Houston IRS Tax Resolution Services
Dealing with the IRS can be stressful, confusing, and overwhelming. Whether you have unfiled tax returns, owe back taxes, or are facing IRS collections, Whetzel & Co provides experienced tax resolution services to help Houston individuals and businesses resolve their tax problems and get back on track.
We work directly with the IRS on your behalf to negotiate favorable outcomes, stop collection actions, and create a clear path forward. You do not have to face the IRS alone.
Common IRS Issues We Resolve
Unfiled Tax Returns
If you have one or more years of unfiled tax returns, the IRS will eventually catch up. They may file a Substitute for Return (SFR) on your behalf, which almost always results in a higher tax bill because it does not include deductions or credits you may be entitled to. We help clients get caught up by preparing and filing all delinquent returns, often reducing the amount owed significantly compared to what the IRS calculated.
Whether you are one year behind or ten, we can help. We gather your income records, identify all available deductions, and prepare accurate returns that put you in the best possible position before negotiating with the IRS.
Back Taxes and IRS Debt
Owing money to the IRS comes with penalties, interest, and the threat of enforced collection. The longer you wait, the more it costs. We help clients explore every available option for resolving IRS debt, including installment agreements, currently not collectible status, and offers in compromise. Our goal is to find the resolution that makes the most financial sense for your situation.
IRS Notices and Letters
Receiving a letter from the IRS does not always mean you owe money or are in trouble. But ignoring it can turn a simple issue into a serious problem. We review all IRS correspondence, explain what it means in plain language, and respond on your behalf to protect your rights and resolve the issue quickly.
Wage Garnishments and Bank Levies
If the IRS is garnishing your wages or has levied your bank account, you need immediate help. These are aggressive collection actions that can disrupt your life and your business. We work to get garnishments released and levies lifted by negotiating directly with the IRS and establishing an acceptable resolution plan.
Tax Liens
A federal tax lien attaches to all of your property and can damage your credit, making it difficult to sell assets or obtain financing. We help clients get tax liens released or subordinated by resolving the underlying tax debt or negotiating with the IRS for lien withdrawal once a payment arrangement is in place.
Tax Resolution Options
Installment Agreements
An installment agreement allows you to pay your tax debt over time in monthly payments you can afford. We negotiate with the IRS to establish terms that work within your budget while satisfying your obligation. Options include streamlined installment agreements for balances under $50,000 and partial payment installment agreements where you pay less than the full amount owed.
Offer in Compromise
An offer in compromise lets you settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed. The IRS considers your income, expenses, asset equity, and ability to pay when evaluating an offer. Not everyone qualifies, but when accepted, it can provide significant relief. We evaluate your eligibility, prepare the detailed application, and negotiate with the IRS to give you the best chance of acceptance.
Currently Not Collectible Status
If paying your tax debt would create a financial hardship, you may qualify for currently not collectible (CNC) status. This temporarily pauses IRS collection activity, giving you breathing room while you get back on your feet. We document your financial situation and present it to the IRS to obtain this protection when appropriate.
Penalty Abatement
IRS penalties can add 25% or more to your tax bill. If you have reasonable cause for late filing or late payment, such as a serious illness, natural disaster, or reliance on a tax professional, you may qualify for penalty abatement. We also pursue first-time penalty abatement for clients who have a clean compliance history. Removing penalties reduces what you owe and can make the remaining balance much more manageable.
Our Tax Resolution Process
Step 1: Free Consultation. We start with a confidential conversation about your tax situation. You tell us what happened, what you are dealing with now, and what your goals are. There is no judgment and no obligation.
Step 2: Investigation and Analysis. We pull your IRS transcripts to get a complete picture of your account, including all balances, penalties, and filing history. We analyze your financial situation to determine which resolution options you qualify for.
Step 3: Resolution and Negotiation. We prepare all necessary documents and communicate directly with the IRS on your behalf. Whether we are filing delinquent returns, submitting an offer in compromise, or negotiating an installment agreement, we handle everything so you do not have to.
Step 4: Compliance Going Forward. Resolving your current tax problem is only half the battle. We help you stay compliant going forward with proactive tax planning and timely filing so you never end up in this situation again.
Who Needs Tax Resolution Help?
Tax resolution services are for anyone dealing with unresolved IRS issues. Common situations include self-employed individuals who fell behind on estimated tax payments, small business owners with payroll tax problems, individuals with multiple years of unfiled returns, taxpayers who received an IRS audit notice, and anyone facing wage garnishments, bank levies, or tax liens.
If the IRS is contacting you, or if you know you have a tax problem you have been avoiding, the best time to act is now. The sooner you address it, the more options are available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back can the IRS go for unfiled returns?
There is no statute of limitations on unfiled tax returns. The IRS can go back as far as needed. However, in practice, they typically focus on the last six years of unfiled returns. We help you determine exactly which years need to be filed and prioritize them based on IRS expectations.
Will I go to jail for not filing taxes?
Criminal prosecution for tax issues is extremely rare and typically reserved for cases involving intentional fraud or tax evasion. The vast majority of unfiled return and unpaid tax cases are handled as civil matters. Filing your delinquent returns voluntarily demonstrates good faith and significantly reduces any risk.
How long does the tax resolution process take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of your situation. Simple cases like filing a couple of delinquent returns can be resolved in a few weeks. More complex matters like offers in compromise can take six months to a year. We keep you informed throughout the process and work to resolve your case as quickly as possible.
Get Help With Your IRS Tax Problem Today
Do not let IRS problems control your life. Whetzel & Co provides confidential, experienced tax resolution services for individuals and businesses throughout the Houston area. Call us at (832) 983-7080 for a free consultation, or contact us online to get started.