Case Study
Case Study
Back Taxes, Failed DIY
Installment Agreement, and
Identity Verification Hold
Problem
Solution
We examined the taxpayer’s account history and determined which years were still collectible, which had expired, and where IRS communication had stalled the case. We guided the taxpayer on how to fix the installment agreement and explained that several older balances were no longer legally collectible. We also helped them complete the necessary identity verification at an IRS office.
Outcome
We helped the taxpayer resolve the stalled agreement and remove the identity verification hold. The taxpayer also gained clarity on older balances that were no longer enforceable, allowing them to focus only on what was truly owed.
Lesson Learned
Attempting to negotiate with the IRS without understanding relevant tax code provisions can lead to costly mistakes. Missteps in communication can pause, but not eliminate, the collection process, enabling interest and penalties to continue accruing. Ignoring IRS notices can also leave accounts frozen for years. Proper representation prevents these problems and ensures taxpayers do not inadvertently extend their own collection period
A taxpayer with multiple years of back taxes attempted to resolve the debt alone and also had an IRS identity verification hold on several returns. Their DIY installment agreement was set up incorrectly, unintentionally extending the collection statute by more than four years.