Written by Scott Allen

IRS problem work in Mesa Arizona

IRS problem work in Mesa AZ at its best.  Click here for more info.

Last week I got a call from a potential new client here in the Phoenix AZ area.  His question to me was: “I have my refund check from 1984 for $1500 and I need to get in contact with the IRS to cash it.  Where do I go to get that done? Can you help me?”

I didn’t know how to answer the question at first.  I thought maybe he meant to say 2014 or 2004 IRS refund check.  The IRS has a statute of limitations on refunds and payments made to the IRS.  They have at least since I started doing tax return work here in Mesa Arizona.  Refunds are only good from 3 years past the due date of the tax return.  If a tax extension was filed then the 3 year rules would start from that due date.  There isn’t must that can be protested or challenged on this rule unless you can determine or prove that the IRS did something wrong on their end.  Lets say you make a payment to the IRS but do not get around to filing the tax return 5 years later.  That payment will offset any tax liability owed but if a refund is due you will not see the net difference as that payment is held to a 2 year statute on that.  The best advice I can give my new and current IRS problem and tax preparation clients in Mesa AZ is to always file by the deadlines even if you do not have the money to pay the taxes.  90% of the penalties come from not filing; not from not paying.  Payment arrangements and other options are available to pay back the tax debt owed.  To see the different settlement option below please visit my website at www.taxdebtadvisors.com.  My office is here in Mesa AZ and we are a local family company that files back taxes and settle IRS debts.  Call Scott Allen EA today at 480-926-9300 for a free consultation.