Tax debt myths vs. facts

Myth: “The IRS will settle for pennies on the dollar.”

Fact: Most people don't qualify for an Offer in Compromise. The IRS accepts one only when it believes it can't collect the full amount. The FTC has sued companies for promising this.

Myth: “If I ignore the letters, it'll go away.”

Fact: It won't. Penalties and interest grow, and ignored notices lead to levies on your pay and bank account.

Myth: “I can't file because I can't pay.”

Fact: File anyway. The penalty for not filing is usually much bigger than the penalty for not paying, and most payment options require filed returns.

Myth: “The IRS can't take my paycheck without a court order.”

Fact: It can. Unlike most creditors, the IRS doesn't need a court order to levy wages after sending the required notices.

Myth: “A garnishment means I'll lose my job.”

Fact: Federal law protects you from being fired over a garnishment for one debt (15 U.S.C. § 1674).

Myth: “I need a big national company to deal with the IRS.”

Fact: Many problems can be fixed with a payment plan or a hardship request. What matters is knowing your real numbers and meeting deadlines.

1. Free call. Tell us what letter you got or what's being taken.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. We prepare the paperwork with you: financial statements, missing returns, and letters.
5. 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.