Editor’s Note: It can be daunting to face a tax bill. The most important thing is to not ignore it – then a stressful situation turns into a problem. Here is the answer to the burning question “What if I can’t pay my taxes?”

If you can’t pay your tax bill when you file your tax return, the problem could be only a “2” if you decide to do something about it – but a “10” if you ignore it.

The IRS offers alternatives if you can’t pay taxes owed.

In fact, about 5 million taxpayers each year need a payment alternative. The four alternatives are:

  • An extension to pay You can ask the IRS for up to 120 days to pay your tax bill.
  • Payment plans: There are several types of payment plans (called installment agreements), depending on your specific situation. They range from simple, streamlined agreements that can be set up online, to more complicated agreements that require you to submit documents showing your financial status.
  • Currently not collectible status: If you can prove financial hardship –meaning you can’t pay the IRS right now – the IRS will not ask you to pay until your circumstances have improved.
  • Offer in compromise (OIC): This is a settlement of your unpaid taxes for less than the amount you owe – if you qualify. Taxpayers commonly use an OIC when they have few or no assets and have trouble paying their necessary living expenses.

The good news is, you can obtain one of these payment alternatives if you qualify AND if you contact the IRS to request it. More good news: The interest rate is currently 3% on payment plans.

Here is where the problem can turn into a “10.” If you ignore your balance owed and don’t make arrangements with the IRS to get one of the alternatives listed above, the IRS can levy your bank accounts and garnish your wages – all of which can put you in further financial strain. The IRS can also issue federal tax liens that can destroy your credit and make it difficult to sell property or obtain a loan.

The moral of the story: Owing and not being able to pay a tax balance isn’t fun, but it’s only a problem if you don’t take action.


At Nugent & Associates, we're not just number crunchers. We bring over 3 decades of invaluable certified public accounting and tax expertise to your company – serving as business and financial strategists who can offer such services as tax and financial planning, investment advice, diligent financial records, and help with estate planning.

Even better, we will give you time to focus on what you do best: running the day-to-day operations that drive your business toward success.

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We will visit you at your business at a time and day convenient for you, analyze your numbers, discuss your goals and concerns and report back with a complimentary detailed written analysis to help your business succeed!

At Nugent & Associates, we're not just number crunchers. Our people bring decades of invaluable certified public accounting and financial and tax expertise to you – offering tax and financial strategies to individuals such as yourself. If you have any questions or concerns about your own tax, financial or investment matters, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Experienced tax and financial experts are not just for the super rich. At a reasonable fee you too can maximize your wealth and receive professional guidance for retirement, and/or any tax issues you may be facing, no matter your situation, with a tax and financial expert as your consultant.

Contact Nugent & Associates today. We don't charge for phone calls. You may just find you found an ally in your quest to have a great financial future.

After all, at Nugent & Associates, we succeed when you succeed!


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