problem<\/a> worked out, you’ll need to be straightforward and take action. If you follow these steps, negotiating with the IRS about your back taxes won’t be so intimidating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. File Your Tax Return<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You might owe the IRS more money than you can pay at once. However, you still need to file your return, even if you know you won’t be able to pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you file the return, you won’t have to pay as many penalties for not paying your taxes in full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Don’t Delay on Getting Started<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It’s always better to be proactive and tackle the issue up front. If you put it off, negotiating with the IRS will only become more challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you can’t pay your taxes yet, the IRS won’t come after you, especially if you’re straightforward about your situation. Their collection efforts often don’t start until months later. This can make it easy to put off tackling your taxes – but that’s never a good idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first collection efforts will likely be simple letters that are generated by a computer. However, if you still don’t take steps to pay your taxes, the collection efforts become much more aggressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most unpleasant of these efforts is the wage levies. The IRS will actually contact your employer and let them know that you are delinquent on your taxes, and that the wages paid to you must be paid to the IRS instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can seriously damage your financial standing, not to mention your reputation at work. To prevent these issues, you’ll need to take action and start negotiating with the IRS right away.<\/p>\n\n\n