Tax relief options
Compare help for back taxes, payment difficulty and penalty questions, and understand what the proposed assistance covers.
Read about tax relief options →Tax debt assistance
Tax debt assistance
If unpaid taxes involve information you have not yet located, you can still ask what help is available. Explain the balance or IRS request and discuss the assistance needed for the next action.
The IRS request or balanceInformation that remains missingWhat assistance would do next
What to expect when you call
A useful first conversation should explain the help available and what happens next.
1. Describe the issue
Explain the balance, IRS letter or payment difficulty you want addressed. Mention any date or instruction shown in a notice.
2. Discuss the proposed help
Ask which information is needed, what the work includes and how fees and responsibilities are explained.
3. Understand the next action
Clarify what you should provide, who handles follow-up and which current IRS requirements apply to the process.
Tax relief services and guidance
Explore the subject that best matches your concern, or call if you are unsure where to begin.
IRS notices
Understand what your IRS notice requests, which tax year it concerns and what response or deadline needs attention.
Read about irs notices →Payment plans
Discuss paying an IRS balance over time, the application requirements and what continuing payments would involve.
Read about payment plans →Offer in compromise
Ask whether a settlement assessment is appropriate. An offer depends on eligibility, financial information and IRS acceptance.
Read about offer in compromise →Find out what information the task requires
The relevant records depend on the issue. A notice response, an account question and a payment discussion may need different material. Ask which documents would help and how to share them securely. Understand what work is proposed, its fees and who handles follow-up. Preparation should support the review without suggesting that a completed file guarantees relief.
Useful next steps
Eligibility, payment terms and IRS decisions depend on the applicable process and your circumstances. A conversation does not guarantee a particular outcome.