If you are dealing with IRS issues in Jacksonville, Florida, you are not alone.

If you are dealing with IRS issues in Jacksonville, working with a Jacksonville IRS tax attorney can help you understand your options and take the right course of action. Visit our Jacksonville IRS Tax Attorney page to learn more about how we assist clients locally.

At Harmon Tax Resolution, LLC, we work with clients across Florida to resolve complex IRS matters. Our firm is led by a Florida Attorney, Certified Public Accountant, and IRS Enrolled Agent — a rare combination that allows for comprehensive representation at every stage of the process. Whether you are dealing with back taxes, an audit, or aggressive collection actions, having the right representation can help you navigate the system more effectively.

Many individuals and business owners find themselves facing tax problems ranging from unfiled returns to audits, liens, and wage garnishments. Left unaddressed, these issues can quickly escalate and create unnecessary financial and personal stress.

Common IRS Issues We See in the Jacksonville Area

Many of the cases we handle involve:

• Unfiled tax returns
• IRS audits and examinations
• Wage garnishments and bank levies
• Tax liens and collection notices
• Installment agreements and resolution planning
• Offer in Compromise
• Appeals and Collection Due Process Hearings
• IRS Notices and Letters
• Penalty Relief
• Joint Liability Relief
• Currently Not Collectible status

Each situation is different, and the IRS does not take a one-size-fits-all approach. That is why it is important to evaluate your specific facts and determine what resolution options may be available.

Why Early Action Matters

One of the biggest mistakes taxpayers make is waiting too long to address IRS problems. Penalties and interest continue to grow, and collection actions can become more aggressive over time. In many cases, proactive steps can help reduce the overall burden and prevent further enforcement.

A Statewide Practice Now Expanding Into Jacksonville

Harmon Tax Resolution, LLC has earned the trust of clients across Florida, with over 78 five-star reviews across Florida showing we help individuals and businesses resolve their tax issues.

As part of our continued growth, we are expanding our services into the Jacksonville area and are available for consultations by appointment.

If you are dealing with an IRS issue and are unsure of your next step, it may be beneficial to explore your options sooner rather than later.

Take the First Step Toward Resolution

IRS problems can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate them alone. With the right guidance, many taxpayers are able to find a path forward and regain control of their financial situation.

To discuss your situation and explore potential resolution options, contact Harmon Tax Resolution, LLC today. Put this behind you so that you can rest well at night again.

If you are dealing with IRS issues in Jacksonville, working with a Jacksonville IRS tax attorney can help you understand your options and take the right course of action. Visit our Jacksonville IRS Tax Attorney page to learn more about how we assist clients locally.

Harmon Tax Resolution, LLC
Will Harmon, Attorney, CPA, EA, MBA, CTRS
will@harmonassociates.net
904-616-8256 (Jacksonville Office)
772-418-0949 (Port Saint Lucie Office)
813-325-6009 (Clearwater Office)

www.harmontaxresolution.com

The IRS Fresh Start is a tax relief program designed to help struggling taxpayers regain financial footing. A struggling taxpayer is someone experiencing financial difficulty while paying their IRS tax liabilities and basic living expenses. The
Fresh State Program provides several tax relief options to taxpayers who qualify, such as halting tax collection activities, providing penalty relief waivers, installing workable payment plans, and settling the tax balance for less than owed.

What Are the IRS Fresh Start Qualifications?

To qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Program, one must meet the following criteria:

• If filing single, your yearly income must be under $100,000.
• If filing married, your annual income must be under$200,000.
• If you are a sole proprietor, you must have experienced a drop in income of at least 25%.
• Your tax debt must be less than $50,000.
• You have not missed any payments with the IRS, and you have a clean history with the IRS.

What Does the IRS Fresh Start Program Consist of?

The IRS Fresh Start Program consists of these four types of tax relief initiatives:

• Currently Not Collectible Status
• Offer in Compromise – Doubt to Collectability
• Installment Agreements – Full and Partial Pay Plans
• Penalty Abatement – First-Time Abatement and Reasonable Cause

Each of these programs provides a unique form of IRS relief and has separate criteria for enrollment. Here is a breakdown of each program:

Program 1- Currently Not Collectible Status

Current Not Collectible Status falls under the Internal Revenue Code (Part 5. Chapter 16. Section 1), which indicates that eligibility may be met if the taxpayer cannot meet the required daily living expenses due to the collection of the liability. The IRS considers these situations in which one cannot make an entire tax payment without falling behind on one’s required living expenses, such as:

• Mortgage or rent.
• Utility bills
• Food
• And other required living costs

The tax liability is not disputed, and it’s just that; clearly, you cannot pay it along with covering your basic living needs; the IRS will deem your situation as “Currently Not Collectible,” or CNC status.

If a taxpayer is placed in a CNC status, the IRS agrees that the taxpayer cannot make any payment on their back owed debt. Being granted this status does not forgive the tax debt but delays collection while in financial hardship. The IRS will have to release any current levies in place and cannot enact them while under this status.

In addition, while in CNC status, IRS Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED) is not tolled, which means the time the IRS must collect the assessed tax continues to run. However, penalties and interest will continue to accrue while in CNC. Being in CNC does not stop existing tax lien from remaining in place, nor does it prevent the IRS from initiating a tax lien.

However, if the taxpayer’s financial status does improve substantially, the IRS can remove the CNC status and request additional financial information.

How Does One Apply for Currently Not Collectible Status?

The IRS provides Collection Information Forms 433A, 433B, and 433F to establish your financial position for consideration. You will use the one that applies to your situation. In addition, you may be asked to provide support for data listed on the forms. It is suggested to seek professional tax help for this.

Program 2 – IRS Offer in Compromise

Another IRS Fresh Start option is an Offer-in-Compromise (OIC), a negotiated agreement between the IRS and the taxpayer intended to help taxpayers who do not have the resources to pay the tax debt. If you qualify, you may be able to settle your entire tax bill for significantly less than what you owe. You must establish that you genuinely can’t afford to pay back taxes or that doing so would cause extreme financial hardship. This can apply, for example, if you have become disabled.

You must be current on all legally required income tax returns and any estimated tax payments if you are self-employed and cannot file for bankruptcy.

The IRS would instead take an Offer-in-Compromise than send you to collections and potentially get less money. Taking an offer in compromise will not affect/impact your credit score. Accepting your Offer-in-Compromise could be a far better financial decision in the long run.

Is an Offer in Compromise Easy to Apply For?

Working out what offer to make and learning the process can be challenging. That’s like representing yourself in a court of law without a lawyer. Not ideal.

The overall taxpayer approval rate for OICs is slightly above 30%. The IRS accepted only 15,154 offers out of 49,285 in 2021. Some of the reasons for such a low overall approval rate include the following:

• applications are not correctly completed,
• the proper application of the rules of the program is not being utilized to the taxpayer’s advantage,
• taxpayers’ positions are not adequately advocated for,
• and the IRS finds that the taxpayer can pay the total liability.

Often individual taxpayers attempt the application without seeking professional tax help or relying on the IRS to help them. The IRS’s goal is to collect as much tax as possible, so there will be limitations with the help of the IRS.

A better answer is to find a tax resolution specialist that can help you with the process to see if you qualify and determine what you will have to pay. For a tax resolution specialist to represent you, they must be a licensed CPA, an Enrolled Agent, or Attorney. Each professional type provides unique professional skill sets. Will Harmon happens to be all three, which ensures you complete coverage of your tax issue.

Program 3 – IRS Installment Agreements

Another Fresh Start option is entering into one of the IRS’s various installment agreements. An IRS Installment agreement is a payment plan where you agree to pay the taxes you owe within a specified timeframe. This Fresh Start option allows you to pay off your taxes affordably. Depending upon your situation, you will choose from one of these four types of installment arrangements:

Each plan has specific criteria for approval, and speaking to a tax professional would be beneficial if you are unsure.

By requesting a payment plan, the IRS will generally be prohibited from levying, and the time it must collect will be suspended or prolonged while your installment agreement (IA) is pending. An IA request will remain pending until it can be reviewed and established, or it may be withdrawn or rejected.

Nonetheless, if your request for an IA is rejected, the collection period will remain suspended for 30 days. You have the right to appeal a rejection of your request, during which the running of the collection period will be suspended by the time the appeal is pending to the date the appealed decision becomes final.

Program 4 – IRS Penalty Abatement

The final IRS Fresh Start relief program consists of penalty abatement. Those who accumulated IRS penalties from late filing or payment may be eligible for penalty relief of up to $100, provided they meet some stringent requirements.

How Does One Apply For The IRS Fresh Start Program?

Since the IRS Fresh Start program is for financially burdened taxpayers, one must provide evidence to establish that they cannot afford to pay their tax debt by gathering specific supporting documentation to verify their dire financial situation.

For example, the IRS may request supporting documentation such as:

• Birth and death records of dependents or immediate family members.
• Student Loan Statements or other loan records
• Physician statements and medical records
• A personal statement, written under Oath, explaining your situation.

In addition, the IRS Fresh Start Program will only take applicants who are current with their tax filings and current tax payments. To get into the IRS Fresh Start program, complete any unfiled tax returns, ensure adequate tax withholding, and make correct estimated payments, if applicable.

For additional information, please see the following blogs:

• “What Are IRS Tax Resolution Services”
• “What to Know about IRS Regular Installment Agreements vs. IRS Partial Pay Installment Agreements”
• “IRS Offer in Compromise May Benefit You”

Get Trusted Professional Help with Applying for IRS Fresh Start Programs

​IRS collection activities could cause you financial hardship if you cannot pay the taxes owed. You may have the option to have collections halted if you are eligible to apply for IRS Fresh Start Programs or other IRS programs. To learn which IRS tax relief program would work best for your relief from unpaid IRS taxes, contact tax attorney CPA EA Will Harmon Today by calling 772-418-0949 or completing the online contact form.

Tax Attorney-CPA-IRS EA Will Harmon has extensive experience helping taxpayers who, unfortunately, cannot afford to pay their IRS tax debt to negotiate optimal tax relief plans with the IRS. He can help you get the best outcome possible for your situation. Call Today; sleep well tonight.

When Do I Need To Seek IRS Tax Resolution?

This is one of those questions you hope you never have to ask. However, since taxes are an unavoidable part of life and, at some point, most of us will have to deal with the IRS in some capacity, it may be prudent to understand when it would be ideal to seek tax resolution assistance. Typically, here are the situations where IRS tax resolution relief is needed:

• The IRS is acting toward you for taxes they have assessed against you.
• You have unfiled returns on where you would owe taxes on. Failing to file taxes can be classified as a federal crime punishable as a misdemeanor or felony (26 U.S. Code § 7203 – Willful failure to file a return, supply information, or pay tax).
• The IRS has just assessed taxes on you.
• You owe back taxes, and the IRS has not come after you yet. In time they will.

If you are dealing with any of these scenarios without having a tax resolution plan affording you the best course of action based on your circumstances, you could, unfortunately, make a bad situation worse.

Why Should I Use a Tax Resolution Firm?

Once your taxes have been assessed, and if left unpaid, the IRS will enforce collections which involve charging you at a high monthly interest rate, assigning the highest allowable penalties and fees, and could aim to go after equity you have in assets, garnish wages, levy bank accounts, deny the use of passport, and even seek a judgment to foreclose on your property. You can avert such actions by enlisting professional tax help to employ various alternative tax resolution options. Tax resolution professionals deal directly with the IRS to obtain a workable solution to your situation. Tax resolution is a very specialized field requiring unique training and skill sets.

Introducing Harmon Tax Resolution, LLC – a professional, trusted, experienced BBB A+ rated IRS Tax Resolution Firm geared for only one thing – solving IRS tax problems. Here a multi-licensed tax attorney-CPA-IRS Enrolled Agent will thoroughly review what the IRS alleges you owe, establish the merits of the IRS’s position, and analyze your situation to determine which of the many IRS programs you may be eligible for. There is a solution to every IRS tax problem. Call today at 772-418-0949 or complete an online inquiry for a free consultation on how your tax situation can be addressed best.

Will the IRS Provide Help with My Outstanding Taxes?

The IRS’s mission is to collect from you as much as possible. Therefore, you cannot depend on the IRS for your best interest. Even if the IRS mentions any of its tax relief programs, you cannot rely on them to help select the most optimal one for your situation or provide guidance on navigating within a plan to obtain the best results fully. Dealing only with the IRS may result in you paying significantly more taxes, penalties, and interest. You may even inadvertently provide additional information to the IRS, worsening your situation. In addition, the IRS will not try to abate or lessen any penalties associated with your account. To the IRS, tax collection and enforcement are its primary functions, whereas getting you to arrive at the best outcome is not part of their protocol.

What are the Risks of Resolving My IRS Tax Problem on My Own?

Unless you thoroughly understand tax law and deal with the IRS, gaining experience in this realm by going alone could be a very costly and aggravating experience. A good question is whether your approach is the best one available. Would an IRS tax resolution expert come to the same conclusion you have? If you are getting some tax advice from someone, does that person have a strong background in dealing with the IRS? Many tax professionals can help prevent you from having to deal with the IRS by ensuring your tax returns are prepared correctly and offering tax advice; however, unless they have specific experience dealing with the IRS directly, they may not be able to guide you accurately as a tax resolution expert would when it comes to resolving an IRS tax controversy.

Speaking of IRS tax resolution experts, with Harmon Tax Resolution, LLC, you will deal directly with an IRS battle-tested tax resolution expert, Will Harmon, who happens to be a multi-licensed Fl tax attorney-CPA-IRS Enrolled Agent, ensuring complete representation. He will thoroughly review your situation, represent your rights to IRS, and establish a resolution plan enabling you to pay the least amount available within the optimal terms allowed under IRS administrative law. Call him for a free consultation at 772-418-0949 or complete the online inquiry form.

His goal is simple: providing a way to hold on to more of your resources instead of handing them over to the IRS. Investing in a trusted tax professional who knows the ins and outs of the IRS is the best way for you to hold onto your hard-earned resources. Unless you fully understand the IRS tax provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the Internal Revenue Manual, know how to protect your taxpayer legal rights properly, and have experience advocating within the various levels of IRS bureaucracy, your chances of getting the best outcome are not very good.

To help provide a better understanding of the magnitude of the IRS’s overall tax processes, below is a depiction of the inner workings of the IRS. As you can see, navigating the IRS is not a simple walk in the park. Mistakes can be costly. Having skilled tax representation will help ensure you properly navigate the IRS system.

Every IRS Tax Problem Has a Solution

Every situation is unique and requires a detailed analysis and investigation to determine the correct action. Regardless of your situation, your resolution starting point will be within the taxpayer roadmap. Most IRS tax problems fall under these scenarios:

• There are ongoing collection efforts by the IRS for back taxes to which you have not responded, and now the IRS is possibly taking enhanced collection efforts against you such as enacting liens, performing bank account levies, making wage garnishments, revoking US passports, and even foreclosing on properties.
• You have unfiled returns or owe back taxes, and IRS may not have contacted you yet.
• The IRS has audited prior tax returns resulting in additional taxes and penalties.

Each one of these situations will place you in a spot within the IRS road map. Knowing where you are starting from is essential; however, that’s only one part of the solution because many other factors are needed to determine the best resolution outcome for your situation. A thorough investigation will need to be done to obtain the information required for the best resolution determination.

Harmon Tax Resolution, LLC Can Defend You Against IRS Aggressive Collections by Creating a Tailored Resolution Plan to Produce the Most Optimal Results Possible.

Can you imagine the futility of giving someone directions without knowing where they currently are, what got them there, and what resources they have to proceed forward? Accepting a tax resolution plan where no thorough investigation has been done could be an act of futility. Unfortunately, there are many tax mill firms out there who, without taking these investigative steps, will immediately assign a “cookie cutter” resolution option, which may not be best for your situation and up costing you considerably. To help you properly navigate the complex IRS road map, the tax resolution professional must obtain complete information about your case by thoroughly investigating your and IRS records.

Even though there are many IRS options to consider, the goal should always be to find the ideal one for your situation. Ideally, it would be best if you were afforded explanations of why one plan is better for your situation than another. This involves thoroughly analyzing the facts and circumstances surrounding your case BEFORE any resolution plans are compared and presented. At Harmon Tax Resolution, LLC, a thorough analysis of the facts and circumstances of your case will enable you to thoroughly explain why a resolution plan should be selected from other options.

There is a solution to every IRS tax problem. Getting to the right solution is what counts. By having multi-licensed tax professional research your case from all angles, you can ensure not to have items overlooked because many tax resolution cases often require expert knowledge across various disciplines in realms of law, tax expertise, accounting, and auditing to arrive at the best outcome. At Harmon Tax Resolution, LLC, you are afforded this to have a sense of security and peace of mind. As we have done for others, we can do the same for you!

Benefits of Working with the Harmon Tax Resolution, LLC

• Have resolved many IRS tax cases.
• Have saved our clients significantly in back taxes.
• From start to finish, you will have a dedicated multi-licensed tax attorney-CPA- IRS Enrolled Agent working on your case to ensure your case gets complete representation available and nothing gets overlooked.
• The fee structure is transparently based on flat fees, so no surprises and payment plans are available.
• Client Attorney Privileged communications along with professional respect and empathy.
• BBB A+ Rated.
• Have many five-star customer reviews.
• Licensed to work in all fifty states of the USA.
• Our initial consultation is always 100% free.

Get Trusted Legal Representation for Dealing with IRS Tax Problems

To ensure that you align yourself with the best possible tax resolution outcome, have an experienced tax professional provide expert guidance to get you there. Call today (772-418-0949), or complete an online inquiry form for a free consultation with experienced IRS Resolution Tax Attorney-CPA-EA, Will Harmon of Harmon Tax Resolution, LLC. He will handle your IRS tax issue so you can put this behind you and do the things that matter most.

For additional information, please see the following blog articles:

• “Tax Attorney vs. CPA vs. IRS EA: Why Not Hire a Three-In-One?”
• “What Should I Do If I Receive and IRS Notice?“
• “When Should I Call a Tax Resolution Firm?“

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Are you struggling to pay your federal taxes?

If so, the IRS Fresh Start program for individual taxpayers and small businesses can help. The IRS began Fresh Start in 2011 to help struggling taxpayers. Now, to help more taxpayers, the IRS has expanded the program by adopting more flexible Offer-in-Compromise terms. This expansion will enable some of the most financially distressed taxpayers to clear up their tax problems more quickly than in the past.

What is an Offer in Compromise?

An OIC agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS settles the taxpayer’s tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed. Generally, the IRS does not accept an OIC if they believe the liability can be paid in full as a lump sum or through a payment agreement. The IRS looks at the taxpayer’s income and assets to determine the taxpayer’s reasonable collection potential. OICs are subject to acceptance of legal requirements.

Why is the IRS making this change?

The IRS recognizes that many taxpayers are still struggling to pay their bills, so they have put common-sense changes to the OIC program that more closely reflect real-world situations. This expansion focuses on financial analysis to determine which taxpayers qualify for an OIC. These changes also enable some to resolve their tax problems in as little as two years compared to four or five years in the past.

How is the program changing?

In certain circumstances, the changes include:

• Revising the calculation for the taxpayer’s future income.
• Allowing taxpayers to repay their student loans.
• Allowing taxpayers to pay state and local delinquent taxes.
• Expanding the Allowable Living Expense allowance category and amount.

Other changes to the program include narrowed parameters and clarification of when a dissipated asset will be included in the calculation of reasonable collection potential. In addition, equity in income-producing assets generally will not be included in the calculation of reasonable collection potential for ongoing businesses.

How is collection potential now calculated?

When the IRS calculates a taxpayer’s reasonable collection potential, it will now look at only one year of future income for offers paid in five or fewer months, down from four years; and two years of future income for offers paid in six to 24 months, down from five years. All offers must be fully paid within 24 months of the acceptance date.

How do I apply or get more information?

Information about the OIC program, including applicant qualifications, how to apply, and steps to complete the application process, Form 656-B, Offer in Compromise Booklet, and Form 656, Offer in Compromise, is available on IRS.gov. Please feel to contact us for more information.