6 Tips on How to Pay Off Your Tax Debt

by

15 June 2018

Finance

Tax Debt

For the tax year 2015, the IRS reported that taxpayers filed 150.5 million individual income tax returns, which is an increase of 1.3 percent compared to the previous year. This yielded $10.4 trillion income for the said tax year and also a 4.5 percent increase from 2014.

Here’s the thing: not everyone is able to file and pay taxes for the income earned. If you happen to be one of them, then you need to read this post to find out how you can pay off your tax debt and prevent penalties, possible jail time, and garnishment of your assets:

1. Know how much you owe :

 You can’t just pay any amount just to “lower” your tax debt. Paying the amount stated on the letter from IRS doesn’t automatically mean it reflects the actual tax debt since you could be eligible for a tax credit (or IRS could be wrong too).

Therefore, find out first how much you actually owe for each tax year. This will give you a summary of your tax situation, thereby making it easier for you and your tax debt lawyers to come up with strategies that lower your debt. You can also use a tax calculator online to give you an idea of your total tax debt.

2. Consolidate the tax debt with your credit card :

 First things first, it is not advisable to pay off one debt using another debt. If you owe something especially taxes, then you might want to break this rule.

IRS accepts all major credit cards like MasterCard or Visa to pay off your tax debt. Simply go to the payment page of the IRS to make a payment. Keep in mind that IRS doesn’t charge a fee for doing such transaction, although processing companies who process the payment charge up to as much as 2.35 percent. Nevertheless, make sure to pay your credit card in time.

3. Try refinancing your home :

 Why not? Believe it or not, the IRS could recommend re-financing depending on the situation. If you happen to have equity such as a house and you can afford it, then you can use your assets to pay off your existing tax debt.

The good thing about this movie is that mortgage rates are typically lower compared to the rate charged by credit card companies. Also, you can take away home mortgage interest on your income tax return – and how can you say no to that?

4. Apply for Short-Term Extension to Pay :

 This is only applicable if you can pay your tax debt in 120 days or less. The good thing about this arrangement is that there is no set-up fee and you can apply either online by filling out the Online Payment Agreement application or by phone. Penalties and interest fees are likewise lower, so make sure you pay within the given period granted to you.

5. Enter into an installment agreement :

Ideally, you would be able to pay off your tax debt at once. On the other hand, there are instances when you need a little more time to pay it off. In that case, consider entering into an installment agreement with the IRS.

The good thing about installment agreement is that you can apply either online or by mail. You don’t have to worry about reminders and missed payments, especially if you sign up for the monthly payment plan.

You can apply for the installment agreement if you owe $50,000 or less, which already includes combined individual income tax, interest, and penalties. When you apply for this, make sure that you filed all of your returns in order to qualify for this agreement.

How does installment agreement work? A direct debit payment plan is highly recommended because of the lower cost, hassle-free payment, and the cost for a set-up fee is more affordable compared to other payment plans.

What if you have more than $50,000 tax debt? In that case, the next tip would be your most feasible option.

6. Consider an Officer in Compromise :

 Also known as OIC, this strategy could also be helpful if you want to pay off your tax debt. Unlike the Installment Agreement, Officer in Compromise is more applicable for a larger amount of tax debt.

How does this work? OIC will allow you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you actually owe. Filing of an income tax return and payment requirements must also be updated. Nonetheless, there are several factors IRS looks into before they agree to this kind of arrangement. This includes, but not limited to:

  • Income
  • Expenses
  • Asset equity
  • Ability to pay

Aside from this, it is IRS who will determine whether you are qualified for OIC or not. If they see that they won’t be able to collect the entire amount within a reasonable time, then you could be qualified. Check out their website to determine whether you can be qualified for this or not.

At the end of the day, it is important that you file and pay on time to avoid hassle come due date. In case there was a delay, take note of these tips and prevent the government from taking what was yours.

Read Also :

Tags

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Save Money

How to Save more Money?

In every person's life, there is a time when we start to set different decisions for ourselves. Someone is probably thinking about quitting smoking, someone else starts commuting to work by bike and somebody wants to find more time for the family. If you don’t really know what to do, I strongly encourage you to save money. Each of us likes to be aware of the amount of money in our bank account, wallet or just likes to look at the savings we have accumulated. I know that it's easy to say and much harder to implement, so I've prepared some useful tips for you on how to save more money every day. For starters, you can go shopping only with a list of what you really need to buy, it will protect you against spontaneous and ill-considered purchases of products you don’t even need in the first place. Remember that it’s essential to have a strong will and to stick to the plan. Eco-driving: If you’ve got a car, economical driving is a great way to save fuel. Keeping your RPMs low and not stopping quickly at the last moment but rather slowly rolling towards the red lights can save you a lot of fuel. Verification of the bank costs of our account: it is worth checking from time to time whether it’s not too expensive to have a personal account in your bank by chance. In times of fierce competition on the market between the best national banks, there is no problem with finding a better offer. Less TV, more movement: Instead of wasting time on the couch, it is better to move, even if you walk. Your weight will drop, your mood will improve, and your wallet will become a little thicker. Planning: Planning everything that can be scheduled is an easy matter for the perfectionists. They love to have everything arranged and prepared as early as possible. Planning avoids sudden and massive expenses. A simple example: a school layette. It has always been known that the school year begins on 1 September, so there is no problem to start saving money to buy books or utensils a few months in advance. It is also possible to plan holidays well in advance, a large amount of time will help us to save money. Bills: Negotiating with utility providers, current bills consume a large part of every family's budget, so I see no reason not to try to reduce them. It is worth checking whether it is worth changing electricity supplier. I also encourage you to regularly check the offers of mobile phone operators or Internet providers. If it is cheaper somewhere, it is worth trying to negotiate better conditions with the current company. Motivation: Mobilizing yourself to make savings without a goal is, in my opinion, a little pointless. That is why I think it is worthwhile to find the motivation to save. It can be a dream trip, buying a new car or securing your child's future. Knowing what you are saving for makes it easier to get down to business. The internet: Learning foreign languages over the Internet, there is no cheaper option, and with a little bit of self-denial, you can achieve great results. Car-sharing: Carpooling, a.k.a. joint commuting to work, school or university and all other places you just have to get to. Just ask your co-workers or your neighbors. Many carpooling services unite the interests of people and you can make new friendships this way! Do not forget that it’s a very environmentally friendly – look at the other cars when you commute to work. They have at least 4  seats and most of the time only 1 person is in the car. Just imagine how many cars would disappear from the roads if four people wherein one car instead of one person in each car. This is just a waste of gasoline. Many people are still afraid of credit cards, but using best credit cards wisely saves a lot of money, not just on Moneybookers. Food: No more wasted food! Statistically, the family throws away food worth 20 euros every month. It is hard to imagine a greater waste. So it’s better to buy less and possibly buy the missing products later than to push the fridge and then throw away the overdue food. Shopping: As we know, there are many examples of smart and rational shopping. For example buying winter tires in the summer or Christmas presents... just after Christmas. Be your own dentist: Taking care of your teeth, we can guess that it is always much cheaper to spend a couple of dollars on a toothpick and a toothpaste than waste hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars on treating them. Healthy diet instead of supplements: Europe is the leader in the field of buying all kinds of medicines and pharmaceuticals. We spend vast amounts of money on it and it’s just a waste of money. Why buy a vitamin C supplement if you can, for example, drink fresh juices or eat fruit? It goes out cheaper, and certainly tastier and healthier. Looking through your wardrobe: Going shopping for clothes only to have fun with your friends is a very simple way to waste tremedous amounts of money. If you think you need new clothes, it's a good idea to review your wardrobe first and assess whether something is missing in it. It can be an opportunity to get rid of damaged or too small things. Subscribing to newsletters, I am myself registered for newsletters of several shops with computer components and regularly get codes for discounts of 10% or 20% each. For post-season holidays, it is better to plan your holidays in June or September, for example. Prices of trips and hotels are much lower then than in July and August, and in many countries, the weather is still guaranteed to be at least good. Moneybox - an old but still effective way to save money. I have it myself and for years I have been throwing little things into it, which are in my wallet. This way, without any effort, I can raise a lot of money that otherwise would go to waste. Currency exchanges at internet exchange offices are much cheaper than permanent ones, not to mention banks. I am of the opinion that a lot of work in your home can be done by yourself. For example, painting walls, grouting, or installing panels. Making sandwiches to work is sometimes a nuisance, but it pays off. A healthy lunch will satisfy hunger better than an expensive snack from a scrubbing machine or fast food restaurant. Buying second-hand items: I’m not only talking about clothes, but also computer games and electronic equipment. A great way to save a lot of money is to buy a new car, which officially is no longer new. Showroom cars or the ones that served as a test modelsare almost in a perfect conditionjust like the new ones, but 20-30% cheaper. Drinking water instead of carbonated drinks is not only much cheaper, but it is also incomparably healthier. If you want to save on buying water, consider installing a reverse osmosis filter in your home. Selling unnecessary items - something to us is just rubbish, but it may be useful to someone else - to such an extent that they will be ready to pay for it. As we can see to save you don’t need to do amazing things, it is enough to focus on simple activities that we do every day and think about what to do to save on it. Above I presented a few methods of saving more money, but each of us can conclude what level of his monthly revenues he wants to keep and what goals he assumes to save his money. Wouldn't it be worth to just start and try an check for yourself which method works for you? Let's start today and not tomorrow. Read Also: Use These Tips To Save Money When You Move Your Business To The Cloud How To Save Money When Shopping Online

READ MOREDetails
Bitcoin Trading

Most Common Bitcoin Trading Blunders – You Must Avoid

The bitcoin market is easily accessible to anyone who has a computer with an internet connection or a smartphone or tab and some starting capital. Many beginners are fascinated by the process and want to be a part of this trade but often fail to do well in this trade. It is very sad that many of the beginners do start with the trade but end up being broke due to tack of the knowledge of bitcoin trading. Here we have mentioned some of the most common bitcoin trading blunders that one must avoid while dealing with bitcoins. Bitcoin Trading Blunders If you are new to the business of bitcoin trading, then you must surely avoid making some mistakes. Here we will discuss the pointers of which one must avoid while doing bitcoin trading. Money: The beginners will not have to use real money when there is already innumerable availability of paper money on different platforms. A beginner who is actually passionate about being a professional trader must first step in with a system that sets guidelines for their entries, exits and risk management. Trading: Freshers usually tend to trade with emotions which makes them fail to accept the loss that is created to them. The most important capability of the trader must be the fact that he/she must be able to take the loss or accept the loss to run healthily in the future. You must set a stop loss guideline and do not move if all the guidelines are violated already. Balance: Experienced traders tend to balance their trade which the freshers might fail at. Balancing and rebalancing of your bitcoin are important to keep a balanced portfolio for yourself. Balancing will also help you to make less loss in your bitcoin trading. Trading Journal: Investment and trade are very different from each other, one must first be aware of this. If you have a plan for your trade then you would consider yourself responsible for your action and the result of your action. Keep a journal to follow and make a note of all the changes that you make in your trade and you can also follow it back for future references. Risk: Many young ones believe that they can earn life-changing money through bitcoin trading and by the bar of which it takes a lot of risks targetting to earn that amount. Undercapitalized: You must know that money is the mantra. You need money to make more money. Many think that through bitcoin trading one can make money sitting in the comfort of the couch but that is a sheer lie. If making money would have been so easy then no one would have worked day and night to earn money. A trader who wants to run his entire life earning money through bitcoin must also have enough money for investment. Being undercapitalized can ruin their dream and career of earing through bitcoin trading. Conclusion It is a hard job to earn money and especially if it bitcoin money. Even if you know all the hacks, you must be aware of the risk management in bitcoin trading because that would be majorly the factor in this trade. Read Also: A Beginner’s Guide In Using MT4 On A Mac How To Make Money From Bitcoins In 2019

READ MOREDetails
credit card

Here’s Why The Airtel Axis Credit Card Is The Perfect Credit Card For You!

Airtel Axis Credit Card has been gaining immense popularity lately, mainly due to its attractive features, such as welcome benefits, cashback offers, and so on.  With these features, it has undoubtedly become an irresistible choice for many people.  Let us understand its key elements in detail below: Read it and know what this is a best buy credit card. 1. Cashback Benefits Well, this has to be the best. Airtel Axis Credit cards provide several cashback benefits to its customers. They are as follows:  No.SpendsCashback1For regular utility bill payments, for instance, electricity, gas, and so on through Airtel Thanks10%2Airtel mobile with broadband facilities, DTH, wifi bill payments via Airtel Thanks25%3Preferred merchants10%4Other spends and merchants1% Note: Cashback will not be applicable on fuel spends, EMI transactions, wallet loading transitions, purchases converted to EMI, jewelry purchases, rental payments, and so on.  2. Welcome Benefits It includes an Amazon voucher worth Rs. 500. Claim the welcome benefit by following the instructions mentioned below: Head straight to www. amazon.in/addgiftcardSubmit the code of the gift cardPress ‘Add to Your Balance’  With these steps, one can quite easily add the gift card amount to their account.  In addition to this, you need to keep the following terms and conditions in mind as well: Every customer needs to make the first transaction within 30 daysIf a user ends up canceling, refunding, or choosing a cash transaction, they will not be eligible to receive the welcome benefits of Airtel Thanks Axis Credit cardsThe welcome voucher will be applicable for cards that have been charged with a joining fee of Rs. 500 and taxes on their Airtel Axis Bank Credit cardThe voucher will be sent to the registered mobile number or email ID within the first 30 days of meeting the requirements.  Related: 5 Smart Ways to Boost your Credit Score 3. Complimentary Lounge Access The Airtel Axis Bank Lounge Access Program is based on the following entry types (rules of the program): Entry Type 1: The eligible cardholder does not have to pay any fee (exceptional than just a nominal swipe with the fee of Rs. 2 for the Visa facility and Rs. 25 for Mastercard options). Entry Type 2: The eligible cardholders need to pay a particular amount that will be displayed at the Participating Airport Lounge.  The eligible cards have to be authenticated at the entry point by simply swiping a transaction for a small fee.The lounge access program will be applicable only till 31st August 2025. 4. Fuel Surcharge Waiver Another great thing about having an Airtel Axis Credit Card is the fuel surcharge waiver. So, come, let’s find out more about them in detail below:  1% fuel surcharge waiver on the purchase of fuel at every fuel station across our countryIt is valid on transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 4,000. However, the maximum benefit will be offered up to Rs. 500 per statementThe users will not receive a refund on GST charges on fuel surcharges.  These key features make an Airtel Axis Credit card an exciting option for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Get the card in these few steps mentioned below:  Step one: Open the Airtel Thanks app and head straight to the ‘Shop’ section.  Step two: Click on the ‘Airtel Axis Bank’ option. In doing so, you will be able to view a screen showing the benefits of your smartphone  Step three: Scroll down below to tick the checkbox of ‘Terms and Conditions’  Step four: Once done, select ‘Check eligibility’  Step five: Then, follow the instructions as shown on the screen and submit your PAN Card details in the app  Step six: Fill out your basic information  Step seven: Enter the data about your employment  Step eight: Enter your residential details  Step nine: Complete the verification process,  To sum up, an Airtel Axis Credit card is a great option for everybody. So, get one today and make the most of its attractive features. Also, install the Airtel Thanks App through the Android Play store or iOs app store, as it is one of the best recharge and bill payment apps that enable simplified online payments within minutes. Conclusion: When you are planning to have a credit card, there are certain types of things that you must analyze first? What are the credit limit and the security aspects of the cards? Usually, credit cards are always giving a better financial advantage. That means you will get the privilege of paying after actually buying the products. But my suggestion is when you get any credit cards, always go for the security options. As secure credit cards give you better safety and security even when you are facing card thefts. And Airtel axis credit cards are among the best, most secure cards. Additionals Ultimate Guide On Green Card RenewalHow to Dispute an Error on Your Credit ReportHow To Replace Your Social Security Card OnlineUsing Short-Term Loans to Help Rebuild Your Credit Score

READ MOREDetails