Are you struggling with a tax problem that you don’t know how to solve? Don’t worry.
Here are some basics to get you started. From getting professional help from a tax attorney, calling the tax agency (i.e., IRS, FTB, etc.), and handling the situation alone, here is how to get tax problem help.
How Do I Get Help with My Tax Problems?
If handling your tax problems alone seems daunting, you have 2 avenues to help.
Contact a Tax Attorney
When in doubt, contact a tax attorney. Tax attorneys are trained to understand and help you navigate various tax problems. Schedule a consultation session with your local tax attorney and bring with you documents that relate to your issue. This includes any correspondence you’ve had with the tax agency.
A tax attorney can then analyze your problem and provide you with some solutions going forward. In some cases, they may draft a response to the IRS on your behalf to explain your situation or they may outline your next steps in easy to understand terms. Either way, speaking with a tax attorney is the number one way to get help with your tax problems.
Contact the Tax Agency
If the idea of contacting a tax attorney seems too daunting, your next best bet is to contact the tax agency (i.e., IRS, FTB, etc.) itself to ask for help. It can sometimes be difficult to get through, but the tax agencies are available to help solve your tax problems. They can direct you to forms, publications or other online resources that may be helpful in solving your problem, or they can assist you with setting up an installment plan if you need to make monthly payments.
Getting a Handle on Your Tax Problems
If the idea of immediately calling a tax attorney or the tax agency makes you nervous, try the following before asking for help.
Determine the Tax Problem
Not every molehill is a mountain. Your first step in navigating your tax problem is to determine how serious the problem actually is. A search on the tax agency’s website can help you ground yourself and gather information to determine what is needed to address the problem. Owing taxes or being audited don’t have to be mountains if you take the time to understand their scope.
Read the Tax Problem’s Instructions
Luckily, if you receive notification from the IRS that there is a problem with your tax return, the IRS includes instructions on what to do next. Instructions will vary depending on the tax problem itself, but the IRS will provide a basic list of what your next steps should be. If you find yourself unable to understand the instructions or incapable of following the instructions alone, contact a tax attorney to walk you through the process.
Don’t Put Off the Tax Problem
Once you receive a notice from the IRS or FTB, you should take action as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue will only make the problem worse. If there is a payment issue, contact the tax agency and ask if you can set up an installment agreement. Addressing the problem immediately may help you avoid penalties, interest, and collection action.
If you feel overwhelmed and don’t know what to do, contact a tax attorney. A tax attorney can break down the tax problem into simple steps and tell you how to fix it. Additionally, if you have any issues specific to your case, a tax attorney will know how to best present them to the tax agency.
Tax Problem Help from a Licensed Tax Attorney
Do you need help with your tax problems? Speak with a licensed expert for personalized tax advice. Contact Mindy Meigs expert tax attorney for help managing tax problems.