Leatherneck BookkeepingCall (208) 614-1965Owe back taxes? Find out exactly what you owe, then make a plan.
Most people who owe the IRS don't know their real balance, which years are open, or what the IRS will accept. We pull your transcripts and lay it out plainly.
Common options when you owe the IRS
- Payment plan (installment agreement). Many people who owe $50,000 or less can set one up, sometimes online.
- Currently not collectible (hardship). If you can't pay basic living expenses, collection may be paused.
- First-time penalty relief. If you have a clean history, some penalties may be removed.
- Offer in compromise. For a few people who truly can't pay, the IRS may accept less. Most don't qualify, and we'll tell you honestly if you're a fit.
- File missing returns first. Most options require it.
Watch out for companies promising "pennies on the dollar." The FTC has sued tax relief firms for making that kind of promise. We'll give you straight talk instead.
- Free call. Tell us what letter you got or what's being taken.
- Form 8821. You sign it, and we pull your IRS transcripts so we can see exactly what the IRS sees: balances, years, unfiled returns, and notices.
- A plan in plain English. We explain your options (payment plan, hardship, penalty relief, filing missing returns) and what the IRS will need from you.
- We prepare the paperwork with you: financial statements, missing returns, and letters.
- We get on the phone with you. When you call the IRS, we join the call and help you. You speak for yourself, and we're right there.
Talk to the owner directly. 30 years of tax experience.
Free consultation. Plain answers. Nampa, Idaho. Helping clients nationwide.
Call (208) 614-1965Request a free consultationCommon questions
How do I find out how much I owe?
With your signed Form 8821 we can pull your IRS account transcripts showing each year's balance, penalties and interest. You can also view your balance in your IRS online account.
Will the interest and penalties keep growing?
Yes, until the balance is paid. That's why getting on a plan sooner usually costs less.
Do you settle tax debt?
We don't negotiate or represent you before the IRS. We help you understand your options, prepare the paperwork, and join your call while you speak for yourself.
Can the IRS take my tax refund?
Yes. The IRS applies federal refunds to back taxes it's owed. After a CP504 notice, it can also levy your state tax refund. Source: IRC § 6402; IRS CP504 notice page
Can the IRS take my Social Security, VA benefits or unemployment?
Social Security: yes, the IRS can take up to 15% of each payment through the Federal Payment Levy Program. VA service-connected disability, unemployment benefits and workers' compensation are exempt from IRS levy by law. Once benefits are deposited, money in a bank account may still be reachable, so call before it happens. Source: IRC § 6331(h) and § 6334(a)(4), (7), (10)
Can I be fired over an IRS wage levy?
Federal law (Consumer Credit Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1674) says an employer can't fire you because your pay is being garnished for one debt. That protection doesn't cover you if your pay is garnished for two or more separate debts, and some states add more protection. If you think you were fired over a garnishment, talk to the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division or an employment attorney. Source: 15 U.S.C. § 1674; dol.gov Fact Sheet #30
Can the IRS take my spouse's pay?
Only if your spouse also owes, for example on a joint return. If the debt is yours alone (say, from before you married or a separate return), the IRS shouldn't levy your spouse's wages, but money in a joint bank account can be levied. Community-property states have special rules. If your spouse's debt landed on you, ask us about Innocent Spouse or Injured Spouse relief. Source: IRS Publication 971; IRS Form 8379
Related help
Leatherneck Bookkeeping is not a law firm and does not represent clients before the IRS or any state tax agency. With your signed IRS Form 8821, we can pull your IRS transcripts and receive copies of your IRS notices. When you call the IRS, we join the call and help you, but you speak for yourself. Results depend on your facts and IRS rules; no outcome is guaranteed.