State Tax Relief Services
Facing State Tax Debt? We Stand Between You and Your State
Every State Relief Option Explored For You
We leave no state program off the table for you
THOROUGH
You Never Speak to Your State Again
We handle all communication on your behalf
HANDS-OFF
Collections Stop While We Work
Enforcement halts the moment we take your case
PROTECTED
David Lawrence
IRS Enrolled Agent - 14 Years Experience
In Progress
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 state tax debt is ignored
Your state doesn't pause. It escalates.
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.
The First Notice Arrives
A balance due letter or assessment notice lands in your mailbox. Most people ignore it. This is your best window to act.
act now
Follow-Up Notices Begin
Penalties and interest compound. Every month of delay costs you more and shrinks your options.
escalating
Lien Filed Against Your Property
Your state files a public tax lien. Your credit takes the hit. Your assets are now on the line.
critical
Enforcement Begins
State levy or wage garnishment issued. Your employer and bank notified directly. Your paycheck and accounts are at risk.
urgent
You Call Us, We Step In
Your enrolled agent takes over immediately. State collections halted. We handle everything.
Protected
Tax relief is possible
Speak to a tax resolution expert today.
What State Tax Relief Actually Means
What Most People Believe Is Usually Wrong
Every state has programs built for people who can’t pay their full balance. Most taxpayers just don’t know they exist or how to use them.
Common Myth
"I have to pay my state exactly what they say I owe."
"Once my state starts collecting, there's nothing I can do."
"Dealing with state tax debt means hiring a lawyer and going to court."
"I can't afford professional help so I have to handle this on my own."
The Reality
Most states have programs specifically designed to reduce, pause, or restructure tax debt based on your financial situation.
State collections can be halted at any stage, even after a lien has been filed or a levy has been issued.
The vast majority of state tax debt cases are resolved directly with the state agency. No courtroom. No judge.
We handle end to end with flexible payment options. Helping you with the best ideal outcome.
Ready to find out what applies to your state case?
Free consultation • No obligation • confidential
Do you qualify?
Find out Today
Two quick questions. Then see your state tax relief options.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Results
Real cases.
Real outcomes.
Our client outcomes
Our process
What happens after you call us
Case Review
You call or submit your details. An enrolled agent reviews your full state tax situation, no paperwork required, no commitment.
We Take Over
Your agent contacts your state agency, halts active collections, and builds your case using every available state relief program.
Resolution
We negotiate directly with your state and keep you informed every step of the way until your case is fully resolved.
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
Trusted help, With Clear Communication
When you are dealing with the IRS, you need clarity and follow through, not vague promises.
We focus on realistic options, straightforward communication, and a structured path from first call to resolution.
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 To Understand State Tax Relief
If you are still learning, these topics can help you avoid common mistakes and understand your options.
Ignoring a missed IRS payment plan payment doesn’t make the notice disappear....
You owe the IRS money you don’t have sitting in your account,...
You set up a payment plan with the IRS, breathed easier, and...
One Last Thing
Every Day Without Action Costs You More
State penalties and interest compound daily. Once a lien is filed, your credit and your assets are at risk. The longer your state tax case goes unresolved, the fewer programs remain available to you. Taking the first step costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
Confidential · No obligation · IRS enrolled agents · BBB A+ Rated
Frequently asked questions
Questions People Ask before they call us
Honest answers to the most common Innocent Spouse Relief questions.
What is state tax relief and how does it work?
State tax relief refers to programs that help taxpayers resolve state tax debt when paying the full balance is not realistic. Depending on your state and financial situation, options may include payment plans, hardship programs, penalty relief, or debt settlement. The right solution depends on the state’s rules and your ability to pay.
How do I know if I qualify for state tax relief?
Eligibility varies by state and by program. Most state tax agencies review your income, expenses, assets, and the amount you owe before approving relief. A case review can help determine which options may be available based on your specific circumstances.
Can my state really garnish my wages or freeze my bank account?
Yes. Many state tax agencies have the authority to garnish wages, levy bank accounts, and place liens on property to collect unpaid taxes. These actions usually happen after multiple notices have been sent and the balance remains unresolved.
How long does it take to resolve state tax debt?
The timeline depends on the relief program and the state involved. Some payment plans can be established within weeks, while settlement or hardship programs may take several months. Each state has its own process and review timeline.
Will hiring a professional stop my state from collecting?
Not automatically. However, taking action and applying for an appropriate relief program can often help prevent or pause collection activity. The sooner a case is addressed, the more options are typically available.
What happens if I ignore a state tax notice?
Ignoring a notice usually allows the balance to grow through penalties and interest. Over time, the state may take stronger collection actions, including liens, levies, or wage garnishments. Responding early generally provides more opportunities for resolution.
Can I get state tax relief if I have unfiled state returns?
Usually not. Most states require taxpayers to file all required returns before they will consider relief programs. Bringing your filings current is often the first step toward resolving state tax debt.
Is state tax relief legitimate or is it a scam?
State tax relief programs are legitimate government programs offered by state tax agencies. The key is understanding which programs actually apply to your situation. Not everyone qualifies for every option, which is why a proper review is important.
What is the difference between a state payment plan and a state Offer in Compromise?
A payment plan allows you to pay the full balance over time through monthly payments. A state Offer in Compromise, where available, may allow qualifying taxpayers to settle for less than they owe. The best option depends on your finances and the rules in your state.
Does Tax Hardship Center handle state tax issues in my state?
Yes. We assist taxpayers with state tax matters across the country. Because every state has different procedures and relief programs, we review your specific situation and help identify the most appropriate path forward.