Category Archives: IRS

If you have not filed your 2025 taxes yet and it is already April 2026, you are probably feeling some stress. That is completely understandable. A lot of people fall behind on taxes for all kinds of reasons. Maybe life got busy, maybe paperwork is missing, or maybe you are worried about how much you might owe. The important thing now is not to panic, it is to act.

For most taxpayers, the federal tax filing deadline for 2025 returns is April 15, 2026. If you have not filed yet, the worst thing you can do is keep putting it off. Tax problems usually get more expensive and more stressful the longer they sit. Taking action now, even if you are not fully ready, can help you limit penalties and get back in control.

FILE EVEN IF YOU CANNOT PAY IN FULL

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming there is no point in filing if they cannot pay the full tax bill. In reality, filing is still extremely important. The IRS failure to file penalty is usually much steeper than the failure to pay penalty. That means not filing can cost you more than filing and paying only part of what you owe.

If you can, file your return as soon as possible. If you cannot pay the full amount, pay what you can. Even a partial payment may help reduce how much you end up owing in penalties and interest. This is one of those situations where doing something is far better than doing nothing.

REQUEST AN EXTENSION IF YOU STILL HAVE TIME

If it is still before the deadline and you are not ready to submit your full return, you may be able to request an extension. For most people, that gives you until October 15, 2026 to file. That extra time can be helpful if you are still waiting on documents, sorting through deductions, or trying to make sure everything is accurate.

But this is the part that catches people off guard. An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. If you expect to owe taxes, the IRS still wants payment by the April deadline. If possible, estimate what you owe and send in as much as you reasonably can.

Don’t let a missed deadline slide.

Even if you’ve already missed it, acting fast is still the smart move. Getting your taxes filed as soon as possible is the most effective way to stop those late filing penalties from piling up. And if you’re having a tough time, you might be able to get some relief. Taxpayers sometimes qualify for penalty waivers or payment plans, especially if they can show a valid reason for the delay.
The key is to nip things in the bud. Ignoring IRS letters or dragging your feet on your tax return can easily turn a small issue into a much bigger one later.
Even if your situation feels messy, it is usually better than you think once you begin dealing with it directly.

GET HELP BEFORE THE SITUATION GETS WORSE

If you have not filed your 2025 taxes in April 2026, now is the time to deal with it. Filing late is serious, but it is also fixable. The sooner you understand your options, the easier it becomes to make a plan. Tax Debt Advisors can help if you’re behind on your filings, worried about penalties, or staring down a tax bill that’s overwhelming. Reach out today for clear guidance and start taking charge of your tax situation.

Tax Settlement in Mesa, Arizona

If you need IRS Debt Help, Tax Debt Settlements or Tax Debt Advising in Phoenix, Mesa or anywhere else, Tax Debt Advisors can help! Give us a call at 480-926-9300 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Here are some common and effective strategies to stop the IRS from garnishing your wages:

🛑 1. Contact the IRS Immediately

The sooner you contact the IRS, the more options you have. Wage garnishment often happens after repeated attempts to collect unpaid taxes, so opening communication can lead to better outcomes.

📝 2. Set Up a Payment Plan

Request an Installment Agreement:

• Spread your tax debt over monthly payments.

• Avoid further garnishments once approved.

• Must stay current on future taxes and payments.

⚖️ 3. Submit an Offer in Compromise (OIC)

If you’re struggling financially, you may qualify to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed.

• Must prove financial hardship.

• Takes time to process but can remove garnishment once accepted.

📄 4. Apply for Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status

If you can’t afford to pay your basic living expenses and taxes:

• The IRS may pause collections (including garnishments).

• Debt remains, but enforcement actions stop temporarily.

💼 5. File for Bankruptcy

• Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy may eliminate or reduce tax debts.

• Stops wage garnishment through an automatic stay.

• Not all tax debts are dischargeable, so speak with a bankruptcy attorney.

👩‍⚖️ 6. Request a Collection Due Process (CDP) Hearing

• If you recently received a Final Notice of Intent to Levy, you have 30 days to request a hearing.

• At the hearing, you can dispute the debt or propose alternatives.

📞 7. Work with a Tax Professional

Tax attorneys, CPAs, or enrolled agents can:

• Negotiate with the IRS on your behalf.

• Help you choose the best resolution strategy.

• Ensure your rights are protected.

Tax Settlement in Mesa, Arizona

If you need IRS Debt Help, Tax Debt Settlements or Tax Debt Advising in Phoenix, Mesa or anywhere else, Tax Debt Advisors can help! Give us a call at 480-926-9300 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Wage garnishment is just one of several ways the IRS can collect your tax debt. If you owe the IRS, it’s crucial to understand how the wage garnishment process works and the steps you can take to stop it.

What Is Wage Garnishment?

Under federal law, the IRS can seize your income in an effort to retrieve any federal tax debt you may owe. This can include wages, bonuses, salary, and commissions. The IRS is able to garnish your wages without ever taking you to court.

The IRS is also able to take a higher amount of your wages than a private creditor can. Typically, the IRS will garnish more than 70% of your income. They have to leave just $375 from each of your paychecks so you can support yourself and household. If you are self-employed, however, the IRS can take all of your income.

Wage Garnishment Process

The IRS must follow a three-step process prior to taking any wages. Let’s take a look at this process below.

Written Notice

The first step of the process is sending a written notice ahead of any garnishment action. This notice will detail the amount you owe to the IRS.

It will include penalties and interest on top of the principal tax debt. The written notice will also give you a due date to pay off your balance. Essentially, this gives any individual the chance to stop wage garnishment before it begins.

Second Notice

The IRS will then send a second notice if you have not paid your full balance after the specified deadline. This “Final Notice of Intent to Levy” must be sent via registered or certified mail 30 days prior to wage garnishment.

Final Notice

The final notice includes a letter that informs an individual of their right to an appeal. You must file your appeal request within 30 days after the date of the Final Notice in order to hold onto certain other legal rights. You can also put a hold on any further IRS collection action pending the resolution of the appeal.

The IRS can begin garnishing your wages if you fail to take action by the end of the 30-day window. The IRS will require that your employer send a specified amount of your paycheck directly to their organization. Your employer must start within one pay period of receiving notice and continue doing so until your debt is completely paid back.

Ways To Stop IRS Wage Garnishment

Here are a few ways you can stop the IRS from seizing your income.

Installment Plan

The IRS will let you pay your balance over time if you work out an installment ahead of time. You will need to engage the IRS and demonstrate that you cannot repay your entire debt all at once. As part of this plan, you must make monthly payments until the debt is completely paid back.

Employment Change

The easiest thing for any individual to do is change their employer. However, this is a temporary solution, since the IRS will inevitably find you and the new employer. Once the IRS does so, they will reissue the wage garnishment.

Offer In Compromise

If you are unable to pay your debt due to financial hardship, the IRS may make an offer in compromise. This will ultimately reduce the amount you owe. Qualifying for this program will require filling out an application. The wage garnishment will be put on hold while your application is under review.

Appeal Process

Under the law, every individual has the right to an appeal of the wage garnishment if you dispute the amount you owe. You must request the appeal within 30 days of receiving the “Final Notice of Intent to Levy”.

Financial Hardship Exemption

It is possible that the IRS forgives your debt if you demonstrate that paying it back will cause you extreme financial hardship. This option requires proof that wage garnishment will prevent you from caring for the basic needs of your family.

Declare Bankruptcy

The tax debt you owe could be discharged through bankruptcy. However, declaring bankruptcy should always be seen as a last resort. Individuals can hope the IRS will stop wage garnishment during the period of bankruptcy.

Tax Settlement in Mesa, Arizona

If you need IRS Debt Help, Tax Debt Settlements or Tax Debt Advising in Phoenix, Mesa or anywhere else, Tax Debt Advisors can help! Give us a call at 480-926-9300 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.