IRS Law Blog

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...

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...

Deciding whether it is best to submit an offer in compromise or file bankruptcy on your taxes involves thoughtful consideration of many factors.  Those factors include how long each can take, which option will have...

You decide to tell the IRS collection representative what you make, give them your paystubs, and innocently list your monthly living expenses.  You would like a payment plan, and have some idea of what you...

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...

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...

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...

I received a call today from an enrolled agent for my help with a client who was having problems not only with the IRS, but credit cards as well.  As usual, my enrolled agent friend got it right –...

A great question from a reader about discharging taxes when successive bankruptcies are filed: Mr. Levy – I hope you can help me.  I owe back taxes and filed a Chapter 13 to repay the IRS.  The Chapter...

Trying to repay the IRS in an installment agreement can be difficult.  The interest and penalties the IRS charges doubles the original amount of tax you owe every five years. Your installment agreement may keep...

Bankruptcy is a powerful tool in solving IRS problems – but can it stop the IRS from auditing you? A centerpiece of bankruptcy law is the concept of an “automatic stay.”    The automatic stay stops creditors...

I do alot of IRS and bankruptcy work for my clients, and receive many questions about  it works.  Bankruptcy is a valuable tool to eliminate IRS liabilities. To help in understanding taxes and bankruptcy, I thought...

Every IRS problem has a solution. Some solutions are quick. Other workouts require more creativity, planning and patience.  When meeting with a client  – or during an initial telephone consultation – I like to discuss...