The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers several programs to help taxpayers who are struggling with tax debt. These programs are designed to provide relief to taxpayers who are unable to pay their tax debt in full, and to help taxpayers avoid penalties and interest on their tax debt. Here are some of the programs available to taxpayers with the IRS:
- Installment Agreements: An Installment Agreement is a payment plan that allows taxpayers to pay their tax debt in monthly installments. Installment Agreements are available for taxpayers who owe $50,000 or less and who can pay their tax debt in full within six years. There are several different types of Installment Agreements available, depending on the taxpayer’s financial situation.
- Offer in Compromise: An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is a program that allows taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed. To be eligible for an OIC, taxpayers must demonstrate that they are unable to pay their tax debt in full, or that paying their tax debt in full would cause undue financial hardship. If the IRS accepts the OIC, the taxpayer will be required to pay a reduced amount to settle their tax debt.
- Penalty Abatement: Penalty abatement is a program that allows taxpayers to have some or all of their tax penalties waived. Penalty abatement is available for taxpayers who can demonstrate that they had reasonable cause for failing to pay their tax debt on time.
- Currently Not Collectible: Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status is a program that allows taxpayers to defer payment of their tax debt if they are experiencing financial hardship. If the IRS grants CNC status, the taxpayer will not be required to make payments on their tax debt until their financial situation improves.
- Innocent Spouse Relief: Innocent Spouse Relief is a program that allows taxpayers to be relieved of the tax liability on a joint tax return if their spouse or ex-spouse was responsible for the tax debt. To be eligible for Innocent Spouse Relief, taxpayers must demonstrate that they were not aware of the tax debt and did not benefit from it.
In conclusion, the IRS offers several programs to help taxpayers who are struggling with tax debt. These programs are designed to provide relief to taxpayers who are unable to pay their tax debt in full, and to help taxpayers avoid penalties and interest on their tax debt. By exploring these programs, taxpayers may be able to find a solution that works for their unique financial situation.