Lloyd Conley, EA, represents business and individual taxpayers in The Woodlands, Houston, and throughout Texas who have civil issues with the IRS.
One of the hot new IRS Programs is targeting chronic non-filers. The IRS has identified 7 million chronic non-filers. The Non-Filer Program is a high priority with the IRS. Both business owners and individual taxpayers who have not filed tax returns, sometimes for many years, are vulnerable.
It is worth noting that the willful failure to file a Tax Return is a crime under Internal Revenue Code Section 7203.
So … what can non-filers do? How can we help a non-filer resolve their issues with the IRS?! The short answer is “it depends” upon why the failure to file occurred in the first place. The failure to file is often based upon the fear that there will be an overwhelming tax bill! This may be valid, but here’s what we can do about it:
- Step one is filing all tax returns. BTW, in the non-filer program, the IRS will be filing returns for taxpayers based upon the information that they have, which may not be complete. It may even be less favorable than a return completed by the taxpayer or his/her representative. Either way, the first step is filing all returns. There are no avenues to resolution until the tax returns are filed!
- The second big step is to determine whether the non-filer qualifies for any special relief programs, such as penalty abatement, hardship, installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, or even the account placed in un-collectible status. Whatever course of action fits the non-filer’s situation, the IRS has a way to resolve chronic issues that is doable for the taxpayer. Failure to act with initiative, however, can result in surprise levy’s against bank accounts, wage garnishments, account receivable collections directly from clients or worse. These events are major life disrupters and can be extremely stressful!
- Step three is to apply for qualified relief and resolve the issue with the IRS pre-emptively.
So … now is the time to file! Now is the time to minimize penalties and interest! Now is the time to resolve the IRS issues, possibly with lower tax liability!
For help!
Contact Lloyd Conley EA
936-499-8146
10603 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Ste 225
Houston, TX 77064
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