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Received an IRS notice? Don't panic, but don't ignore it. While a tax lien and a tax levy sound similar, they mean very different things for your finances. A lien is a legal claim against your property, but a levy means the IRS is actively seizing your wages or bank accounts. Learn the key differences between claim and collection, and discover how you can stop the IRS. ALTA Tax Relief LLC is here to help you find a strategic solution.

Falling behind on taxes as a freelancer is incredibly common, but the IRS moves fast when independent contractors stop paying. From automated CP504 intent-to-levy notices to the catastrophic reality of having your client payments directly garnished, ignoring 1099 tax debt is a recipe for financial disaster. If you are drowning in daily compounding interest or unfiled returns, discover how to hit the pause button on collections and negotiate a settlement using the right IRS pr

Facing a tax balance you can’t afford to pay is a heavy burden, but you aren’t alone. While the IRS has aggressive collection methods, they also offer several legal programs designed to help taxpayers resolve their debt. From settling for less than you owe through an Offer in Compromise to setting up strategic installment plans, there is a path forward. Discover 5 effective ways to take control of your tax debt and protect your financial future before the IRS takes action.

Your divorce decree might say your ex-spouse is responsible for the taxes, but to the IRS, that agreement is just a piece of paper. If you filed jointly, you are "jointly and severally liable"—meaning the IRS can legally seize your bank accounts or garnish your wages for your ex-partner’s mistakes. From hidden income to misunderstood alimony rules, divorce creates a minefield of tax debt. Learn how to protect yourself using Innocent Spouse Relief and other proven resolution s

Hitting the jackpot feels like a win—until the IRS comes to collect. In Missouri and across the U.S., the rules for 2026 have shifted dramatically under the "One Big Beautiful Bill." With a new 90% cap on gambling loss deductions, even those who "break even" may now face massive tax bills on "phantom income." If you've received a CP2000 notice or are facing IRS collections due to unreported winnings, don't wait for a levy. Discover how to protect your assets and resolve your

Facing IRS debt in Missouri? Whether you are in Jefferson or Franklin County, letters and penalties can feel like an impossible weight. But there is a strategic advantage: working with former IRS employees who understand the system from the inside out. At ALTA Tax Relief™, we leverage "insider" knowledge to stop wage garnishments, negotiate Offers in Compromise, and secure penalty abatement. Don’t let tax debt dictate your future—take control with expert guidance and a clear

Think an IRS bill is final? Think again. If you disagree with an IRS determination, you have the legal right to challenge it. At ALTA Tax Relief, our team of former IRS employees helps St. Louis taxpayers navigate the two primary paths to justice: the informal IRS Appeals process and the formal U.S. Tax Court. Whether you’re facing a Notice of Deficiency or an audit dispute, timing is critical. Learn how to protect your assets, avoid aggressive collections, and settle your ta

Struggling with IRS debt? A huge chunk of your balance might be penalties, not just taxes. Through IRS Penalty Abatement, you could wipe away thousands in extra charges. Programs like First-Time Abatment (FTA) offer relief for those with a solid filing history, but the IRS won't grant it automatically. At ALTA Tax Relief, we specialize in negotiating these waivers to slash your debt. Don't let penalties spiral—contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation.

Every IRS tax debt story is different—four people can owe the same $100k and end up with four completely different outcomes. Whether it’s an Offer in Compromise, a strategic payment plan, or an audit reversal, your path to relief depends on your unique financial picture. Learn how ALTA Tax Relief™ uses former IRS experience to find your best solution.

The New Year is the perfect time for a fresh start with the IRS. If you’ve struggled with tax debt, the secret to a successful resolution isn't just paying off the past—it’s staying compliant in the present. From filing missing returns to mastering estimated payments, learn the essential steps you must take to qualify for an Offer in Compromise and protect your assets from garnishments in 2026.

An IRS Offer in Compromise (OIC) is one of the most powerful tax relief options available—it allows qualifying taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than they owe. However, while the program sounds appealing, the reality is that most IRS Offer in Compromise applications are denied . Understanding why these denials happen and how to avoid common mistakes can greatly increase your chances of success. With help from professionals like ALTA Tax Relief , you can navigate t

If you owe significant tax debt, resolving it quickly and efficiently is crucial to regaining control of your finances. ALTA Tax Relief specializes in helping individuals manage IRS tax debt through structured, manageable solutions. Our step-by-step approach ensures you can navigate the IRS process confidently and take steps toward financial freedom. Step 1: File Your Tax Returns Even if you cannot pay your taxes in full, it’s essential to file your tax returns on time . Fai

The 2025 IRS shutdown has raised many questions for taxpayers and small business owners across the country. With most operations paused and employees sent home, understanding how this affects you is crucial—especially if you owe taxes, have unfiled returns, or are under audit. How Does the Government Shutdown Affect the IRS? During the IRS shutdown 2025 , most of the agency’s operations have come to a standstill. The IRS has furloughed a majority of its employees, halting es

Running your own business or working as an independent contractor gives you freedom, but it also means you’re solely responsible for your taxes. If you fall behind, the IRS has powerful collection tools at its disposal—including IRS Garnishment . Unlike employees who receive a paycheck from an employer, contractors and business owners often face garnishments in ways that directly disrupt their income and client relationships. In this guide, we’ll explain how IRS garnishment w

Dealing with the IRS can be frightening, frustrating, and confusing, and that’s where a tax resolution expert comes in. The IRS operates based upon federal laws. Those laws have been interpreted into procedures for how to do everything at the IRS. From processing of returns to issuing refunds to auditing of returns and to collection of tax debts, these procedures are found in the Internal Revenue Manual (IRM) . Tax resolution experts not only know these procedures in the I

Owing back taxes to the IRS can be a stressful and confusing experience. From threatening letters to tax liens to wage and bank account garnishments, the consequences of unresolved tax debt can feel overwhelming. While some individuals can manage small tax issues on their own, there comes a point when hiring a tax resolution professional becomes not only helpful—but essential. Knowing when to seek professional help can be the difference between ongoing stress and lasting fi

With recent IRS workforce reduction and the potential for even more, it will more difficult to talk with a live person at the IRS. Best times to call are after 8am your local time, but realize that the lines get busier as more of the US wakes up. Knowing who to contact at the IRS is half the challenge. Certain departments are harder to get through than others. When mailing anything to the IRS, always send it by traceable mail. Make sure to save download a copy of the delive