How to Resolve IRS Issues for Individuals and Businesses

Opening the mailbox to find that daunting envelope marked “Official Government Correspondence” can be unnerving for anyone.

The letters I.R.S. are notorious for inducing stress among both individuals and business owners.

Perhaps a payment was missed due to tight cash flow or a sluggish business quarter. However, ignoring these issues only causes them to escalate.

The reality is IRS issues don’t fade away—they accumulate in the form of interest, penalties, and mounting stress.

The good news is these problems are fixable, and right now is the perfect time to address them, even during a government shutdown.

The Cost of Delay

Immediate action is not typically the IRS’s approach, but once they start, the pursuit is relentless.

Delaying rectification means:

  • Interest on unpaid balances

  • Late filing or payment penalties

  • And if you're a business, the severe Trust Fund Recovery Penalty could apply.

Even minimal unpaid taxes can rapidly escalate. A $2,000 tax shortfall can double thanks to penalties and interest.

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Business owners are personally liable for disregarded payroll taxes or quarterly estimates, so it's critical to address them promptly.

Step 1: Confront the Situation

Fear of confronting IRS letters often stems from dread. Yet, the more swiftly you open that envelope or get your IRS transcript, the sooner you can start mitigating damage.

Individuals:

Obtain your account transcript from IRS.gov to check your balance, penalties, and filings.

Businesses:

Request the business account transcript or consult your accountant for possible unfiled forms or missing deposits.

Grasping the extent of your liabilities, be it one missed payment or several, is vital.

Step 2: Explore Your Solutions

The IRS aims not to annihilate you but operates as a structured system, allowing you to find manageable resolutions:

  • Payment Plan: Offers resolution over time with monthly payments for both individuals and businesses.

  • Offer in Compromise: Settle for less than owed, given qualification, often requiring professional assistance.

  • Penalty Abatement: Available if you have a valid reason, like illness or a natural disaster, to reduce or eliminate penalties.

  • Currently Not Collectible Status: If financial strain is an issue, collection efforts can be temporarily halted.

All solutions involve specific documentation and timing but, when managed correctly, they can mitigate issues.

Step 3: Monitor Business Payroll Diligently

Withheld employee taxes are considered trust funds belonging to the U.S. government.

Missed payroll deposits can lead swiftly to IRS enforcement action.

In case of missed payroll deposits or late Form 941 filings, consider these actions:

  • Submit overdue forms promptly, even if full payment isn’t possible.

  • Set up a payment plan with a tax expert.

  • Utilize reliable payroll software or a professional provider to ensure compliance.

A clear payroll track record safeguards your business and personal assets.

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Step 4: Act Without Delay Even During IRS Downtime

While the IRS operates at reduced capacity during shutdowns, electronic systems remain functional, and tax requirements remain unchanged.

  • Keep track of all submissions—receipts and documentation are vital.

  • Filing, even without payment, minimizes penalties and starts the statute of limitations.

  • Plan your next steps with a tax professional while awaiting IRS feedback.

Step 5: Seek Help for Complex Cases

If the balance is substantial or multiple payroll deposits are overdue, professional help is advised.

  • Professionals can access IRS records, negotiate, devise cash flow-protective payment plans, and ensure future compliance.

Step 6: Establish Systems to Avoid Recurrences

Once your IRS issues are managed, set up processes to prevent future problems:

  • Automate estimated payments or payroll transfers.

  • Utilize bank-synced accounting software.

  • Annual tax mid-year reviews with your accountant can prevent future surprises.

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Conclusion

IRS challenges don't define taxpayers or business owners—they simply require action.

Be preemptive: act swiftly, regain control, and avert future unpleasant surprises.

Want to Resolve Your IRS Issues?

Contact our firm without delay. We can assess your IRS situation, outline your options, and construct a plan to rectify overdue matters and avert repetition.

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