IRS Tax Debt Resolution
IRS Tax Debt Resolution - Explore All Your Relief Options
Every Resolution Path Mapped Out For You
We go through every IRS program until we find what fits your case
THOROUGH
You Never Face the IRS AloneYou Never Face the IRS Alone
We take over all communication the moment you sign on
HANDS-OFF
Collections Pause the Second We Step In
Enforcement stops while we build your resolution case
PROTECTED
David Lawrence
IRS Enrolled Agent - 14 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
IRS Notice Received
CP2000 - $24,500 Balance
Day 1
Agent Assigned
David Lawrence taking over
Day 1
IRS Contacted On Your Behalf
Collections Halted - Case Under Review
Day 1
Maria Bennett
Tax Resolution Specialist · 11 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
Wage Garnishment Stopped
Employer Hold Request Submitted
Day 1
Financial Review Completed
Income & Expense Analysis Approved
Day 2
IRS Payment Plan Initiated
Installment Agreement Under Review
Day 3
James Holloway
IRS Resolution Attorney · 16 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
Final IRS Notice Reviewed
CP504 & Collection Warnings Assessed
Day 1
Power Of Attorney Filed
IRS Communication Redirected
Day 1
Resolution Strategy Prepared
Offer In Compromise Evaluation Started
Day 2
What happens when IRS debt goes unresolved
The IRS Does Not Wait. It Moves.
If you feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. Start with the situation that matches what is happening right now, and you will land on the right next step.
A Balance Due Notice Shows Up
CP14 or CP2000 lands in your mailbox. Most people put it aside. This is actually your best window to resolve things.
act now
More Notices Follow
Penalties and interest stack up every single day. Waiting makes the number harder to work with.
escalating
Final Notice Before Levy
This is the last warning. After this, the IRS can legally move on your wages, your bank, your assets.
critical
Levy or Garnishment Kicks In
Your employer gets a notice. Your bank gets hit. You find out when the money is already gone.
urgent
You Call Us, We Handle Everything
Your enrolled agent steps in immediately. Collections stop. We take it from here.
Protected
Tax relief is possible
Speak to a tax resolution expert today.
What IRS Tax Debt Resolution Actually Looks Like
What Most People Get Wrong Before They Even Start
There are multiple paths to resolving IRS debt. The one that works depends on your specific situation, not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Common Myth
"There is only one way to deal with IRS debt and that is to pay it all back."
"I missed the deadline to respond so my options are gone."
"Resolving IRS debt takes years and I will have to deal with them myself."
"If I just ignore it long enough, it will sort itself out."
The Reality
The IRS has multiple resolution programs. Which one applies to you depends on your income, assets, and filing history.
Resolution is possible at almost every stage, including after a levy or garnishment has already started.
Most IRS debt cases are resolved directly through enrolled agents. No courtroom, no judge, no back-and-forth on your end.
Ignoring IRS debt does not make it disappear. It compounds daily and shrinks your options the longer it sits.
Ready to find out what applies to your case?
Free consultation • No obligation • confidential
Not sure where to start?
Find Your Resolution Path
Two quick questions. Then we show you which IRS resolution programs apply to your situation.
Your Options
Find the Right IRS Resolution Program for Your Situation
Offer in Compromise
Can't pay in full
Tax debt is stressful, and tax relief is a serious decision. Our approach is built around clear communication, realistic options, and steady progress, so you understand what is happening and why.
Best for you if
You owe more than you can realistically ever pay back and your income and assets are limited.
Typical Timeline
6 to 12 months from application to IRS decision. Collections paused during review.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Installment Agreement
Pay over time
A structured monthly payment plan negotiated directly with the IRS. Stops collection pressure while giving you a clear, manageable path to resolve your tax balance over an agreed period.
Best for you if
You can afford to pay your debt over time but need a structured plan that stops IRS enforcement.
Typical Timeline
30 to 90 days to set up. Payments begin immediately once approved by the IRS.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Currently Not Collectible
Pause collections
If paying your tax debt would create serious financial hardship, the IRS can temporarily halt all collection activity, no levies, no garnishments, no calls, while your financial situation is reassessed.
Best for you if
You have no ability to pay right now due to hardship, unemployment, or essential living expenses.
Typical Timeline
Can be granted quickly. Status is reviewed periodically by the IRS as your situation changes.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Penalty Abatement
Reduce penalties
IRS penalties added to your debt can be removed or reduced if you meet eligibility criteria. Often granted for first-time compliance issues or reasonable cause. Reduces your total balance without affecting the underlying tax.
Best for you if
Your balance has grown significantly due to penalties and interest and you have a history of compliance.
Typical Timeline
Response from IRS typically within 30 to 60 days of submission. Can be requested by phone or letter.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Innocent Spouse Relief
Remove liability
If your spouse or former spouse created a tax liability without your knowledge or consent, you may be able to remove yourself from that debt entirely using the IRS Innocent Spouse Relief program.
Best for you if
You filed jointly with a spouse who understated income or claimed improper deductions without your knowledge.
Typical Timeline
6 months or more depending on complexity. An enrolled agent handles all IRS communication.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
None of These Feel Like a Fit?
Let's figure it out together
Every tax situation is different. If none of the above programs feel like a clear fit, an enrolled agent will review your full case, identify every option the IRS offers, and tell you honestly what applies at no cost to you.
Best for you if
Anyone unsure of their options or whose situation feels too complicated to fit a single program.
Typical Timeline
Your free case review typically takes 30 minutes. No paperwork needed to get started.
Case Outcomes
Resolved. Not
just reviewed.
Real cases our enrolled agents closed. Different situations, different programs, one consistent process.
How it works
From your first call to your last IRS notice
Full Case Review
You call or fill out the form. An enrolled agent goes through your full situation, what you owe, what programs exist, what actually applies. No paperwork upfront. No commitment required.
We Contact the IRS
Your agent reaches out to the IRS directly, stops any active collections, and starts working through every resolution program available to your case.
Your Case Gets Closed
We negotiate with the IRS, keep you updated throughout, and do not stop until your case is fully resolved and behind you.
Why tax hardship center
Not just another firm telling you to call the IRS yourself
IRS EA
Enrolled Agents
Federally licensed to represent you directly before the IRS, not just advisors
A+
BBB Rated
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, verifiable, independent rating
50
States Licensed
Licensed to practice and represent clients in every state,federal and state tax issues
10,000+
Cases Resolved
Over a decade of resolving IRS and state tax cases across all 50 states
$0
Risk to You
We help you successfully resolve you case
2012
Established
Over a decade of experience, not a pop-up firm, a proven practice with a long track record
Ready to find out if you qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief?
Testimonials
Real People. Settled Cases. No Surprises.
When you’re dealing with a tax debt you can’t pay, the last thing you need is vague reassurances. We tell you exactly what applies to your case, what the process looks like, and what to expect from the IRS.
I review a lot of businesses. I am fair and want to provide information for people who genuinely are looking at a business to use for themselves. Regarding doing business with the Tax Hardship Center, it’s too good to be true but WOW. They helped me so much. I felt like I was out of a 10-year prison at the end. The feeling I had after they worked out all the issues I had with back tax penalties, etc., was just such a relief.
Special thanks to: Josh Bensimhon, Senior Tax Analyst, my first impression on the phone. After 2 months of searching, he was the first person that put me at ease. Jessy Zhu, Tax Preparer, for the speed and accuracy of getting the electronic form filled in and filed. Leslie Welch, Tax Preparation Associate, who clearly and precisely explained what my role was and the timeline I was on.
Gary M.
May 29th, 2024
G
Honestly I was really skeptical about getting involved with a company that deals with tax debts. After going down the tax debt resolution rabbit hole I saw so many horror stories other worrisome things, but I needed help.. badly. I got a notice of intent to levy and I knew if I did nothing my life would basically be over so I took a chance and prayed for the best.
I’m glad I did because it worked out better than I ever could have expected. Jeremy helped me understand my options and made the plan as well as the fees easy to understand and straight forward.
It ended up getting resolved better than I could have hoped for and I can finally sleep again.
I’m grateful to Jeremy, Kimberly, and the rest of my team. Thank you Tax Hardship Center
A F.
May 28, 2025
A
If you have unresolved tax issues, this is the company work with – I had a stellar experience and my tax issues were resolved in a much shorter time period than I had anticipated. Sarah, Alex and Clay were absolutely wonderful. All calls were returned promptly and they took the time to answer all questions I had. I very much appreciate their patience.
Katherine Hess was my case manager and she was absolutely wonderful to work with-she too answered all calls promptly and stayed in close contact every step of the way and her kindness, professionalism and patience were very much appreciated. I cannot recommend this company enough. If you have unresolved tax issues this is the company to work with-they go above and beyond for their clients!
Linda Little
Sep 20, 2025
L
I didn’t know if Tax Hardship could help me. I hadn’t filed tax returns in years and the IRS was sending me bills so I got scared and buried my head in the sand. I knew I had to do something about it when the letters started coming more frequently and seemed to be getting more aggressive. I decided to hire Tax Hardship and they were incredible.
My tax prepares got my returns filed quickly and the resolution team was a God send! They kept me updated throughout the process and answered all my questions. I’m now in “good standing” with the IRS
Alice P
June 06, 2026
A
20+ years of tax relief services.
Serving clients nationwide in all 50 states
Insights
Resources That Help You Understand Your Resolution Options
Still figuring out which path makes sense? These guides break down the most common IRS resolution programs in plain language.
You set up a payment plan with the IRS, breathed easier, and...
The letter came on a Tuesday. Nothing about Tuesdays usually feels dangerous....
You open the mailbox. There it is. An envelope with that unmistakable...
One more thing
The Longer This Sits, the Harder It Gets to Fix
Penalties and interest add up every single day. The IRS does not pause while you figure things out. And the longer a resolution goes unfiled, the fewer programs you qualify for. A free case review costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
No obligation • IRS enrolled agents • BBB A+ Rated
Frequently asked questions
Questions People Ask before they call us
Honest answers to the mos common IRS tax relied questions.
What is IRS tax debt resolution and how does it work?
IRS tax debt resolution is the process of finding the right solution for your tax situation and using it to resolve what you owe. Depending on your circumstances, that may mean settling the debt, setting up payments, removing penalties, or temporarily stopping collections. The key is identifying which IRS program fits your financial situation and goals.
How do I know which IRS debt resolution program applies to me?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The IRS looks at factors like your income, expenses, assets, tax debt, and filing history. The right program depends entirely on your financial situation and what you can realistically afford.
Can the IRS take my wages or bank account while my case is being reviewed?
In some situations, collection activity can be paused while a resolution program is being reviewed. The exact protections depend on the type of relief being pursued. Acting early often provides the greatest opportunity to prevent or stop enforcement actions.
How long does IRS tax debt resolution typically take from start to finish?
The timeline varies depending on the program. Some solutions can be put in place within weeks, while others may take several months to complete. The complexity of your case and IRS processing times both affect how long the process takes.
Does working with Tax Hardship Center actually stop IRS collections?
Taking action is often the first step toward stopping collections. Once a resolution strategy is in motion, there may be opportunities to request collection holds or other protections depending on the program involved. Every case is different, which is why timing matters.
What happens to my options the longer I wait to act?
Generally, waiting makes tax problems more expensive and more difficult to resolve. Penalties and interest continue to grow, and the IRS may move forward with additional collection actions. Addressing the issue early usually preserves the most options.
Can I start the resolution process if I have unfiled tax returns?
Yes, but those returns typically need to be filed before most IRS relief programs can move forward. Bringing your tax filings up to date is often one of the first steps in resolving tax debt and getting back into compliance.
Is IRS tax debt resolution real or just something companies use to take your money?
The programs themselves are very real. The IRS offers several established relief options for taxpayers who qualify. The important part is determining which program actually applies to your situation rather than assuming every option is available to everyone.
What is the difference between all these resolution programs and how do I know which one to file?
Each program serves a different purpose. Some are designed to reduce the balance, some help spread payments over time, and others provide temporary relief from collections. The best choice depends on your finances, your tax debt, and your long-term ability to pay
Do I ever have to speak to the IRS directly during this process?
Not necessarily. If you authorize a qualified representative, they can communicate with the IRS on your behalf, handle paperwork, and manage the resolution process. That can help reduce stress and ensure nothing important is overlooked.