Tax season is special. Few people enjoy it, but most somehow make the effort to file. For some the incentive is a refund. For those who have to pay, the incentive may be to prevent interest charges and fines.
Then there are the people who fail to file a return. Maybe for several years. If they owe taxes, the IRS can pounce without warning to seize assets or press criminal charges.
Here’s some good news.
The VITA program offers free tax help by IRS-certified volunteers to qualified people who make $52,000 or less. Go to irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/ for the nearest VITA location.
Beware of these.
There are plenty of scams on the Internet and TV promoting pennies-on-the-dollar tax settlements. Investigate them very carefully before making a commitment.
Then there are the storefront tax shops that spring up promising more money on refunds. Faster refunds. Bigger refund loans. In too many cases angry customers arrive to find the tax shop is locked up and their refunds stolen.
Here’s my recommendation: File your tax return on time. If you can’t pay it all, pay as much as you possibly can and immediately work out a payment plan with the IRS.
If you have overwhelming debt, payday or title loans, or unpaid taxes make an appointment to speak to a skilled Boleman attorney. Contact us today for a FREE Consultation.
