After your request
You sent it. Here is exactly what happens next.
Owing the IRS is a solvable problem, and it gets smaller once someone is walking it with you step-by-step. Watch your inbox — we will confirm your appointment and the documents to have ready.
Your timeline
- 1
Within 1 business day
We review what you sent and reach out using the contact method you picked. If you gave us a notice number, we look that notice up before we call so the conversation is useful from the first minute.
- 2
Your first conversation (20-30 minutes)
We walk through which years are unfiled, what the IRS says you owe, and whether collection activity has already started. Nothing is decided on this call — the goal is a clear picture.
- 3
Document gathering
We send you a short list based on your situation. Most people already have more than they think. Missing wage records can usually be pulled from your IRS account transcripts.
- 4
Filing what is missing
The IRS will not consider most resolution options until required returns are filed. Filing older years often lowers the balance, because substitute returns the IRS files for you leave out deductions and credits.
- 5
Resolution request
Once you are compliant, we request the option your numbers actually support and follow it through the IRS response.
Start gathering these
You do not need all of it before we talk. Bring what you have — we will fill the gaps with IRS transcripts.
- Every IRS or state letter you have received, front and back, including envelopes with dates
- W-2s and 1099s for the years in question (we can request transcripts for missing ones)
- Last filed tax return, whatever year that was
- Business income and expense records if you were self-employed
- Current pay stubs or proof of income
- A rough monthly budget: rent or mortgage, utilities, car, insurance, food, medical
- Bank statements for the last three months
- Photo ID
Never email Social Security numbers, bank logins, or full account numbers. Bring those to the appointment instead.
The options on the table
Which one fits depends on your income, your assets, and which returns are filed. This is general education, not advice about your specific situation.
Installment agreement
A monthly payment plan. The most common outcome. Interest and some penalties keep running, but collection action generally stops while the plan is current.
Currently not collectible
If necessary living expenses consume your income, the IRS can pause collection. The balance does not disappear and the status is reviewed periodically.
Penalty abatement
Penalties may be reduced for a first-time incident or for reasonable cause such as serious illness, disaster, or records outside your control. This addresses penalties, not the underlying tax.
Offer in compromise
Settling for less than the full balance. Real, but far rarer than advertising suggests — the IRS approves it only when your income and assets truly cannot cover the debt. We will tell you honestly whether you are a candidate.
Innocent spouse relief
Relief from a balance created by a spouse or former spouse on a joint return, when you did not know and had no reason to know.
Protect yourself while you wait
Do not ignore mail from the IRS. Deadlines inside those letters are real, and most of them can be extended if you respond in time.
The IRS does not call demanding payment by gift card, wire, or cryptocurrency, and it does not threaten arrest over the phone. First contact is by mail. If someone pressures you, hang up and call us.
Be careful with "settle for pennies" ads. Firms that take a large fee up front and promise a specific outcome before seeing your transcripts are selling hope. We will tell you what your numbers support.
Keep filing on time going forward. Staying current is a condition of nearly every resolution, and a new missed year can undo an approved plan.
Ready to talk it through?
Appointments are available virtually or in the office. Bring the letters you have received from the IRS.
This page is general tax education and does not create a client relationship or constitute tax or legal advice for your situation.