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How to Resolve IRS Debt: A Guide for Individuals and Businesses

You open your mailbox and your heart skips a beat.

There it is—a letter marked “Official Government Correspondence.”

For both individuals and business owners, few things are as nerve-wracking as a notice from the IRS.

Perhaps you missed a payment. Or maybe tight cash flow forced you to delay. It could even be a slow business cycle made you postpone a payroll deposit “just this once.” However, the reality is that IRS issues don’t simply vanish over time.

Delays result in compounding interest, penalties, and the burden of stress.

The upside? You can tackle these issues now, even amid government disruptions.

The Costly Consequences of Waiting

The IRS may not pursue you immediately, but when it does, it's unrelenting.

Every month's delay adds:

  • Interest on owed amounts

  • Penalties for late payments or filings

  • For businesses, the severe Trust Fund Recovery Penalty—a formidable sanction within the tax code

A minor overlooked payment can snowball rapidly. What begins as $2,000 in unpaid tax can easily double as penalties and interest accumulate.

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This isn't just an issue for individuals. Business owners who lag on payroll taxes or estimated quarterly payments face personal financial liability—putting not only your business but your personal finances at risk.

Confront Reality: A Necessary Step

Many people avoid IRS notifications because they fear what's inside. But acting promptly allows for quicker relief.

For individuals, access your IRS account transcript to view balances, penalties, and filings via IRS.gov.

For businesses, request a business account transcript or work with your accountant to uncover any unfiled forms or missing deposits sparking the notice.

Options Are Available

While the IRS isn’t seeking to destroy you, it functions as a system designed with specific rules.

Here are some options:

  • Payment Plan (Installment Agreement): Establish manageable monthly payments. Open to individuals and businesses within certain limits.

  • Offer in Compromise: Negotiate a lower settlement if you qualify. It can be complex, but is achievable with expert help.

  • Penalty Abatement: Potential reduction or removal of penalties if you have a history of compliance or valid reasons like illness or natural disaster.

  • Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status: Financial hardships may allow the IRS to temporarily halt collection efforts.

All programs require specific documentation and timing, but they are effective with appropriate guidance.

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Business Owners: Vigilance on Payroll

Collected tax funds are considered trust funds owed to the U.S. government.

Failing to deposit these can trigger severe IRS actions.

Steps after missing deposits or late Form 941 filings include:

  • File any outstanding forms promptly, regardless of payment capacity.

  • Partner with a tax specialist to establish a payment arrangement.

  • Employ automated payroll solutions or a reliable service provider to ensure compliance.

Maintaining clean payroll records safeguards both business and personal assets.

Take Immediate Action

The IRS isn’t operating at full capacity due to ongoing governmental issues, but it's still active.

Electronic processes remain operational and adhere to existing tax deadlines.

  • Ensure filings and payments are timely to avoid escalated penalties due to processing backlogs.

  • Keep thorough records of your submissions for protection upon IRS staff return.

  • If financial constraints prevent payment, still file returns to mitigate penalties and initiate the statute-of-limitations period.

  • If awaiting an IRS reply, coordinate in advance with a tax professional to be poised when services resume.

Professional Help: A Smart Move

Should your debt surpass a few thousand dollars, or if multiple payroll years are at stake, seek professional assistance.

Tax professionals:

  • Retrieve your detailed IRS record in minutes.

  • Advocate directly with the IRS on your behalf.

  • Develop structured payment solutions to protect cash flow.

  • Ensure future compliance, preventing a recurrence.

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This isn't about fault; it's about routine and expertise.

Creating a "Never Again" Strategy

Once your IRS position stabilizes, develop systems to secure your financial future:

  • Set up automatic transfers for estimated payments and payroll taxes.

  • Utilize accounting tools that integrate with your banking and payroll for seamless tracking.

  • Schedule mid-year tax evaluations with your CPA to avoid future surprises.

Effective tax management is proactive, not reactive.

Bottom Line

Whether an individual behind on taxes or an entrepreneur balancing payroll, IRS challenges won’t define you. They require a plan.

Even amidst interruptions, the IRS continues operations. Acting promptly enhances control and minimizes surprises.

Need IRS Relief?

Don’t delay further. Contact Martinez & Shanken PLLC today.

We'll evaluate your IRS records, clarify your options, and construct a comprehensive plan to resolve debts and prevent future issues.

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Gilbert, Arizona 85233
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