If you have an IRS tax debt, the first step is figuring out a way to get your IRS tax settlement done. You can do this either by borrowing money, paying in installments, or reaching a mutual agreement with the IRS. But how do you know which one’s right for you? In this blog post, we’ll break down the four different ways to settle debt with IRS tax debt and explain the best choice for your situation.
What is IRS Tax?
The IRS Tax is a type of tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Service on individuals and businesses. The IRS Tax is imposed on income, profits, and gains. This tax is used to fund the operations of the federal government.
What are IRS Tax Debts?
If you owe the IRS money, you’re not alone. There are millions of Americans under tax debt. The good news is that options are available to help you pay off your debt and get back on track.
You’ll need to contact the IRS and work out a payment plan that works for you and your budget. One option is to set up an installment plan with the IRS. It allows you to make monthly payments toward your debt.
Another option is to negotiate a settlement with the IRS. It means agreeing to pay less than the total amount you owe. It can be a complex process, but it may be worth it if you can get a significant reduction in what you owe.
You may also be able to have your debt forgiven if you can prove that paying it would create a financial hardship for you. It is called “offer in compromise,” and it’s typically only an option if you can’t afford to make any payments at all.
Finally, if you’re unable to pay your debt, you may be able to have it discharged in bankruptcy. It is the last resort option, but it may be worth considering if all other options have failed.
How to Settle IRS Tax Debts: The Four Ways
The IRS offers four different ways to get your IRS tax settlement done to get free from tax debts. You can pay in full, make partial payments, enter into an installment agreement, or request an offer in compromise.
Paying in full is the best option if you can afford it, as it will save you the most money in the long run. If you can’t pay your taxes in full, you can make partial payments. However, this will not save you any money and only prolong the time it takes to pay off your debt. Paying it off in full can actually save you from interest and penalties.
If you can’t pay your taxes in full or make partial payments, you can enter into an installment agreement with the IRS. It allows you to make monthly payments toward your debt. However, you will be charged interest on the outstanding balance and may be subject to late payment penalties. Here you can get up to 72 months to pay back your dues. So the good part here is that you can clear your debts in bits and pieces and get relieved.
If you owe to IRS more than your paying capacity, then this option is to request an offer in compromise from the IRS. It is a settlement offer where you agree to pay less than the total amount owed. The IRS will consider your ability to pay, income, assets, and liabilities when determining if you qualify for an offer in a compromise between you and the IRS to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. This option is only available if you can’t pay your full tax debt, and it may not be available if you’ve been involved in certain types of activities (like tax fraud).
The last option, if you’re unable to pay your debt, you may be able to have it discharged in bankruptcy. It is the last resort option when your tax debts are more than your earning capacity. But it may be worth considering if all other options have failed. Here, after evaluating all evidence, IRS voluntarily marks it as Currently Not Collectible. The taxpayer is freed from all dues and penalties. But this is not a good option as for about ten years IRS will keep on adding all interest and penalties without asking you tax. The moment they see your financial situation is improving, they may send you notices to start collecting taxes.
If you are unsure which option to go for and what exactly is to be done, it is always advisable to get in touch with a consultant or company providing IRS tax settlement services. They will be able to guide and prepare a plan for you.
Eligibility Criteria of Each of The Four Different Methods to Settle IRS Tax Debit
There are four different ways that you can settle your IRS tax debts. Each method has its eligibility criteria, so it’s essential to know which one you qualify for before beginning the process.
The first method is the short-term payment plan. You must owe $50,000 or less in taxes, penalties, and interest combined to be eligible. You must also agree to pay your tax debt within 120 days. You may qualify for a longer-term payment plan if you can’t pay your tax debt in full within 120 days.
The second method is the Installment Agreement. You can set up an installment agreement if you owe $50,000 or less in taxes, penalties, and interest. You’ll need to fill out form 9465 and submit it to the IRS to do this. The IRS will then review your financial situation and determine how much you can afford to pay per month.
The third method is called an Offer in Compromise (OIC). It is an agreement between you and the IRS to settle your tax debt for less than the total amount you owe. To be eligible for an OIC, you must prove that:
1. You can’t pay your tax debt in full;
2. You can’t pay your tax debt in full within the reasonable collection.
To be eligible for this, you must prove that you cannot pay the total amount of your debt and that paying anything would create a financial hardship. To avail of this option, you should owe less than $50,000.
The fourth method is called Currently Not Collectible (CNC). In this option, IRS marks you CNC. IRS could file a federal tax lien if your debt amount exceeds $10,000 to IRS. Even if you get this status from IRS, the moment your income increases, the IRS will resume your tax debt collection process. In some instances, like permanent disability, IRS gives a permanent waiver. So you must get in touch with them to discuss it.
Conclusion
There are four different ways to settle debt with the IRS: through an offer in compromise, a payment plan, a temporary delay of collection, or by appealing the debt. Every option has its pros and cons, so it becomes pretty important to weigh all your options carefully before deciding. Ultimately, the best way to settle your tax debt will depend on your circumstances. If you’re not sure which option is right for you, we recommend speaking with a tax professional who can help you figure out the best course of action. Many such professional individuals and companies are available who have good knowledge and experience in providing IRS tax settlement services.