What Should You Do if You Can’t Afford to Pay Back-Taxes?

Paying taxes is no fun. Owing back taxes and not being able to pay them is much worse. Many people get into tax trouble when they end up owing money to the IRS and they don’t have the means to pay it off. This can cause a lot of stress, anxiety and even fear or panic. However, you shouldn’t panic. The IRS won’t show up at your door with the police ready to take you away in handcuffs.

If you do end up owing back taxes and you can’t pay them off all at once, you have some options. That’s because the IRS is willing to work with you, so long as you are willing to work with them. The first thing you should do, is file your return on time, even if you know you don’t have the money to pay off your tax debt. This will help you avoid additional late-filing penalties. 

Pay as much as you possibly can when you file your return. If you just need a little more time then you can file for a short-term extension in order to pay off the remaining debt within 120 days. If it is going to take longer, then apply for a monthly payment plan with the IRS. It’s best to set up an automatic monthly payment plan. There will likely still be interest and some penalties but they will be much lighter.

The IRS wants you to be able to pay your taxes and they are willing to work with you if you keep up your end of the agreement. You can learn more about paying off back taxes by clicking here.

Posted in
Career Advice Young Individuals Need To Know

Career Advice Young Individuals Need To Know

Although everyone’s career path is unique, there is career advice all young individuals need to know. For many young people the reality of choosing a career path after college can be very daunting. Unlike students with fairly clear career paths, like those who graduate from law school or medical school, most other students face a…

taxable Gift Tax: Tips from the IRS

Taxable and Nontaxable Income

Taxable and Nontaxable Income Most types of income are taxable, but some are not. Income can include money, property or services that you receive. Here are some examples of income that are usually not taxable: Child support payments; Gifts, bequests and inheritances; Welfare benefits; Damage awards for physical injury or sickness; Cash rebates from a…

2016 Tax Rates and Other Numbers Are Out

2016 Tax Rates and Other Numbers Are Out

    The 2016 tax rates and other numbers are out.  And yes, it’s that time of year again; so, you better have your turkey and all the other fixings ready for Thanksgiving.  But it’s also time to take a look at the latest tax brackets and standard deductions amounts for the upcoming 2016 tax…

retirement

How To Determine If Your Social Security Retirement Benefits Are Taxed

How To Determine If Your Social Security Retirement Benefits Are Taxed By Robert Cavanaugh Up to 85% of your Social Security retirement benefits may be taxable. Here’s how to find out how much is taxable and what you can do to reduce or eliminate any tax. Of all the financial issues surrounding being a senior,…