If the IRS is Willing to Set up A Payment Plan with Me, Why Should I Consult with An Arizona Tax Attorney?

The IRS' purpose outside of playing favorites, is to collect money. The IRS is really good at this and would be even better if there weren't some doggone rules that restrain it.

Whenever you speak to an IRS Revenue Officer or someone from IRS Collections, I assure you that the focus is the collection of money…no matter how nice you think they are.

The Revenue Officer or the person you are speaking with at IRS Collections simply wants to get the debt paid back as soon as possible.

He or she will not explain to you all of your options and all the rules they must follow.

If your debt is large, especially if it over $50,000.00, you need to be aware of these rules and options as they could help you arrange a payment plan that is much smaller than the one you are discussing with the IRS Employee.

Some things you may want to think about before you move ahead:

1. There are one year plans based on your actual budget to help you get back on your feet.

2. There are 5 year plans based on your actual budget and not the IRS' budget.

3. There are ways to pay your debt below $50,000.00 and set up a 6 year streamlined agreement that ignores your income.

4. There are ways to argue your facts or change your situation in a way that would cause the IRS to reduce the income calculation or increase the budget calculation it is using to determine your ability to pay.

5. You may also be an Offer in Compromise or a Bankruptcy Candidate.

6. Challenging Substitute Returns may reduce the debt and make the payment plan lower.

7. Challenging the Penalties may reduce the debt and make the payment plan lower.

Of course if you just want to accept the payment plan the IRS has for you and you can afford it…by all means move ahead.