How to Pay Your Tax Bill?

If you’re in the situation of owing money after filing your taxes but lacking the funds to pay your tax bill, various alternatives are available. Exploring these options is important to determine the best course of action for your specific circumstances.

Attempt Short Term Tax Bill Payment

Exploring Payment Solutions for Your Tax Bill: If circumstances have made it difficult for you to settle your tax dues promptly, there are alternative approaches available. One option is to submit your tax paperwork as usual and subsequently apply for an extension to meet the payment deadline. This extension can grant you a grace period of up to 180 days to fulfill the financial obligation.

Should you find yourself in need of a short-term payment plan, rest assured that there are no fees associated with setting one up. However, it’s important to note that interest and penalties will be added to the total taxes owed until they are fully settled.

Should you find yourself facing financial strains, you might be eligible for an extension by submitting Tax Form 1127, Application for Extension of Time for Payment of Tax Due to Undue Hardship. Remember, to secure either extension, it is crucial to submit your income tax return promptly before the tax deadline.

tax bill

Attempt a Tax Bill Long-term Installment

When faced with a tax bill that cannot be paid at once, a popular solution is to establish an installment plan, spreading the tax debt payments over a period of six years.

Should your total tax, penalties, and interest amount to $50,000 or less, and you have fulfilled all necessary tax filings, you are eligible to apply for a tax bill installment agreement through the IRS Online Payment Agreement Application available on the website.

When setting up a long-term installment agreement with the IRS, a one-time setup fee is required, along with ongoing interest and penalties on the outstanding tax debt until fully repaid. Throughout the duration of the installment plan, the interest and late payment penalties are reduced from .5% to .25% per month, providing some relief for taxpayers managing their tax liabilities.

When establishing a long-term installment agreement with the IRS, there is a setup fee involved, along with the application of interest and penalties on the outstanding taxes until they are fully settled. Throughout the duration of the tax bill installment agreement, the monthly failure-to-pay rate decreases from 0.5% to 0.25%, reducing the financial burden on taxpayers as they work towards paying off their tax debt.

Upon submitting your application, it is customary for the IRS to provide a response regarding your installment agreement request within a 30-day timeframe. The IRS has multiple convenient options available for facilitating payments through an installment agreement.

– Online Payment Agreement (OPA)

– Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)

– Payroll Deduction from Employer

– Check or Money Order Payment

– Credit Card Payment

– Direct Debit from Bank Account

When seeking an installment agreement through the IRS Online Payment Agreement Application and opting for automatic monthly payments from your bank account, a setup fee of $31 applies for online applications, while a fee of $107 is charged for applications made via phone, mail, or in-person.

When establishing an installment agreement with payments processed through methods other than direct debit and completing the application online, there is a possibility of incurring a $130 set-up fee.

Considering an online amendment for an existing installment agreement will incur a $10 fee while opting for phone, mail, or in-person revisions will cost $89.

Currently, the most efficient choice is to submit an online amendment to avoid potential delays when requesting installment plan revisions through mail or phone.

When setting up your installment plan, it’s crucial to ensure that the tax bill monthly payment aligns with your financial capacity to avoid any potential defaults. You must clearly indicate both the fixed amount and the specific date within the month for each payment to be processed, allowing flexibility between the 1st and the 28th of the month.

Offer In Compromise

To initiate an Offer in Compromise, a nominal application fee of $205 is required. Through an OIC, individuals can negotiate a settlement with the IRS to pay a reduced sum of their tax liabilities, which the IRS acknowledges as a complete fulfillment of the debt.

Before being eligible for an Offer in Compromise (OIC), it is necessary to ensure that all necessary filings and payments are up to date. Furthermore, individuals in the midst of bankruptcy proceedings are not qualified for an OIC.

In the event that you qualify for Low-Income Certification as an individual, there is no need to include any payment with your offer. Should your financial constraints be attributed to enduring circumstances like unemployment or business closure, you have the option to request an offer in compromise (OIC) from the IRS.

Temporary Delay Tax Bill

In situations where you anticipate being unable to settle your entire tax debt for an extended period, rather than just a temporary setback, this particular agreement could be essential.

In situations where individuals are unable to settle their tax debts, their account may be labeled as “currently not collectible,” signifying that the IRS could grant permission to postpone collection activities temporarily, giving time for financial circumstances to improve.

In the event that a debt is classified as presently uncollectible, it signifies that the IRS has ascertained your current inability to settle the debt. To proceed with postponing collection, you should submit a Collection Information Statement Tax Form 433-F, Tax Form 433-A, or Tax Form 433-B and substantiate your financial circumstances.

Rest assured, understanding intricate tax regulations is not a concern. Regardless of the financial decisions you made in the previous year, RapidTax promises to maximize their impact on your tax return. Whether you prefer to tackle your taxes independently or opt for the expert assistance of a dedicated RapidTax Tax Professional, our priority remains securing every entitlement you are owed, ensuring you receive the most substantial refund possible.

Marriage Penalties and Marriage Bonuses

Marriage Tax Bonus?

In cases where a married couple’s total tax obligation is lower than the combined amount they would owe if filing separately as individuals, they can receive a marriage bonus. This scenario often occurs when one partner has a significantly higher income than the other in marriage.

Pooling their incomes, the couple can benefit from lower tax brackets, tax credits, and previously unavailable deductions to them when filing as individuals. Consider this scenario, suppose a couple who is not married collectively earns $120,000 in total income for the year 2023, with one individual bringing in $0 and the other earning $120,000.

In this scenario where the couple decided to tie the knot and file their taxes together, their total tax responsibility would amount to only $10,921. This reduction in tax burden is attributed to their eligibility for a higher standard deduction and a more favorable marginal tax rate due to their joint filing status.

marriage tax

Marriage Tax Penalty?

On the flip side, a marriage penalty emerges when the total amount of taxes owed by a married couple is greater than the sum of what they would owe if they were still filing separately as single individuals. The act of pooling incomes through joint filing can push both partners into higher tax brackets, resulting in couples with comparable earnings facing more marriage penalties compared to couples where one partner earns the bulk of the income.

In assessing the marriage penalty for individuals with higher incomes, it is crucial to consider the 3.8% investment income tax. This tax applies to single filers earning above $200,000 and married filers earning over $250,000 in adjusted gross income.

Moreover, individuals who fall under these tax brackets will also face an extra Medicare levy of 0.9% on income exceeding $200,000 for single taxpayers and $250,000 for those married couples filing jointly.

Avoiding Marriage Penalty

It is crucial for married couples to have a clear understanding of their tax situation to plan for taxes effectively. One helpful approach is to explore various scenarios to predict your tax obligations prior to filing. In most cases, choosing to file taxes separately does not typically lead to significant benefits for couples, although there could be exceptions in unique circumstances that arise.

Consider examining all available deductions and credits in order to lower your total tax obligation. Married partners who choose to file jointly are eligible for various tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, education credits, and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.

Take into consideration the phase-out thresholds that could impact your qualifications. To handle marriage penalties and bonuses effectively, it is advisable to seek guidance from a tax specialist. Their expertise can offer personalized advice based on your circumstances. The team of dedicated Tax Professionals at RapidTax are renowned experts in the field, boasting more than ten years of experience assisting clients with their tax returns.

If I Got an IRS Notice CP90, What Now?

When the IRS sends you a notification, it can stir up feelings of unease, particularly concerning significant issues such as potential tax collections. Among these notices is the IRS Notice CP90. Knowing how to interpret and react to this notice is essential. Here is a detailed manual on the steps to take upon receiving IRS Notice CP90.

What’s IRS Notice CP90?

Upon receipt of IRS Notice CP90, also referred to as the Final Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of Your Right to a Hearing, individuals are informed by the IRS that there are outstanding tax liabilities that need to be addressed.

In this letter, it is brought to your attention that the IRS is issuing a last cautionary message declaring their plans to seize your assets, including income, financial accounts, and other possessions, to settle your outstanding tax obligations. Additionally, you are being formally notified of your entitlement to initiate a Collection Due Process (CDP)

IRS Notice CP90

What Is IRS Notice CP90 For?

Upon receiving IRS Notice CP90, it signals that there is an outstanding tax debt that has not been resolved despite previous collection efforts. This particular notice is issued following a series of previous notifications urging payment, and it serves as a warning that more forceful collection measures, such as levies, are on the horizon unless prompt action is taken.

Steps to Takes When I Receive IRS Notice CP90

Thoroughly Understand My IRS Notice CP90 

Before doing anything else, carefully review the notice provided. It is crucial to go through it comprehensively to grasp its information. The notice will outline the outstanding balance, the specific tax periods under review, and the date by which a response is required. It is imperative to note the deadlines and carefully follow any guidelines outlined in the notice.

Verify the Details

Before proceeding, it is important to confirm the accuracy of the information provided. Take the time to carefully review all details in the notice to make sure there are no discrepancies. Check that the specified tax amount is correct and that the notice is indeed intended for your attention. Should you identify any inaccuracies, feel free to reach out to the IRS promptly to resolve any issues.

What Are My Options

What Are My Choices?

After verifying the correctness of the notification, take some time to explore the possible ways to settle the outstanding debt.

Pay the Amount Owed.

To settle the outstanding balance, it is advisable to remit the entire sum specified in the notification promptly to prevent additional charges and accruing interest. Payment options include settling the debt through the IRS online platform, over the phone, or by sending a check or money order through the mail.

Set Up a Payment Plan

Establishing a payment arrangement if you are unable to cover the entire sum owed, contemplate arranging a payment schedule with the IRS. By doing so, you can conveniently make regular payments to settle your tax obligations gradually.

Offer in Compromise

For individuals facing financial constraints in meeting their tax obligations, an alternative solution is an Offer in Compromise (OIC). This specialized program provides the opportunity to resolve tax debts for a reduced amount if certain qualifying criteria are met, offering relief to those unable to pay the full sum or arrange a payment plan.

Request a Collection Due Process (CDP) Hearing

To initiate a Collection Due Process (CDP) Hearing, you are entitled to request the hearing within 30 days of being served with Notice CP90. This opportunity enables you to discuss your situation with an IRS representative and consider different options for resolving the levy.

Request a CDP Hearing

To initiate a CDP Hearing, submitting your request within 30 days of receiving the notice is essential. Fill out the Tax Form 12153, also known as the Request for a Collection Due Process or Equivalent Hearing, and forward it to the specified address on your notification. Once a timely CDP hearing request is made, the levy process will be temporarily paused until the hearing is held and a determination is reached.

Consult a Dedicated Tax Professional

For professional assistance regarding IRS Notice CP90, it is essential to seek tax advice from an dedicated tax professional. The implications of receiving this notice are significant, and dealing with the associated procedures can be challenging. To effectively address this matter, it is advisable to engage a tax professional like a certified public accountant (CPA) or a tax attorney. They possess the expertise to clarify your choices, assist with documentation, and advocate for you in discussions with the IRS.

Do Not Delay

Act promptly without delay. It is crucial to promptly address the notice, no matter which path you decide to take. Disregarding the IRS Notice CP90 could lead to serious outcomes, such as the confiscation of your belongings and additional monetary fines.

Save My Tax Documentation

Ensuring thorough documentation is essential in managing interactions with the IRS. It is important to retain duplicates of all communication exchanged with the IRS, encompassing official letters, payment records, and any completed forms. The significance of maintaining accurate documentation cannot be overstated, especially when needing to challenge assertions or address potential concerns down the line.

What Happens If I Don’t Respond?

Neglecting to address IRS Notice CP90 can result in serious repercussions. The IRS has the authority to take action by garnishing your wages and seizing your assets. This could involve the IRS deducting a percentage of your earnings directly from your employer in order to settle your outstanding tax obligations.

Should individuals fail to settle their tax debts, the IRS may resort to freezing and confiscating funds from their bank accounts. In more severe instances, the IRS has the authority to seize tangible assets such as properties or vehicles to offset the outstanding amount. Disregarding such notifications will not alleviate the debt, potentially leading to adverse financial consequences.

Tax Help for Those Who Received IRS Notice CP90

When faced with an IRS Notice CP90, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but it’s important to approach the situation with a clear mind and a proactive attitude. Exploring the available solutions, enlisting expert support, and swiftly responding can empower you to tackle the notice head-on and progress in managing your tax obligations.

By taking the initiative now, you can avoid exacerbating financial troubles and take charge of your financial well-being. Dedicated tax professionals at RapidTax are committed to assisting you in tackling and resolving any tax issues you may have encountered.