Written by Scott Allen

How long does the IRS have to collect taxes on an SFR or Substitute for Return? From Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.

IRS Substitute for Return

The normal period of time for the IRS to collect on a tax debt is 10 years.  However, the time does not start until an assessment has been made.  For example, if the IRS did a substitute for return for the year 2013 in 2018, the 10 year period would end in 2028, not 2023.  The date of assessment is not when you signed or mailed in the return, it is when the IRS posts the tax liability which can be several weeks or months later.  There are actions you can take that will extend the time period know as the Statute of Limitations.  These include filing a bankruptcy, Offer in Compromise, signing a waver, etc.  Taxpayers are allowed to file back tax returns any time after the IRS files an SFR tax return to lower the tax liability but the process can take up to a year to get it accepted.  If you file a return that is over three years past the due date including extensions, and no payments have been made within two years, the IRS will not pay a refund.  Call today for a free confidential consultation.

Scott Allen, E.A. – Tax Debt Advisors, Inc helping with back tax return problems

www.TaxDebtAdvisors.com

 

Written by Scott Allen

How does the IRS file substitute tax returns? From Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.

IRS File Substitute Tax Returns (SFR)

The IRS SFR (Substitute For Return) unit will match all income reported to your social security number including W-2’s, K-1’s, 1099’s, etc.  If you last return filed was a joint return, the IRS will file an SFR as married filing separate which will put you in a higher tax bracket.  You will not be given credit for any dependents, or deductions.  Many clients avoid filing back tax returns because they have lost or never received due to a move records needed to file a return.  I am able to retrieve all the records that were report to the IRS.  Once those are available, you will be better able to locate records that will reduce your tax liability along with interest and penalties.  The hardest part is making the decision to get started.  Call me today for a free confidential initial consultation. I will be your IRS Power of Attorney representation from beginning to end.

Scott Allen, E.A. – Tax Debt Advisors, Inc helping Arizona taxpayers with SFR representation

www.TaxDebtAdvisors.com

 

Written by Scott Allen

How long before the IRS discovers I have unfiled tax returns? From Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.

“I have unfiled tax returns…”

It may take several years before the IRS will contact you regarding unfiled tax returns.  However this works against you.  The interest and penalties on unfiled returns can double the amount you owe in just a few years.  As time goes by many records that can reduce your liability have been lost.  Your memory of what happened several years ago will fade and you will likely pay much more on your taxes if you had filed returns sooner.  Many clients miss one year and when nothing happens another year goes by and then another.  Before you know it six or seven years has passed and your tax problem will be getting more difficult to deal with each deadline missed.  There is also a serious psychological burden carried when you have unfiled tax returns.  You know that a day of reckoning will come and decisions that can be made are postponed and opportunities will be permanently lost.  Time is never on your side when you have unfiled tax returns.  By filing returns on time even if you do not have the money to pay taxes owed is far better than not filing and taking on additional penalties and interest.  Call me today for a free confidential initial consultation to get started.

 Scott Allen, E.A. – Tax Debt Advisors, Inc for unfiled tax returns in Arizona

www.TaxDebtAdvisors.com

 

Written by Scott Allen

What will IRS do when they find out I have not filed back tax returns? From Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.

Back Tax Returns in Phoenix AZ

Eventually, the IRS will compare income reported by 3rd party payers and match them against your social security number and prepare substitute tax returns if you have unfiled back tax returns in Phoenix AZ.  These returns allow the IRS to take action against you like liens, levies and garnishments.  Substitute returns give no credit for any deductions or cost basis which will greatly overstate the tax as well as the interest and penalties for late filing.  The IRS doesn’t punish for non-payment (1/2% per month) as much as for non-filing (5% per month).   Consider not filing back tax returns in Phoenix AZ like ignoring dealing with cancer—time will only make it worse.  The time to face non filing is now.  You will have more time to gather important tax information if you file on your own before the IRS knocks on your door.  Recently the IRS has demanded tax returns to be filed in as little as three days to avoid levies on bank accounts or garnishment of wages.   Call me for a free confidential initial consultation to determine the best way to get your back tax returns in Phoenix AZ filed and settled.

Scott Allen, E.A. – Tax Debt Advisors, Inc always helping with back tax returns in Phoenix AZ

www.ScottAllenEA.com

 

 

Written by Scott Allen

How many years do I need to file delinquent returns? From Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.

File Delinquent Tax Returns Tempe AZ

This period has varied over the last 44 years.  It has been as many as 10 years and as short as 6 years plus the current year.  We will determine though discussions with the IRS how many years they requesting if we are working with an Agent.  If we are dealing with the Automated Collection System and you have income that has been reported to the IRS, this information is kept on their computers for 10 years and they may require you to file back tax returns for all of them.

Scott Allen, E.A. – Tax Debt Advisors, Inc helps file delinquent tax returns Tempe AZ

www.TaxDebtAdvisors.com

 

 

Written by Scott Allen

Can I appeal my IRS Audit? IRS help from Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.

IRS Audit in Arizona

Yes, but first you should speak to the manager of the person who did the audit.  Many times an appeal can be avoided by speaking with the manager.  In most cases you will want to have a professional speak to the manager on your behalf.  Many times it is just explaining the facts in terms that the IRS will accept.  Before I can represent you an IRS form 2848 will need to be filed with the auditor.  If the manager is unwilling to agree with me, I will file an IRS audit appeal.  Audit appeals are more willing to make compromises as a matter of expedience to keep their workload from backing up and because they have greater latitude to make concessions.  A professional representative who has worked with the Appeals Office has a greater chance of success simply because of their relationship and credibility from past appeals.

 

 Scott Allen, E.A. – Tax Debt Advisors, Inc helping with IRS audits in Arizona

www.TaxDebtAdvisors.com

 

Written by Scott Allen

Form 8546: Claim for Reimbursement of Bank Charges Incurred Due to Erroneous Services Levy or Misplaced Payment Check

IRS Form 8546

Yes, the IRS is known for making mistakes from time to time.  When the IRS, by known mistake, levies one of your accounts and you have proof or substantial documentation Form 8546 can be filed to get reimbursed for the expense.

Is it worth filing Form 8546?  Yes, depending on the circumstances and the amount that you are asking the IRS to refund.  However, usually charges are relatively small amounts and is only going to be worth it if that taxpayer prepares and files Form 8546 on his or her own as the fee a professional might have to charge would nearly equal the amount you are trying to get refunded.

What expenses will the IRS refund?  The IRS will refund bank charges that include a financial institution’s customary charge for complying with the levy instructions and charges for overdrafts that are a direct consequence of an erroneous levy.  In addition, there are times when a taxpayer’s check may be lost or misplaced in processing.  When the IRS asks for a replacement check, the taxpayer maybe reimbursed for bank charges incurred in stopping payment on the original check.  The charges must have been paid by the taxpayer and must not have been waived or reimbursed by the financial institution. All claims must be filed within one year after the expense.

Form 8546 is a one page form with a one page instruction.  Please read the entire form before submitting and be sure your claim meets all the requirements.  Include copies of required documents.

IRS Help from Tax Debt Advisors, Inc – Scott Allen, E.A.

3155 E Southern Ave  Ste 101  Mesa, AZ  85204  www.getirsoffmyback.com

 

Written by Scott Allen

Tax Preparation: Form 8839 – Qualified Adoption Expenses

Information to consider when claiming the Adoption Credit:

If you are considering adopting a child, you may qualify for the adoption tax credit, which is up to $14,890 per child.

In order to qualify, you must have adopted a child and paid out-of-pocket expenses relating to the adoption.  The amount of the tax credit is depended on the amount you spent on adoption-related expenses.  If you adopt a special needs child you are entitled to claim the full amount of the adoption credit even if you didn’t spend the full $14,890.

The adoption credit was scheduled to expire until health care legislation passed and extended it through tax year 2022.

For higher income earners, the phase out for the credit starts at $216,000.  To be eligible for the credit you must adopt a child 17 or younger.  Or a child of any age who is a US citizen or resident alien and who is physically or mentally unable to care for himself or herself.

Many argue the issues with the tax credit, is that you had to spend that money out of pocket before you can claim the credit.  If the credit is based off expenses you have already spent it is difficult for lower-income families to adopt.

Qualified adoption expenses include: adoption fees, attorney fees, court costs, travel expenses and re-adoption expenses related to the adoption of a foreign child.

Qualified adoption expenses that do not qualify include:

  • those for which you received funds under any state, local, or federal program
  • that violate state or federal law
  • for carrying out a surrogate parenting arrangement
  • for the adoption of your spouse’s child
  • paid or reimbursed by your employer or any other person or organization
  • or allowed as a credit or deduction under any other provision of federal income tax law.

For more information please contact Scott Allen, E.A. with Tax Debt Advisors, Inc  www.ScottAllenEA.com

 

Written by Scott Allen

What Should I do if the IRS Knocks on my Door in Arizona?

IRS Knock on my Door in Arizona

If a Revenue Officer knocks on your door in Arizona, technically you do not have to let them in.  But you should be courteous and ask if you can have a representative contact them.  A good way to respond is to say something like, “I will provide all the information you request, but I would like to consult my representative and have them represent me.”

A Revenue Office is entitled to your financial information but it is best to request a list of all the information that they want and a reasonable deadline.  It is too easy to try to please the RO and not provide accurate or complete information.

Most Revenue Officers are please that you have representation as long as they respect the person you choose.  Many national companies have poor track records with the IRS and the RO will usually ask who you are considering using.  They cannot make suggestions on who to use but they will likely tell you if you are considering someone with a bad reputation.  The key here is to handle unannounced IRS visits with courtesy, but remember you have rights to representation before disclosure.

Scott Allen E. A.     Tax Debt Advisors, Inc     Mesa Arizona    taxdebtadvisors.com

 

Written by Scott Allen

What is an SFR return and the purpose of the SFR Unit?

IRS SFR Return help near Gilbert Arizona

SFR stands for substitute for return.  When a tax return has not been file for an extended period of time, the IRS will eventually file a substitute return that calculates the tax based on income reported with no deductions.  If a person was filing jointly before, the IRS will file the SFR return as married filing separate.  The purpose of the SFR unit is to prepare the substitute return and process any returns that are later filed as a “protest” against the SFR return by the taxpayer.  When filing a return in response to an SFR, it is best to send it to the SFR unit that is responsible for making any adjustments to the SFR amount owed.  The turn around time to get a tax balance lowered after filing a correct return can take several months.  SFR returns are not dischargeable in a bankruptcy since they are not considered filed returns.  However the SFR does have the same 10 statute of limitations for collection as a return filed by a taxpayer.

Before making any decisions on how to handle an IRS SFR return near Gilbert Arizona it is critical to first discuss your situation with a tax professional.

Scott Allen E. A. at 480-926-9300

Tax Debt Advisors, Inc near Gilbert Arizona

taxdebtadvisors.com

 

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