Settle Your Tax Debt With Licensed Tax Agents in Pasadena, California
There is more than one way out of tax debt, and the right one depends entirely on your situation. At Fresh Start Tax Relief Services in Pasadena, our licensed tax agents help individuals and businesses settle IRS and state tax debt using the programs that actually fit their finances. As a women-owned business with decades of experience dealing with the IRS, we know how these programs work, who qualifies, and how to pursue them on your behalf.
Tax Relief, Tax Resolution, and Tax Settlement Explained
You will hear these terms used almost interchangeably, so it helps to know what each one means.
Tax relief refers to the strategies that reduce or eliminate what you owe, such as a settlement, a payment plan, or penalty abatement. Tax resolution is the broader process of working with the IRS or the state to bring your account to a final, agreed outcome. Tax settlement usually refers to resolving a debt for less than the full balance, most often through an Offer in Compromise. Whatever you call it, the goal is the same: a resolved tax liability and a fresh start.
Programs That Can Settle or Reduce What You Owe
Offer in Compromise
An Offer in Compromise is structured to settle a tax liability for a fraction of what is owed. Taxpayers must meet certain financial guidelines to qualify, and we review your finances carefully before recommending one.
Installment Agreement
An installment agreement lets you pay your balance over time. We negotiate the terms for you and make sure the payments are ones you can handle.
Penalty Abatement
Penalty abatement is designed to tackle the penalties that have accrued on your liability. Reducing penalties can make the remaining balance far easier to resolve.
IRS Appeals
When the IRS rejects an offer, that is not always the final word. Our IRS appeals work challenges the rejection and pursues a reasonable compromise agreement.
Help for the Notice or Problem You Are Facing
Many people find us because of a specific letter or collection action. Each of these situations has its own urgency and its own path forward:
- A certified letter from the IRS means your account is in collections.
- An Intent to Levy notice comes with a deadline that should never be ignored.
- A tax levy can take money from your bank account or your paycheck.
- A tax lien can tarnish your credit report until the debt is paid.
- Delinquent taxes keep growing as penalties and interest are added.
- If you simply owe taxes you cannot pay in full, there are still real options.
- State tax debt relief addresses balances owed to your state, which often moves faster than the IRS.
Getting Current on Your Tax Returns
Most settlement programs require your filings to be up to date. If you have fallen behind, our filing tax returns and unfiled tax returns services find out which years are missing and file them correctly. When the IRS has already filed for you without deductions, correcting those returns can shrink the liability dramatically.
Settling Business Tax Debt
Business owners face their own set of tax problems. We provide payroll tax and trust fund penalty help, resolve business tax debt, and work on business reinstatement for companies that have been shut down by the IRS or a state revenue office.
Serving Pasadena, Los Angeles County, and Beyond
Our office at 1720 E Washington Blvd, Suite 230 serves clients from Pasadena, San Marino, South Pasadena, Arcadia, and the rest of Los Angeles County. We help taxpayers far beyond the San Gabriel Valley as well: "Not only do we service every single county in California, but we service taxpayers nationwide." You can learn more about our firm on the Fresh Start Tax Relief home page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between tax relief and tax resolution?
Tax relief is the set of strategies that reduce or eliminate tax debt, such as settlements, payment plans, and penalty abatement. Tax resolution is the overall process of reaching a final agreement with the IRS or state.
Can I settle my tax debt for less than I owe?
Possibly. An Offer in Compromise can settle a liability for a fraction of the balance, but taxpayers must meet certain financial guidelines. We review your finances to see whether you qualify.
What if the IRS already rejected my offer?
A rejected offer can be appealed. We handle appeals and work toward a compromise agreement after the initial rejection.
Do you help businesses settle tax debt?
Yes. We help with payroll tax problems, trust fund recovery penalties, and business tax debt, and we work on reinstating businesses shut down by the IRS or a state revenue office.
What does it cost to find out my options?
Your first consultation is free and confidential. We also offer 20% off your next fee when you refer a new client, and a 20% discount when you pay your full fee up front.