by steve | Feb 26, 2011 | IRS Tax Advice, Tax News
Fresh Start Tax LLC provides for its client the latest newswire feeds from the IRS that can help with their tax issues. For relief of your federal tax lien call us today,
IRS announces New Effort to Help Struggling Taxpayers Get a Fresh Start; Major Changes Made to Lien Process
WASHINGTON — In its latest effort to help struggling taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service today announced a series of new steps to help people get a fresh start with their tax liabilities.
The goal is to help individuals and small businesses meet their tax obligations, without adding unnecessary burden to taxpayers. Specifically, the IRS is announcing new policies and programs to help taxpayers pay back taxes and avoid tax liens.
“We are making fundamental changes to our lien system and other collection tools that will help taxpayers and give them a fresh start,” IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said. “These steps are good for people facing tough times, and they reflect a responsible approach for the tax system.”
Today’s announcement centers on the IRS making important changes to its lien filing practices that will lessen the negative impact on taxpayers. The changes include:
Significantly increasing the dollar threshold when liens are generally issued, resulting in fewer tax liens.
Making it easier for taxpayers to obtain lien withdrawals after paying a tax bill.
Withdrawing liens in most cases where a taxpayer enters into a Direct Debit Installment Agreement.
Creating easier access to Installment Agreements for more struggling small businesses.
Expanding a streamlined Offer in Compromise program to cover more taxpayers.
“These steps are in the best interest of both taxpayers and the tax system,” Shulman said. “People will have a better chance to stay current on their taxes and keep their financial house in order. We all benefit if that happens.”
This is another in a series of steps to help struggling taxpayers. In 2008, the IRS announced lien relief for people trying to refinance or sell a home. In 2009, the IRS added new flexibility for taxpayers facing payment or collection problems. And last year, the IRS held about 1,000 special open houses to help small businesses and individuals resolve tax issues with the Agency.
Today’s announcement comes after a review of collection operations which Shulman launched last year, as well as input from the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council and the National Taxpayer Advocate.
Tax Lien Thresholds
The IRS will significantly increase the dollar thresholds when liens are generally filed. The new dollar amount is in keeping with inflationary changes since the number was last revised. Currently, liens are automatically filed at certain dollar levels for people with past-due balances.
The IRS plans to review the results and impact of the lien threshold change in about a year.
A federal tax lien gives the IRS a legal claim to a taxpayer’s property for the amount of an unpaid tax debt. Filing a Notice of Federal Tax Lien is necessary to establish priority rights against certain other creditors. Usually the government is not the only creditor to whom the taxpayer owes money.
A lien informs the public that the U.S. government has a claim against all property, and any rights to property, of the taxpayer. This includes property owned at the time the notice of lien is filed and any acquired thereafter. A lien can affect a taxpayer’s credit rating, so it is critical to arrange the payment of taxes as quickly as possible.
“Raising the lien threshold keeps pace with inflation and makes sense for the tax system,” Shulman said. “These changes mean tens of thousands of people won’t be burdened by liens, and this step will take place without significantly increasing the financial risk to the government.”
Tax Lien Withdrawals
The IRS will also modify procedures that will make it easier for taxpayers to obtain lien withdrawals.
Liens will now be withdrawn once full payment of taxes is made if the taxpayer requests it. The IRS has determined that this approach is in the best interest of the government.
In order to speed the withdrawal process, the IRS will also streamline its internal procedures to allow collection personnel to withdraw the liens.
Direct Debit Installment Agreements and Liens
The IRS is making other fundamental changes to liens in cases where taxpayers enter into a Direct Debit Installment Agreement (DDIA). For taxpayers with unpaid assessments of $25,000 or less, the IRS will now allow lien withdrawals under several scenarios:
Lien withdrawals for taxpayers entering into a Direct Debit Installment Agreement.
The IRS will withdraw a lien if a taxpayer on a regular Installment Agreement converts to a Direct Debit Installment Agreement.
The IRS will also withdraw liens on existing Direct Debit Installment agreements upon taxpayer request.
Liens will be withdrawn after a probationary period demonstrating that direct debit payments will be honored.
In addition, this lowers user fees and saves the government money from mailing monthly payment notices. Taxpayers can use the Online Payment Agreement application on IRS.gov to set-up with Direct Debit Installment Agreements.
“We are trying to minimize burden on taxpayers while collecting the proper amount of tax,” Shulman said. “We believe taking away taxpayer burden makes sense when a taxpayer has taken the proactive step of entering a direct debit agreement.”
Installment Agreements and Small Businesses
The IRS will also make streamlined Installment Agreements available to more small businesses. The payment program will raise the dollar limit to allow additional small businesses to participate.
Small businesses with $25,000 or less in unpaid tax can participate. Currently, only small businesses with under $10,000 in liabilities can participate. Small businesses will have 24 months to pay.
The streamlined Installment Agreements will be available for small businesses that file either as an individual or as a business. Small businesses with an unpaid assessment balance greater than $25,000 would qualify for the streamlined Installment Agreement if they pay down the balance to $25,000 or less.
Small businesses will need to enroll in a Direct Debit Installment Agreement to participate.
“Small businesses are an important part of the nation’s economy, and the IRS should help them when we can,” Shulman said, “By expanding payment options, we can help small businesses pay their tax bill while freeing up cash flow to keep funding their operations.”
Offers in Compromise
The IRS is also expanding a new streamlined Offer in Compromise (OIC) program to cover a larger group of struggling taxpayers.
This streamlined OIC is being expanded to allow taxpayers with annual incomes up to $100,000 to participate. In addition, participants must have tax liability of less than $50,000, doubling the current limit of $25,000 or less.
OICs are subject to acceptance based on legal requirements. An offer-in-compromise is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS that settles the taxpayer’s tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed. Generally, an offer will not be accepted if the IRS believes that the liability can be paid in full as a lump sum or through a payment agreement. The IRS looks at the taxpayer’s income and assets to make a determination regarding the taxpayer’s ability to pay.
Related Items:
IRS Begins Tax Season 2009 with Steps to Help Financially Distressed Taxpayers; Promotes Credits, e-File Options (IR-2009-2)
IRS Speeds Lien Relief for Homeowners Trying to Refinance, Sell (IR-2008-141)
by steve | Feb 26, 2011 | IRS Tax Advice, Tax News
Fresh Start Tax LLC posts for its clients the latest IRS NEWSWIRE feeds to on IRS issues they maybe struggling with. If you have any tax needs or problems call us for a free tax consultation.
IRS Issues or problems, call us today.
Check on the Status of Your Refund
If you already filed your federal tax return and are due a refund, you have several options to check on your refund. Here are eight things the IRS wants you to know about checking the status of your refund:
1. Online Access to Refund Information Where’s My Refund? or ¿Dónde está mi reembolso? are interactive tools on http://www.irs.gov and are the fastest, easiest way to get information about your federal income tax refund. Whether you split your refund among several accounts, opted for direct deposit into one account, used part of your refund to buy U.S. Savings Bonds or asked the IRS to mail you a check, Where’s My Refund? and ¿Dónde está mi reembolso? give you online access to your refund information, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s quick, easy and secure.
2. When to Check Refund Status If you e-file, you can get refund information 72 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of your return. If you file a paper return, refund information will generally be available three to four weeks after mailing your return.
3. What You Need to Check Refund Status When checking the status of your refund, have your federal tax return handy. To get your personalized refund information you must enter:
Your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
Your filing status which will be Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married.
Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er).
Exact whole dollar refund amount shown on your tax return.
4. What the Online Tool Will Tell You Once you enter your personal information, you could get several responses, including:
Acknowledgment that your return was received and is in processing.
The mailing date or direct deposit date of your refund.
Notice that the IRS could not deliver your refund due to an incorrect address. In this instance, you may be able to change or correct your address online using Where’s My Refund?
5. Customized Information Where’s My Refund? also includes links to customized information based on your specific situation. The links guide you through the steps to resolve any issues affecting your refund. For example, if you do not get the refund within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date shown on Where’s My Refund?, you may be able to start a refund trace.
6. Visually Impaired Taxpayers Where’s My Refund? is also accessible to visually impaired taxpayers who use the Job Access with Speech screen reader used with a Braille display and is compatible with different JAWS modes.
7. Toll-free Number If you do not have internet access, you can check the status of your refund in English or Spanish by calling the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954 or the IRS TeleTax System at 800-829-4477. When calling, you must provide your or your spouse’s Social Security number, filing status and the exact whole dollar refund amount shown on your return.
8. IRS2Go This is the IRS’ first smartphone application that lets taxpayers check on the status of their tax refund. Apple users can download the free IRS2Go application by visiting the Apple App Store. Android users can visit the Android Marketplace to download the free IRS2Go app.
by steve | Feb 26, 2011 | IRS Tax Advice, Tax News
Fresh Start Tax “A” Rated by the Better Business Bureau A Local Professional Tax Firm located in South Florida and principles practicing tax law since 1982 in South Florida. we are a home grown tax firm. We have former IRS Agents, Mangers and former IRS Tax Instructors that both close and settle your tax case. Help with tax
If you need help with tax, tax issues, IRS tax problems, call us for a free tax consultation.
- Immediate Tax Representation
- Offers in Compromise/Settlements
- Immediate Release of Bank Garnishments or Wage Levies
- IRS Notices/Bill of Intent to Levy or Final Notices
- IRS Tax Audits, Large and Small Dollar
- Hardships Cases, Payment Plans, Installment Agreements
- Innocent Spouse Relief
- Abatement of Penalties and Interest
- State Sales Tax Cases
- Trust Fund Penalty Cases/6672
- Non-filers, never filed, old and past due tax returns
Why to hire Fresh Start Tax LLC:
1. Fresh Start Tax LLC is a local South Florida Tax Firm with principles practice Tax Law and IRS representation in South Florida since 1982.
2. You can come in and met face to face with the tax professional working your case.
3. Former IRS Agents, Managers and former IRS Instructors will manage, review and settle your tax case.
4. We are one of most experienced and trusted Professional Tax Firms in South Florida.
Do your homework before hiring a Professional Tax Firm. Make sure they have on staff Board Certified Tax Attorneys, Lawyers, CPA’s, Former IRS Agents and Managers. Also, check the following to ensure the creditability and history of the TAX FIRM.
1. Better Business Bureau – www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews
2. Complaints.com – www.complaintsboard.com
3. Rip Off Report – http://www.ripoffreport.com/
by steve | Feb 26, 2011 | IRS Tax Advice, Tax News
Fresh Start Tax LLC wants to lets our military clients know of free tax help available from the IRS. Read the News Wire link about the free service.
If you need help with IRS problems or tax issues call the most honest and trusted tax firm that completely supports our service personnel.
Military Personnel and their Families Get Free Tax Help!
Military members and their spouses may be eligible to receive free tax return preparation assistance. The IRS and U.S. Armed Forces participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program which provides free tax advice, tax preparation, return filing and other tax assistance to military members and their families.
1. Armed Forces Tax Council The Armed Forces Tax Council oversees the operation of the military tax programs worldwide, conducting outreach with the IRS to military personnel and their families. The AFTC consists of tax program coordinators for the Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard.
2. Volunteer Tax Sites Volunteer assistors at military-based VITA sites are trained to address military-specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits and the new Earned Income Tax Credit guidelines.
3. What to Bring To receive this free assistance, you should bring the following records to your military VITA site:
Valid photo identification
Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a social security number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents
Wage and earning statement(s) — Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R
Interest and dividend statements (Forms 1099)
A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available
Checkbook to get routing number and account number for direct deposit
Total amount paid for day care and day care provider’s identifying number
Other relevant information about income and expenses
4. Joint returns If your filing status is Married Filing Jointly and you wish to file your tax return electronically, both you and your spouse should be present to sign the required forms. If it isn’t possible for both of you to be present, a valid power of attorney that allows tax preparation can be used to sign and file the return.
5. Special Exception There is a special exception to using a power of attorney for spouses in combat zones that permits the filing spouse to e-file a joint return with only a written statement setting forth that the other spouse is in a combat zone and is unable to sign.
For more information, review IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide, available at http://www.irs.gov or order a free copy by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
by steve | Feb 25, 2011 | IRS Tax Advice, Tax News
Fresh Start Tax “A” Rated by the BBB A Professional Local South Florida Tax Firm practicing help with tax debt and IRS representation in South Florida since 1982.
When choosing a tax firm you want to make sure you hire a well experienced tax firm and you can have a face to face meet with the person handling your individual tax case.help with tax debt
Why to hire Fresh Start Tax LLC:
1. Fresh Start Tax LLC is a local South Florida Tax Firm with principles practicing Tax Law and IRS representation in South Florida since 1982.
2. You can come in and met face to face with the tax professional working your case.
3. Former IRS Agents, Managers and former IRS Instructors will manage, review and settle your tax case.
4. We are one of most experienced and trusted Professional Tax Firms in South Florida.
5. Honest and affordable pricing.
How we work your case to immediately resolve your IRS matter:
1. We immediately send a power of attorney to the IRS letting them know we are now your representative. You will never have to speak to the IRS.
2. We will make sure your tax returns are filed and current. If your tax returns are not up to date, IRS will refuse to work your case. This is leverage that the IRS uses to get you compliant. We can pull tax transcripts, file and prepare your tax returns within days.
3. IRS requires a current financial statement. We will secure a required 433-F (IRS financial statement), verify the income and expenses and work out a settlement agreement. IRS will require a closing settlement method for each case.
4. Settlement agreements can be in different forms:
a. Hardship Settlements. Cases usually go into a 3 year suspended status because of an inability to pay. This is also called currently noncollectable. Your case will go into a hardship status because you do not have the income coming in to met your current expenses. IRS will use the National Standards Program to assess hardship.
b. Payment Agreements. Cases can be closed with agreed upon monthly installment payments to the IRS. We will review the different programs IRS uses for the lowest possible amount required.
c. Offer in Compromise. There are three types of OICs:
1. Doubt as to Collectibility – Doubt exists that the taxpayer could ever pay the full amount of tax liability owed within the remainder of the statutory period for collection.
2. Doubt as to Liability – A legitimate doubt exists that the assessed tax liability is correct.
3. Effective Tax Administration – There is no doubt that the tax is correct and there is potential to collect the full amount of the tax owed, but an exceptional circumstance exists.
5. Call us for a free tax consultation. Free video conferencing is also available.
