IRS Law Blog

You know you owed money to the IRS, but things have been quiet for years. You now want to know where you stand. But you don’t want to wake the sleeping giant to find out....

You have tried and failed at settling your tax debt with the IRS – your offer in compromise was rejected – and are now considering bankruptcy for relief from the taxman. But before you jump...

Owing just credit cards or just the IRS is a heavy load. But what if you are strugglng with credit card debt and have fallen behind on your taxes, and are understandably sinking under their...

Can bankruptcy get you out of a bind with the IRS and eliminate your tax debt? If this was a true or false law school exam, I would say that’s a trick question.  The answer is...

When all else fails – or even if all else does not fail – Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be an excellent option to take old IRS problems out of your life. Yes, bankruptcy can eliminate...

Proceeding blindly is something that you rarely want to do with the IRS. If you owe back taxes, or have unfiled returns, or are in any way concerned about an IRS problem, it’s best to...

It is complicated enough to understand when taxes can be discharged in a bankruptcy.  But once it is determined that your taxes can be done away with in bankruptcy, another potential hurdle rears its ugly...

Chapter 7 is for you if you do not have any money left at the end of the month to repay your creditors.  It is designed to give you a fresh start from honest mistakes...

The ability to file a collection due process appeal is probably the most powerful right you have in defending against IRS enforcement by levy or seizure. Due process, in the context of IRS collections, means...

As a general rule, count on IRS interest and penalties doubling the amount you owe every five years.   Interest is only part of the cause; it is the penalties that really hurt. Interest rates...

Another great question from a reader on how the bankruptcy code and tax code can intersect when discharging taxes in bankruptcy. Dear Mr. Levy, We owe income tax from 2007.  We filed the return on...

When the IRS gets you with a levy, bad things can happen – your wages are frozen and you are looking at living without a paycheck. The money you need to pay bills is suddenly...

Turn on your television, listen to the radio, and it will be there: advertisements encouraging you to settle up with the IRS. Or watch the media, and you will see government agencies getting coverage for...

Here is an issue to be aware of before filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy on the IRS: I just completed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  It was determined to be a no-asset case.  A few months...

If you are having trouble convincing the IRS to release a levy or seizure of your property, bankruptcy may be the solution. The filing of a bankruptcy creates what is known as an automatic stay...

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...

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a powerful tool when facing the IRS – it can eliminate an entire tax liability if properly done. To help with your understanding of how a Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help...