http://howardlevyirslawyer.com/blog Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:10:42 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The offer in compromise program is the best known way to solve an IRS problem.  The compromise program is so popular that I often see clients who have submitted multiple offers, each one having been rejected by the IRS. In fact, a 2006 report by the Government Accountability Office found that ... http://howardlevyirslawyer.com/blog/2010/09/06/offer-in-compromise-rejected-and-want-to-try-another-one/ My response to a reader's question about what happens to your bank account after the IRS hits it with a levy. The IRS has levied my bank account and there was not enough funds to cover the total levy. Will the IRS levy all future deposits until it is satisfied or ... http://howardlevyirslawyer.com/blog/2010/07/31/irs-levy-on-my-bank-account-when-can-i-use-it-again/ If you owe the IRS and have a refund on your tax return, the IRS will keep the refund and apply it to your unpaid taxes.  The problem is not repaying the debt - you would if you could - but that you simply cannot afford to lose the refund. ... http://howardlevyirslawyer.com/blog/2010/07/24/losing-your-tax-refunds-to-the-irs-every-year-but-need-the-money-consider-these-changes/ When you make a payment to the IRS, it will be automatically applied to your account in a manner that is in the IRS's best interest. But what is best for the IRS in handling your payment can be different from what is best for you. In some situations, it is in ... http://howardlevyirslawyer.com/blog/2010/07/17/why-how-when-making-designated-payments-to-the-irs/ My clients with IRS collection problem come to me with different ideas about what will happen to them because they did not pay their taxes.  Is the IRS going to show up one day and seize my house?  Levy on my income so I cannot provide for my family?  Shut ... http://howardlevyirslawyer.com/blog/2010/07/12/irs-collection-threats-myth-vs-reality/ The best way to get relief from an IRS collection problem is to consider the complete picture before jumping in.  A quick way out may be desired, but it is important to look carefully before you leap. Here are three things that I recommend that you carefully consider before taking on ... http://howardlevyirslawyer.com/blog/2010/05/31/irs-problems-3-things-to-know-before-you-jump-in/ The trust fund recovery penalty can cause financial havoc for anyone involved in a business that did not pay over its employee withholdings to the IRS.  Internal Revenue Code Section 6672 allows the IRS to investigate those in the business who were part of the decision not to pay the ... http://howardlevyirslawyer.com/blog/2010/05/23/trust-fund-recovery-penalty-the-uncollectible-defense/ I received a great question from a reader about whether Veteran's disability benefits should be included in the value of an IRS installment agreement or offer in compromise. Although the question is directed to Veterans' disability benefits, my answer also applies to those with unemployment and workers' compensation benefits.  Here is the ... http://howardlevyirslawyer.com/blog/2010/05/08/should-veterans-disability-benefits-be-included-in-an-irs-installment-agreement-or-compromise/ If you owe the IRS back taxes, the IRS is required to give you a 30 day notice before they can start to levy and seize your property.  This warning of levy action is required by law (Section 6330 of the Internal Revenue Code). The final IRS warning letter will have ... http://howardlevyirslawyer.com/blog/2010/04/25/3-ways-that-an-irs-levy-will-surprise-you/ I was recently interviewed by a journalist for a story about the hardships of having the IRS levy a retiree's social security benefits. The reporter, who is courteous and professional, would like to speak to anyone who has been affected by the IRS taking their social security.   If you would be interested in talking to this reporter, ... http://howardlevyirslawyer.com/blog/2010/04/19/are-your-social-security-benefits-being-levied-by-the-irs/