by renee | Sep 21, 2026 | Tax Resolution, Tax Resolution
Losing a loved one is hard enough without discovering unresolved IRS tax debt. Executors, surviving spouses, and family members may also have to deal with tax returns, IRS notices, and questions about estate assets.
If you’re handling the affairs of someone who owed the IRS, this guide can help you understand what comes next. If after reading this you still have questions about how to resolve your tax debt call Action Tax Reliefat 937-268-2737 or visit www.ActionTaxRelief.com.
What Happens to IRS Tax Debt When Someone Dies?
When someone dies owing federal taxes, the debt does not automatically disappear. The IRS may seek payment from assets in the deceased person’s estate before those assets are distributed to beneficiaries.
However, this does not mean children or other family members automatically become personally responsible for the tax debt. Responsibility depends on factors such as the type of tax owed, how assets are held, and whether the estate has funds available to pay outstanding obligations.
Because every situation is different, it’s important to understand what the IRS can collect before distributing estate assets.
What Is the Executor Responsible For?
The executor, administrator, or personal representative may be responsible for handling the deceased taxpayer’s outstanding tax matters, including filing the final income tax return and any other required returns.
The executor may need to:
- Determine whether prior tax returns were filed.
- File missing or final tax returns.
- Identify outstanding IRS balances.
- Respond to IRS correspondence.
- Address tax liabilities before distributing estate assets.
Executors should be cautious about distributing money or property before tax issues are resolved, since correcting mistakes afterward can be more difficult.
If the amount owed is unclear, an authorized representative can request IRS tax transcripts and payoff information after providing documentation showing their authority to act for the deceased person.
Is a Surviving Spouse Responsible for the Tax Debt?
Sometimes, but not simply because you were married.
A key issue is whether the tax debt comes from a joint tax return. When spouses file jointly, both may be responsible for the tax owed, which can leave a surviving spouse facing an unexpected balance.
However, certain circumstances may allow a surviving spouse to challenge or limit that responsibility. A tax resolution professional can review how the debt arose, which returns are involved, and whether relief options may apply.
What If the Deceased Person Hadn’t Filed Tax Returns?
Sometimes a spouse, parent, or relative dies with one or more unfiled tax returns. They may have fallen behind because of illness, self-employment, or other circumstances.
The personal representative may need to determine which returns are missing and obtain IRS transcripts or other tax information.
Before filing past-due returns, it is important to understand the full tax situation, since those returns may create balances that must be addressed as part of the estate.
Can the IRS Take Money From the Estate?
Potentially, yes.
If the deceased taxpayer owed federal taxes and the estate contains assets, those assets may need to be considered before beneficiaries receive distributions. IRS procedures specifically recognize that estate assets may be subject to collection for certain tax liabilities assessed before death.
This can become especially complicated when the estate includes:
- Property intended for multiple beneficiaries
Because some assets may pass outside the estate, families should avoid assuming what the IRS can or cannot collect without reviewing the specific situation.
Don’t Ignore IRS Notices Addressed to a Deceased Family Member
Receiving an IRS letter addressed to someone who has died can be unsettling, but don’t ignore it.
Don’t assume the IRS already knows everything about the taxpayer’s death or estate.
An executor or personal representative may need to establish their authority with the IRS, often using Form 56, Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship.
IRS notices may also contain important deadlines or identify tax issues that must be addressed before the estate can be settled.
You Don’t Have to Handle IRS Tax Debt Alone
Settling an estate is difficult enough without dealing with unfiled returns, IRS notices, or unexpected tax debt. A tax resolution professional can help determine what is owed, communicate with the IRS, and identify the best path forward.
If a loved one passed away with unresolved IRS tax debt, or you’re an executor unsure what to do next, call Action Tax Relief at 937-268-2737 or visit www.ActionTaxRelief.com. We can help you understand your options and take the next steps with confidence.
by renee | Sep 14, 2026 | Tax Resolution, Tax Resolution
Owing both the IRS and your state tax agency can be confusing, especially when you are receiving separate notices and facing different deadlines. Resolving one debt does not automatically resolve the other.
If you owe both federal and state taxes, understanding your options can help you act before the problem gets worse. If after reading this blog you need further help resolving your tax debt contact Action Tax Relief at 937-268-2737 or visit www.ActionTaxRelief.com.
The IRS and State Tax Agencies Collect Separately
Your IRS debt and state tax debt are generally separate obligations. Making arrangements with the IRS does not automatically create an agreement with your state, and resolving a state balance does not eliminate what you owe the IRS.
That means you may need to communicate and negotiate with two different taxing authorities at the same time.
Each agency can have its own collection procedures, payment requirements, deadlines, and resolution programs. State rules also vary depending on where you live, making it important to look at your entire tax situation rather than focusing on only one balance.
What Can Happen If You Don’t Address the Debt?
Ignoring tax debt can make the problem worse. The IRS may add penalties and interest and can use collection actions such as liens and levies.
State tax agencies may also pursue collection under state law. If you owe both agencies, dealing with the problem early can help you avoid facing multiple collection actions at once.
Which Tax Debt Should You Pay First?
There isn’t one answer that works for every taxpayer.
You may be tempted to pay whichever agency is sending the most threatening letter, but your overall financial situation should be reviewed first. Factors that may affect your strategy include:
- How much you owe each agency
- Whether all required tax returns have been filed
- Whether either agency has begun collection action
- Your income and monthly expenses
- Your assets and available cash
- Whether you can afford monthly payments
- The type and age of the tax debt
A tax resolution professional can review both balances and help determine which issues require immediate attention.
Can You Set Up Payment Plans With Both Agencies?
Possibly. The IRS offers payment plans for eligible taxpayers who cannot pay their balance in full right away.
Many states also offer payment arrangements, but the rules and terms vary. This means you may be making payments to both agencies at the same time.
The key is making sure the combined payments are affordable. A tax resolution strategy should consider both debts before you commit to monthly payment amounts.
Could You Settle Your Tax Debt for Less?
In some situations, taxpayers may qualify for programs that reduce the amount they ultimately have to pay.
For federal tax debt, the IRS’s Offer in Compromise program allows qualifying taxpayers to settle a tax liability for less than the full amount owed. The IRS considers factors such as ability to pay, income, expenses, and asset equity when evaluating an offer. It also makes clear that the program is not appropriate for everyone.
Some states have their own settlement or hardship programs, but the rules vary significantly.
Qualifying for relief with one agency does not necessarily mean you will receive the same result from the other.
Don’t Forget About Unfiled Tax Returns
Before many tax resolution options are available, you may need to get your federal and state tax filings current. The IRS generally requires required returns to be filed before approving certain payment or settlement options.
If you have unfiled returns, determining what needs to be filed is an important first step. Filing those returns can also give you a clearer picture of how much you actually owe.
One Tax Problem Requires a Coordinated Strategy
When you owe both the IRS and your state, trying to solve each problem separately can make an already stressful situation harder.
A tax resolution professional can review your federal and state tax debts together, identify urgent collection issues, determine whether returns are missing, evaluate available resolution options, and help develop a strategy that fits your financial circumstances.
Get Help With Your IRS and State Tax Debt
Owing both the IRS and your state can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone.
Call Action Tax Relief today at 937-268-2737 or visit www.ActionTaxRelief.com. Our tax resolution team can review your situation, explain your options, and help you move toward resolving your tax debt.
by renee | Aug 18, 2026 | Tax Resolution, Tax Resolution
Finding out you owe money to the IRS can be overwhelming. Whether it’s a few thousand dollars or much more, many taxpayers panic or worse, avoid the problem altogether. Unfortunately, the wrong decisions can turn a manageable tax issue into a much larger financial burden.
The good news is that IRS tax debt doesn’t always have to end in wage garnishments, bank levies, or aggressive collection actions. By understanding the most common mistakes people make, you can take proactive steps to protect your finances and work toward resolving your tax debt.
At [insert your company name], we resolve IRS tax debt for taxpayers every day. If you still have questions after reading this blog, or need help resolving your tax issue, call us at 937-268-2737 or visit www.ActionTaxRelief.com.
1. Ignoring IRS Notices
One of the most common and costly mistakes is simply ignoring letters from the IRS.
The IRS doesn’t immediately levy bank accounts or garnish wages. Instead, it sends a series of notices explaining what you owe and what actions may be taken if the balance remains unpaid. Ignoring these notices doesn’t make the debt go away. In fact, it usually limits your options and increases the likelihood of collection action.
2. Waiting Too Long to Get Help
Many people hope their financial situation will improve before dealing with their tax debt. While that may seem reasonable, waiting often allows penalties and interest to continue growing.
The earlier you address your tax problem, the more resolution options may be available.
3. Failing to File Tax Returns
Some taxpayers avoid filing because they know they can’t afford to pay. This is a costly mistake.
The IRS generally requires all required tax returns to be filed before considering many relief programs. In addition, the failure-to-file penalty is often much higher than the failure-to-pay penalty.
Even if you can’t pay your balance in full, filing your return on time is usually the better option.
4. Assuming There’s Only One Solution
Many people believe they have only two choices: pay the IRS in full or face collection actions.
In reality, the IRS offers several programs that may help qualifying taxpayers, including:
- Currently Not Collectible status
The right solution depends on your unique financial situation.
5. Cashing Out Retirement Savings Without Exploring Other Options
Some taxpayers withdraw money from retirement accounts to pay the IRS immediately.
While this may seem like the quickest solution, it can create additional taxes, early withdrawal penalties, and long-term financial consequences. Before making a decision that could affect your future, it’s important to understand all of your available options.
6. Believing Tax Resolution Scams
If you’ve searched online for tax help, you’ve probably seen ads promising to “settle your tax debt for pennies on the dollar.”
While an Offer in Compromise is a legitimate IRS program, not everyone qualifies. Be cautious of any company that guarantees specific results before reviewing your financial situation.
A reputable tax resolution firm will evaluate your case first and recommend the solution that best fits your circumstances.
7. Trying to Handle Complex IRS Issues Alone
Simple tax issues can often be resolved without professional assistance. However, when significant tax debt, payroll tax issues, liens, levies, or audits are involved, the process can quickly become complicated.
Working with an experienced tax resolution professional can help you understand your options, communicate with the IRS effectively, and avoid costly mistakes.
Take Action Before Your Tax Problem Gets Worse
IRS tax debt rarely resolves itself. The longer you wait, the more penalties and interest can accumulate, and the greater the risk of collection actions such as bank levies, wage garnishments, or tax liens.
Remember, the IRS generally wants taxpayers to resolve their debts not ignore them. Taking action early often gives you more flexibility and may help you avoid unnecessary stress, additional costs, and more aggressive collection efforts.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you’re struggling with IRS tax debt, you don’t have to face it alone.
Our experienced tax resolution team can review your situation, explain your options, and help you develop a strategy to resolve your tax debt.
Call Action Tax Relief at 937-268-2737 or visit www.ActionTaxRelief.com to schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation and take the first step toward putting your IRS tax problems behind you.
by renee | Aug 4, 2026 | Tax Resolution, Tax Resolution
Business Owner Should Know
Running a business comes with enough challenges without having to worry about the IRS. Unfortunately, if your business falls behind on payroll taxes, income taxes, or other federal tax obligations, the IRS has powerful collection tools that can seriously impact your operations.
The good news is that IRS collection actions don’t happen overnight. Understanding the process and acting quickly can help you protect your business and resolve your tax issues before they become more costly.
At [insert your company name], we help business owners facing IRS tax debt. If you still have questions after reading this blog, or need help resolving your tax issue, call us at9
937-268-2737 or visit www.ActionTaxRelief.com.
Common IRS Collection Actions Against Businesses
When taxes go unpaid, the IRS may take several steps to collect the balance owed, including:
- Filing a federal tax lien against your business: A tax lien is the government’s legal claim against your business’s property because of unpaid taxes.
- Levying business bank accounts: If the IRS issues a bank levy, it can freeze and seize funds from your business bank account to satisfy the tax debt.
- Garnishing payments owed to your business: In some cases, the IRS can require your customers or other third parties who owe your business money to send those payments directly to the IRS instead.
- Seizing business assets in certain situations: Although less common, the IRS has the authority to seize business assets such as equipment, vehicles, inventory, or even real estate if other collection efforts are unsuccessful.
- Assessing additional penalties and interest: Unpaid tax balances continue to grow over time as penalties and interest accrue.
- Pursuing the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP): For businesses with unpaid payroll taxes, the IRS may hold owners, officers, or other individuals who were responsible for collecting and paying employment taxes personally liable for the trust fund portion of those taxes.
These actions can disrupt cash flow, damage your business’s reputation, and make it harder to continue operating.
Don’t Ignore IRS Notices
One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is ignoring IRS letters. Every notice includes important information about your balance, deadlines, and your rights.
Responding early often provides more options for resolving your tax debt before enforced collection begins.
File Your Tax Returns on Time
Even if you can’t afford to pay your tax bill in full, it’s critical to file all required tax returns. Failure-to-file penalties are often more severe than failure-to-pay penalties, and the IRS generally won’t consider many resolution options until all required returns have been filed.
Staying current with your filing obligations is one of the most important steps you can take.
Prioritize Payroll Tax Compliance
For businesses with employees, payroll taxes deserve immediate attention. The IRS treats unpaid payroll taxes very seriously because employers are holding money that belongs to employees and the government. In some cases, business owners, officers, or other responsible individuals can become personally liable for certain unpaid payroll taxes through the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty.
If you’re struggling to keep up with payroll tax deposits, seek professional guidance as soon as possible.
Communicate With the IRS
If you know your business cannot pay its tax debt immediately, don’t wait for the IRS to escalate collection efforts.
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for options such as:
- An IRS installment agreement
- Currently Not Collectible status
- An Offer in Compromise (for qualifying taxpayers)
The right solution depends on your business’s financial situation, compliance history, and the amount owed.
Keep Accurate Financial Records
Well-organized financial records make it much easier to respond to IRS requests and evaluate your available resolution options.
Maintain up-to-date records of:
Good documentation can help prevent delays and support your case during negotiations with the IRS.
Get Professional Help Before Collections Escalate
The sooner you address your IRS tax problem, the more options you may have to resolve it before collection actions become more serious.
A qualified tax resolution professional can review your situation, communicate with the IRS on your behalf, and help you find the best path to resolving your tax debt so you can focus on running your business.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If your business is dealing with IRS tax debt or collection actions, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the more options you may have.
Call Action Tax Relief at 937-268-2737 or visit www.ActionTaxRelief.com to schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation and take the first step toward resolving your IRS tax problem.
by renee | Jun 4, 2026 | Tax Resolution, Tax Resolution
Receiving a notice from the IRS stating you owe additional tax can feel overwhelming. Many taxpayers assume the IRS must be right and simply accept the bill.
But that isn’t always the case.
If you disagree with an IRS determination, whether it involves additional tax, penalties, or certain collection actions, you may have the right to challenge it. Two common options are the IRS Appeals process or filing a case with the United States Tax Court.
Understanding the difference between these options is important because the right strategy can significantly impact the outcome of your case. If after reading this you’re still unsure which path is best, contact Action Tax Relief at 937-268-2737 or visit www.actiontaxrelief.com for help.
What Is the IRS Appeals Process?
The IRS Office of Appeals is an independent division within the IRS that works to resolve disputes between taxpayers and the IRS without going to court.
Appeals Officers review the facts, apply the law, and attempt to reach a fair resolution for both the taxpayer and the government. Many tax disputes are successfully resolved at this stage.
Taxpayers typically enter the Appeals process after receiving notices such as:
• A Notice of Deficiency proposing additional tax
• An audit report they disagree with
• A Collection Due Process (CDP) notice involving liens or levies
• A penalty assessment they believe is incorrect
One of the main advantages of Appeals is that it offers a faster and less formal way to resolve tax disputes without litigation.
Benefits of Resolving a Case Through Appeals
For many taxpayers, the Appeals process offers advantages over going to court. It is generally less formal, faster, and less expensive than litigation, and it allows taxpayers the opportunity to negotiate a settlement and present additional documentation or arguments.
Appeals Officers often consider what are called “hazards of litigation,” meaning they evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of both the taxpayer’s case and the IRS’s position. If there is risk the IRS could lose in court, Appeals may be willing to compromise.
Because of this, many tax disputes are successfully resolved during the Appeals stage.
What Is the U.S. Tax Court?
The United States Tax Court is a federal court where taxpayers can challenge IRS determinations before paying the disputed tax.
When the IRS issues a Notice of Deficiency, taxpayers generally have 90 days to file a petition asking the court to review the IRS decision.
Unlike the Appeals process, Tax Court is a formal legal proceeding. A judge reviews the evidence and applies the tax law to decide the case. Common issues heard in Tax Court include disputed audit adjustments, disallowed deductions or credits, unreported income, and certain penalties.
Once a case is filed, the IRS is represented in court by attorneys from the IRS Office of Chief Counsel.
Key Differences Between Appeals and Tax Court
Both options allow taxpayers to challenge an IRS decision, but they operate very differently.
IRS Appeals:
• Administrative process within the IRS
• Focuses on negotiation and settlement
• Generally faster and less formal
Tax Court:
• Formal judicial proceeding
• Decided by a federal judge
• Requires legal filings and court procedures
In many cases, disputes are resolved through Appeals first. However, if negotiations stall or the legal issues require a judge’s decision, filing in Tax Court may be the better strategy.
Timing Can Be Critical
Timing is an important factor when deciding between Appeals and Tax Court.
For example, if the IRS issues a Notice of Deficiency, taxpayers generally have 90 days to file a petition with the Tax Court. Missing this deadline may eliminate the ability to challenge the determination in court without first paying the tax.
Because IRS deadlines can be strict, it’s important to review your options carefully and respond to notices promptly.
Which Path Is Right for Your Case?
The best path for resolving a tax dispute depends on several factors, including:
• The type of IRS notice received
• The amount of tax involved
• The strength of the legal arguments
• Whether negotiations with the IRS have been productive
In many cases, disputes can be resolved through the Appeals process. In others, filing in Tax Court may be necessary to protect the taxpayer’s rights. Every case is unique, and choosing the right strategy can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Get Professional Help Navigating IRS Disputes
Disputing an IRS determination can be complex, and the decisions you make early in the process can significantly affect the outcome.
Our firm represents taxpayers in IRS disputes, including Appeals conferences and Tax Court cases, helping clients evaluate their options and develop strategies to resolve their tax problems.
If you’ve received an IRS notice or disagree with an IRS determination, contact Action Tax Relief at 937-268-2737 or visit www.actiontaxrelief.com to schedule a confidential consultation.
by renee | May 28, 2026 | Tax Resolution, Tax Resolution
If you’ve received IRS notices and haven’t taken action, you may be wondering:
Can they really take money from my bank account or even my retirement?
The short answer is yes, and when it happens, it can feel sudden and overwhelming.
At Action Tax Relief we help taxpayers facing bank levies and threatened asset seizures take control and resolve their IRS issues before more damage is done. If after reading this you have questions or need help resolving your tax debt us at 937-268-2737 or visit www.actiontaxrelief.com.
How the IRS Gets to the Point of Seizing Your Money
The IRS doesn’t jump straight to levies. There’s a process. Typically, it looks like this:
- You owe back taxes and don’t pay
- The IRS sends multiple notices requesting payment
- You receive a Final Notice of Intent to Levy (LT11 or Letter 1058)
- You have 30 days to respond or request a hearing
If nothing is done during that 30-day window, the IRS can move forward with enforcement, and that’s when levies come into play.
What Happens When the IRS Levies Your Bank Account
A bank levy is often the first place the IRS goes. Here’s how it works:
Once the IRS issues the levy, your bank is required to freeze the funds in your account, up to the amount you owe. This can include checking and savings accounts.
You don’t lose the money immediately, though. There’s a short window of time (typically 21 days) where the funds are held before being sent to the IRS.
During this time:
- You cannot access the frozen funds
- Any checks or payments you’ve issued may bounce
- Your day-to-day cash flow can come to a halt
If no action is taken, the bank will send the money to the IRS after the holding period.
Can the IRS Take Your Retirement Funds?
This is where things get even more serious, and where many taxpayers are caught off guard.
Yes, the IRS can levy certain retirement accounts, including:
In many situations, the IRS won’t immediately liquidate the account, but they can:
- Seize distributions as they’re paid out
- Force withdrawals under certain conditions
And keep in mind, if funds are withdrawn, you may also face taxes and early withdrawal penalties on top of the IRS levy.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re facing a levy or think one is coming, the most important thing is to act quickly.
You still have options, even at this stage.
In many cases, a levy can be:
- Stopped before it happens by responding to the final notice
- Released after it happens if you take immediate action
- Prevented going forward with the right resolution strategy
The IRS is required to release a levy if certain conditions are met, such as proving financial hardship or entering into an acceptable resolution program.
Common Ways to Stop or Remove a Levy
Depending on your situation, there are several paths that may help resolve the issue:
- Installment Agreement: Set up a payment plan to show good faith and stop enforcement
- Currently Not Collectible (CNC): Pause collections if you can’t afford to pay
- Offer in Compromise: Settle your debt for less than the full amount
- Collection Due Process Hearing: Challenge the levy and gain time to resolve
The key is choosing the right option based on your financial situation, not just reacting under pressure.
The Biggest Mistake You Can Make
Waiting too long. By the time a levy hits your bank account, the IRS has already gone through multiple steps to get your attention. Ignoring it further only limits your options and increases the financial damage.
Another common mistake is trying to handle it alone, especially under stress. One wrong move can delay a resolution or make things worse.
Take Back Control Before It Gets Worse
If the IRS has levied your bank account or is threatening to seize your funds, it may feel like you’ve lost control.
But that’s not the case. With the right approach, you can:
- Potentially recover or protect remaining assets
- Put a long-term solution in place
The key is acting fast and having a strategy.
Get a Free Confidential Consultation
If you’re dealing with an IRS levy, or worried one is coming, don’t wait, call Action Tax Relief at 937-268-2737 or visit www.actiontaxrelief.com for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We specialize in helping taxpayers stop IRS collections, protect their assets, and resolve their tax debt the right way.
Don’t let the IRS take control of your finances, take action today.
