Saturday, September 1, 2012

Understanding The Process Of Income Tax Negotiation

By Madge Lindsay


There are various options for individuals who have problems paying their income tax or who owe back taxes. Income tax negotiation is a process by which an individual negotiates with the IRS on behalf of a taxpayer in order to reach an agreement and satisfy the debt. In many cases, the amount settled for is significantly less than the actual amount owed. This is usually referred to as an offer in compromise.

When taxpayers avail themselves of the services of a professional tax negotiator, their finances will be analyzed for the purpose of determining whether or not they are eligible for such an arrangement. The person's assets, income, and living expenses are taken into consideration. Turning such negotiations over to a professional will increase one's possibility of approval.

Generally, when an offer in compromise is made, a payment equaling 20% of the suggested amount must be included with one's paperwork. No refunds are issued for such payments, which further emphasizes the wisdom of having a professional negotiator complete the process on behalf of the taxpayer. Negotiators are knowledgeable about such arrangements and will be reasonably confident that the offer will be approved before they submit the paperwork.

Numerous aspects affect an individual's chance of being approved for such arrangements. Those experiencing money problems so severe that financial recovery would be impossible if they paid their total tax bill are usually granted approval. For example, a self-employed person would be forced to sell his or her company to pay the amount owed would probably be granted approval for an offer in compromise.

The latter is a settlement as opposed to a payment arrangement. The person pays one lump sum, which is usually less than the amount he or she actually owes, as mentioned earlier. After the payment is submitted, the person is not obligated to pay anything more in the future. There is also another option an individual may wish to pursue, called a partial payment installment agreement.

The latter is an arrangement that is designed to assist one to pay off a portion of his or her back taxes. The payment amount is much smaller, however, than the payments associated with the typical arrangements offered by the IRS. Interest and penalties are also reduced with such plans. Additionally, one's payments are frequently stretched out beyond the statute of limitations for overdue tax bills, at which point the person has no further responsibility for his or her remaining tax bill.

The difference between the total amount one pays under a partial payment installment agreement and the amount he or she would ultimately pay under an offer in compromise is marginal. Therefore, the professional negotiator is the best person to recommend the type of arrangement the taxpayer should pursue. After reviewing the taxpayer's specific circumstances, the negotiator is usually fairly certain about which plan has the most chance of being met with approval.

It is important for one to select the most suitable individual to handle his or her income tax negotiation. Individuals should be cautious regarding negotiators who demand extremely high fees or insist that the client pay cash for services rendered. Settling tax debts is a wise course of action for anyone, and seeking the help of a tax negotiator can simplify this process for the consumer.




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