Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions people ask us most.

Tax problems come with a lot of uncertainty, and most people have the same questions before they ever pick up the phone. Here are honest answers to the ones we hear most often. If you do not see yours, a free consultation is the fastest way to get a clear answer for your specific situation.

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Getting started

Is the consultation really free?

Yes. The initial 30-minute consultation is free, confidential, and does not require you to move forward. The purpose is to understand your situation, explain what options may apply, and give you a clearer picture of where you stand.

How long does the whole process take?

It depends on the type of tax issue, how many years are involved, whether returns need to be filed, and how quickly the IRS or state agency responds. During the strategy phase, we give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.

How much does it cost?

Pricing depends on the scope of the case. Before any work begins, we provide the cost in writing so you know exactly what you are committing to. No surprise fees and no pressure.

What do I need to do?

At first, you only need to explain what you know about your situation. If you move forward, we guide you through any documents, authorizations, or records needed to review your IRS or state tax records and build the right plan.

Will I still have to talk to the IRS myself?

In most cases, once representation is established, we communicate with the IRS or state agency on your behalf. The goal is to reduce the pressure on you while keeping you informed at each step.

What if I have years of unfiled returns?

That is common. We help identify which years need to be filed, prepare or organize the missing returns, and then use the updated account picture to build the right resolution plan.

Common tax problems

Can the IRS really garnish my wages or take money from my account?

Yes. If a tax balance remains unresolved, the IRS can take collection action such as wage garnishment or a bank levy. These actions can often be released or reduced once the right resolution is in place, but timing matters.

I received a notice from the IRS. What does it mean and what should I do?

IRS notices can mean many things: a balance due, a proposed change, a request for information, or a warning before collection. The notice number and deadline matter. The safest next step is to review it quickly and respond correctly before the deadline passes.

What happens if I just ignore my tax debt?

Ignoring tax debt usually narrows your options. Penalties and interest can grow, notices can escalate, and the IRS may eventually file a lien, levy a bank account, or garnish wages. It is usually easier to resolve the issue before collection starts.

Can the IRS put a lien on my home or property?

Yes. A federal tax lien is the government's legal claim against your property when a tax debt goes unpaid. It does not take the property by itself, but it can affect selling, refinancing, and other financial transactions.

Could I face criminal charges for owing back taxes?

Most tax debt cases are civil matters, not criminal cases. The IRS generally wants the returns filed and the balance resolved. Criminal issues are more likely when there is intentional fraud, evasion, or other serious conduct. If there is anything unusual about your situation, we will tell you directly.

Resolution options

Can I really settle my tax debt for less than I owe?

Sometimes, but only when you qualify. An Offer in Compromise is a real IRS program, but it depends on your income, expenses, assets, and what the IRS believes it can reasonably collect. Most people do not qualify for a dramatic settlement, but many do qualify for other forms of relief.

What if I cannot afford to pay what I owe?

You may still have options. Depending on your finances, the IRS may allow a payment plan, Currently Not Collectible status, penalty relief, or in limited cases an Offer in Compromise. The first step is understanding the real balance and what you can realistically afford.

Can I set up a payment plan with the IRS?

Yes. An installment agreement is one of the most common ways to resolve IRS tax debt. It lets you pay over time instead of all at once. The right type of payment plan depends on how much you owe, your filing status, and your financial situation.

Can IRS penalties be reduced or removed?

In some cases, yes. Penalty relief may be available through first-time penalty abatement, reasonable cause, or another qualifying basis. Penalty relief usually applies to penalties, not the underlying tax itself.

What if paying the IRS would leave me unable to cover basic expenses?

If paying the IRS would keep you from covering necessary living expenses, Currently Not Collectible status may be an option. This can pause active collection such as levies or garnishments, though it does not erase the debt.

Working with us

What makes Global Tax Relief different from other tax relief companies?

We focus on honest assessment, licensed representation, and clear written plans. We do not sell dramatic promises before reviewing the facts. If a settlement is not realistic, we say so. If a payment plan, penalty relief, or another path is the better option, we explain why.

Who will actually be handling my case?

Your case is handled by licensed professionals such as CPAs, Enrolled Agents, or tax attorneys with authority to represent you before the IRS. No call-center reps and no commission-driven sales staff.

What types of tax problems do you handle?

We help with IRS back taxes, wage garnishments, bank levies, tax liens, unfiled returns, IRS notices, installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, penalty relief, Currently Not Collectible status, audit defense, and related state tax issues.

Is my information kept confidential?

Yes. Tax problems are personal, and confidentiality matters. Information you share with us is used to understand and work on your case, and we handle it with care and professionalism.

Do you guarantee a specific outcome?

No. No tax resolution firm can honestly guarantee a specific IRS outcome before reviewing your facts and the IRS's position. Outcomes depend on your filings, balance, income, expenses, assets, documentation, and agency review. We give honest assessments, not guarantees.

Still have questions?

The fastest way to get a clear answer for your situation is a 30-minute consultation. It is free, confidential, and there is no obligation to do anything afterward.

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