Before the weight of a tax debt becomes overwhelming, let an Indiana tax settlement attorney help get you back on track. The consequences of having unpaid tax debt range from being turned over to collection to seizure of future refunds, wage levies, and even criminal charges. Meanwhile, interest and penalties can continue to accumulate. Working with a qualified tax attorney to settle your tax debt with federal and state authorities can give you peace of mind and save money in the long run.

What an Indiana Tax Settlement Attorney Does

The weight of a tax debt can be oppressive whether the debt is in the hundreds, thousands, or higher. Taxpayers struggle to understand the basis for the tax debt and what steps to take to resolve the debt without paying steep interest and penalties in addition to back taxes. A qualified Indiana tax settlement attorney can help you verify your tax debt and identify the best options to escape the emotional and financial burden of your tax debt by taking these steps:

• Evaluating your current tax debt to verify the amount owed;
• Determining your qualification for a tax payment plan;
• Determining your qualification for an offer in compromise;
• Communicating on your behalf with the relevant taxing authorities; and
• Representing you in tax court or administrative proceedings.

With a qualified professional in your corner, you’ll have a knowledgeable advocate making sure your alleged tax debt isn’t overstated, seeking the best tax settlement resolution for you, and identifying the most beneficial options for getting you back on solid financial ground.

An Indiana Tax Settlement Attorney Verifies Your Tax Debt Amount

The first step to dealing with tax debt is verifying the amount of taxes owed. Whether your tax debt arises from the failure to file one or more tax returns or from errors on the returns you filed, a qualified Indiana tax attorney will first review your financial information and tax returns to verify the amount of tax you owe compared to the tax debt alleged by the IRS or other taxing authority. If your attorney’s calculations result in a different number than that alleged by the taxing authority’s number, then the attorney can communicate on your behalf with the taxing authority to clarify the discrepancy.

Identifying Tax Settlement Resolution Options

After verifying the exact amount of the tax debt you owe, your Indiana tax attorney can identify the tax relief options available to you. The IRS Fresh Start Program, passed in 2009, made changes to federal tax laws that make it easier for taxpayers to get out from under burdensome tax debt. To be eligible, a taxpayer must meet the following:

• The taxpayer must be compliant in filing all tax returns.
• Self-employed individuals must show a drop in income of at least 25 percent.
• Income must be less than $100,000 for single filing taxpayers and less than $200,000 for joint filing taxpayers.
• The taxpayer must agree not to have debt again.
• The current tax debt must be less than $50,000.
• The taxpayer must not be involved in a bankruptcy proceeding.
• The taxpayer must show a lack of money or assets to pay the debt.

Taxpayers who qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Program may be able to avoid some or all interest and penalties on their tax debt. In addition, repayment options include making payments under an extended installment agreement or through an offer in compromise.

An extended installment plan may be as long as six years and provide for payment of back taxes without incurring additional interest or penalties. Short-term plans are also available.

Some taxpayers may qualify for an offer in compromise, in which the IRS agrees to settle the tax debt for less than the full amount owed. The settlement amount the IRS will accept is usually the amount it could reasonably expect the taxpayer to afford. To qualify, the taxpayer must disclose his or her full financial statement.

How Can an Indiana Tax Settlement Attorney Help You?

If you’re dealing with unpaid tax debt, you don’t have to go it alone. By engaging an Indiana tax attorney, you’ll rest easy knowing you have an experienced professional verifying your tax debt, helping you communicate with the taxing authority, and identifying tax settlement resolution options. Your tax attorney can also represent you in any administrative or trial proceedings related to your tax debt. If you need tax relief help in Indiana, call Julie A. Camden of Camden & Meridew, P.C. An experienced Indiana tax settlement attorney, Julie is available for consultation by calling 317-770-0000 or by completing this online contact form. Interest and penalties continue to accrue until your tax debt is paid or settled, so call now.