IRS Question

[southernbelle]

From personal experience, does anyone know how long the process takes for the IRS to enforce payment of tax debt either by liens, garnishments, etc.

I'm getting a little bit of money back from state and federal from my income taxes this year and hopefully if the IRS doesn't keep it, I was planning to use it to make some much needed home improvements with it and needed to use it before I file BK. It usually takes about a month to get the check in hand and I sure could use it.

**I found out I can't file electronically since I'm technically still married, filing separate without comm. property issues**

[southernbelle]

I have another question. Does the IRS have to notify you in writing when they are about to impose a tax lien or is it something you find out about after the fact?

[Flamingo]

From personal experience, does anyone know how long the process takes for the IRS to enforce payment of tax debt either by liens, garnishments, etc.

I'm getting a little bit of money back from state and federal from my income taxes this year and hopefully if the IRS doesn't keep it, I was planning to use it to make some much needed home improvements with it and needed to use it before I file BK. It usually takes about a month to get the check in hand and I sure could use it.

**I found out I can't file electronically since I'm technically still married, filing separate without comm. property issues**

If you owe past taxes to the IRS, they can withhold any refund you are entitled to and apply that refund toward the debt. www.irs.gov may have some of the answers you are seeking or they have automated phone information as to certain subjects and that information is also listed on their website.

[AMISLANDER]

As one who's slipped through all the cracks....

....I can tell you.

It took them two years of filing for them to catch up...last year, I had gotten notices on my 2004 & 2005 issues and although I did get my tax return for 2006, I aso started a payment plan for 2004...that being the case, last fall, I started getting the letters for 2005 and in January this year, when I e-filed for 2007, because I was in the payment plan (which they told me when I called asking where my refund was), they said they took my refund & applied it to what I owed in my plan to date.

I also got the letter stating " do something now or we will put a lien out on you"....so during the same conversation, I had them tack on another $25 to my 2004 issue, adding my 2005 issue to the payment plan.....it was that easy!

Since the only asset I still have after my filng bk in 2005 is my 2000 4Runner, well, you know what they would have attached to....NOT! I've fought too hard to keep the only thing that I paid for and own!

So, you may have some play time, you may not. If you do not get your refund, you can call the IRS....

And, this tax rebate that's coming to "help the economy", you will not get it if you owe the IRS, they will apply it to your debt, which actually is a good thing, since you really won't miss it anyhow....

[BKOnce]

They will be very flexible & easy to work with as compared to all credit card lenders (very aggressive).

[AMISLANDER]

They will be very flexible & easy to work with as compared to all credit card lenders (very aggressive).

I totally agree! I almost got out of my mind trying to figure out what I was going to do as not responding to the IRS letters wasn't working...and, like I said, when I called to find out why my refund wasn't deposited to my bank & they explained, I figure that was the time to deal with the "lien letter" issue with them. I had made an appointment with one of those companies that settle for pennies on the dollar until I investigated & discovered that taking that action would just be me paying them to do my leg work in respect to an offer & compromise. Not necessary....It's just a matter of doing the right thing with the IRS when your time comes.

[oldbaddebts]

Contrary to what the attorney world would like us to believe, the IRS seems to be one of the MOST FRIENDLY creditors I have dealt with. I have noticed that as long as you are proactive and come to them for assistance before they are forced to take the time to harass you, they will do whatever possible to make life easier on you. After my discharge, I still owe for 2005 and now 2007 (around 8k total), but they are working with me to get CNC (Currently not collectible) status.

I have seen places charge $300 to arrange an installment agreement for you, which you can do with an automated touchtone service with the IRS without saying "hello" to a person in 10 minutes. The CNC I have seen places charge anywhere from $140 to $600 for filling out 1 form.

Now, I will still owe the money, but they will only try to collect if my income goes up considerably. If it doesn't go up within the statute of limitations, they forget about it. If it does go up, they will take payments at an amount based on their allowable living expenses. The really funny part is that I live comfortably, but cheaply, and their allowable expenses are more than I even make!!!

[biotechsolution]

southernbelle..if you have outstanding taxes chances are you aren't going to see that refund, especially if it's federal taxes. state taxes they would have to already have a 'right of set-off' so you might have a chance.

[southernbelle]

Thanks for the advice guys. I wrote off getting the refund since they will probably keep it anyway since they are owed money. On the bright side, it will help offset the total I owe them. I took all of my info. to the atty, so hopefully I will have my paperwork ready to be filed next week. Again, thanks for the advice, it helped me to get the ball rolling.