IRS Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer is a must read if you have fallen behind with your federal taxes.  It is a quick two pages, but contains some great information and answers some common questions such as:

Will the IRS think I'm guilty if I hire a professional to represent me?

IRS Pub 1, #9 states that "Taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative of their choice". 

So if you are too anxious to talk to the IRS yourself, hiring a qualified re...

What makes choosing a tax resolution company so difficult?  I think it's all of the different promises, guarantees and options you hear about on the T.V., radio, online and from salesmen over the phone.  I've seen a commercial that said IRS tax debts can be settled for 10% of the total amount owed.  A radio ad I recently heard stated that new government programs are available to lower tax debts substantially and if I owe $10,000 or more I could qualify.

The problem with this is that the IRS d...

When you're requesting the removal of IRS penalties, there are a few things that you should do beforehand.  The first priority when resolving and reducing your IRS tax debt is gaining compliance.  It's a good idea to be in tax compliance before you request the removal of penalties.  The IRS likes to see that the problem that caused you to fall out of tax compliance and accrue the penalty has been fixed.  It is difficult to sell the IRS a reasonable cause abatement request when you are still n...

Straight from IRS notice 746, the information below explains the combined Failure to File and Failure to Pay penalties.

"Filing and Paying Late - IRC 6651 — We charged a 5% combined penalty of 4-1/2% for filing late and 1/2% for paying late because, according to our records, you filed your return late and didn't pay your tax by the due date of your return. The combined penalty is 5% of your unpaid tax for each month or part of a month your return is late, but not for more than 25% (22-1/2% l...

If you've stumbled upon this blog, you're looking for help resolving your IRS tax debt.  You may be wondering whether or not you can resolve your tax debt on your own or if you need a professional.

The answer really depends on the size and complexity of your tax debt, and your level of comfort with the IRS.  We believe that most personal, IRS tax debts can be resolved quickly and easily with a little guidance.  Guidance is exactly what Fresh Start Tax Relief offers its clients.  When you hire ...