you have a debt to pay, or if the IRS has filed a Notice of Federal Tax Lien against you or Read More
The IRS Installment Agreement
Among the many ways taxpayers may resolve a tax debt with the IRS, the Installment Agreement is a popular choice. Installment Agreements allow a taxpayer to make monthly payments towards a tax debt and often also reduce the amount of penalties and interest that must be paid. The IRS does set forth conditions that must be met to qualify for an agreement: All income tax returns must be filed, All employment tax Read More
A Step-by-Step Guide to the IRS Appeals Process
When you’ve worked diligently to complete your taxes and are satisfied with the results, it can be a shock to receive notification from the IRS stating that you actually owe more than you thought! If this occurs and you are absolutely sure that the IRS is incorrect in their calculations, you can choose to appeal their decision. The process to appeal isn’t complex, but must be followed correctly for the best Read More
A Brief Look at Washington State Business Taxes
Tax Costs of Doing Business in Washington State Today, I'd like to discuss four main taxes with which business owners in Washington State must contend. B & O Tax While Washington doesn’t have an income tax, businesses are subjected to a Business and Occupation (or B & O) tax. This tax is a gross receipts tax measured on either the value of products, the gross proceeds of sale, or a business’s gross income. Read More
Drawing Unwanted Attention: 8 Red Flags That May Trigger an IRS Audit
Two words often strike fear in the hearts of tax paying individuals: IRS audit. It’s often perceived that an audit is completely random, but in reality there are several red flags that trigger the IRS to take a second look. Keep in mind that these issues do not necessarily guarantee an audit, but rather might increase your chances. It’s never a good idea to falsify information to avoid these items, so it’s best to be Read More
IRS Tax Refunds
Show me the refund! Tax time is here, but this year you’re prepared. You’ve filled out the forms and filed your returns in a timely manner, pondering future purchases while eagerly awaiting your refund check. But you’ve grown bored with waiting and want to know when you will be getting your tax refund. No worries, we have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding IRS refunds. How can I check Read More
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When the IRS Can Seize Personal Assets to Cover Business Tax Liabilities
Small business owners often put their blood, sweat, and tears into making sure their company remains operational and successful. Sometimes it isn’t enough, and the company has to close. When this happens, owners might be under the impression that they aren’t responsible for their unpaid business debts, but that’s not always true. Having a business isn’t a free pass to acquire debt and then not pay it off or Read More
Understanding Spousal Tax Liability
When married couples file taxes, there are a few assumptions that are naturally made by both parties. You assume that the information on your paperwork is accurate for both of you, and that all of your income during the year is represented on your return. It’s also a given that, as a couple filing jointly, both of you will be responsible for paying any tax due. But what if your spouse does something without your Read More
An Introduction to the IRS’ “Currently-Not-Collectible” Tax Program
Tax time is certainly looked at as one of people’s least favorite times of the year. While it’s a headache for some, it can be truly stressful and upsetting for others. Imagine living paycheck to paycheck, barely able to make ends meet, and then finding out you owe the IRS thousands of dollars. A situation like this might seem hopeless, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The IRS has created a program for Read More
