Payment Assistance
IRS and Tax Payment Assistance in Massachusetts
Managing payments to government agencies, negotiating payment plans, and exploring options for resolving tax debts can be overwhelming. Owing money to the IRS or the state is stressful, but it is not the end of the road, and ignoring it only makes it worse. At TBS Tax Services, we offer Payment Assistance services to help individuals and businesses navigate these challenges and achieve financial stability. Our approach is practical and judgment-free. Many of the clients we help simply had a hard year, fell behind, or received a notice they did not understand. With more than 20 years of experience as a certified public accounting firm and bilingual staff, we help you face the problem and solve it.
Our Major Payment Assistance Services
- Payments to Government: We assist individuals and businesses in making payments to government agencies such as the IRS or state tax authorities. Whether you need to pay taxes, penalties, or other fees, we facilitate secure and timely payments while ensuring compliance with all requirements.
- Payment Plans: If you cannot pay your tax debt in full, we help you negotiate and set up a payment plan with the IRS or state tax authorities. We work with tax authorities on your behalf to establish affordable monthly payments based on your financial situation, allowing you to repay over time while avoiding collection actions.
- Offer in Compromise (OIC): An Offer in Compromise is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS to settle a tax debt for less than the full amount owed. We assist eligible individuals and businesses in preparing and submitting OIC applications, negotiating with tax authorities to reach a favorable settlement and minimize the financial burden on you or your business.
What Is an IRS Installment Agreement?
An IRS installment agreement is a payment plan that lets you pay off your tax debt over time instead of all at once. You still owe the full amount plus interest, but the agreement gives you breathing room and generally pauses aggressive collection actions while you stay current. Short-term plans typically require full payment within 180 days, while long-term installment agreements can extend the payments over several years. Many individual taxpayers who owe under $50,000 can qualify relatively easily. We help you determine which plan you qualify for and set it up correctly.
What Is an Offer in Compromise?
An Offer in Compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. It is a legitimate option when you cannot pay your full liability, or when doing so would create genuine financial hardship. However, it is not for everyone: the IRS accepts an offer only when the amount you propose reflects the most they could reasonably expect to collect from you, and the application requires detailed financial disclosure. Because the process is demanding and approval is not guaranteed, it is important to assess your eligibility honestly before applying. We help you understand whether an OIC is realistic for you and, if so, guide you through the process.
Our Process:
- We assess your financial situation and understand your specific payment assistance needs, whether you are facing tax debt, penalties, or other obligations.
- We conduct a comprehensive analysis of your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities, and use it to develop a customized strategy that aligns with your financial goals.
- We represent you in negotiations with the IRS or state tax authorities, advocating for fair and reasonable terms and communicating on your behalf, including providing supporting documentation.
Once arrangements or settlements are agreed upon, we help you implement the terms and stay compliant, providing ongoing support and follow-up to monitor progress and address any issues.
What Should I Do If I Receive a Tax Bill or Notice I Cannot Pay?
Do not ignore it. Interest and penalties grow the longer a balance goes unresolved, and unanswered notices can escalate to liens or levies. The right first step is to understand exactly what the notice says and what options you have. Bring the notice to us and we will explain what it means, confirm whether the amount is correct, and help you choose a path forward, whether that is a payment plan, a hardship option, or disputing an error. Acting early almost always leads to a better outcome than waiting.
Can You Help Me If I Have Not Filed in Years?
Yes. Before you can set up most payment arrangements, your tax returns generally need to be filed and current. We regularly help clients who are behind by preparing their back returns and then arranging a payment solution for any balance owed. Getting current is the first and most important step toward resolving tax debt, and we handle both parts together so you can move forward.
Payment Assistance FAQ
Will the IRS really accept less than I owe?
Sometimes, through an Offer in Compromise, but only when you genuinely cannot pay the full amount and your financial situation supports it. For many people, an installment agreement is the more realistic solution. We help you understand which option actually fits your circumstances rather than promising an outcome we cannot guarantee.
Can I set up a payment plan myself?
Some simple payment plans can be set up directly with the IRS, especially for smaller balances. Where we add value is assessing all your options, handling more complex situations, dealing with state debt, and making sure you choose the arrangement that costs you the least over time.
Will a payment plan stop collection actions?
In general, once an installment agreement is in place and you stay current, the IRS pauses aggressive collection activity. Staying compliant going forward, by filing and paying on time, is essential to keeping any arrangement in place.
Do you handle Massachusetts state tax debt too, or only IRS?
We help with both federal and Massachusetts state tax balances. The state has its own payment arrangement options, and we help you navigate those as well.
How much does payment assistance cost?
It depends on the complexity of your case and which resolution path applies. We are transparent about pricing from the start and will explain your options before any work begins.
I am embarrassed about how far behind I am. Can you still help?
Yes, and there is no judgment here. We have helped many people in exactly your situation for over 20 years. The sooner you start, the more options you have and the faster you can put this behind you.
Let us simplify your taxes with our Payment Assistance Service.
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