Resolving IRS Issues, Tax Debt, and Compliance Challenges.
Tax debt, IRS notices, unfiled returns, liens, levies, and years of unresolved tax problems can become overwhelming quickly.
You may not know what the IRS can do next. You may not know what options are actually available. And you may not know whether the solution being offered to you is really the best solution for your situation.
That’s where SMIB Management comes in.
We help individuals and business owners understand their tax situation, evaluate available resolution options, communicate with the IRS, and develop a strategy designed to move them toward compliance and financial stability.
You don't need another sales pitch. You need answers. A strategy. And experienced professionals in your corner.
You Have an IRS Problem. Now Let's Determine What Can Actually Be Done About It.
IRS tax problems can feel intimidating because there usually isn't one simple solution.
Every taxpayer's circumstances are different.
Your income. Your assets. Your expenses. Your business. Your filing history. Your tax debt. The age of the debt. And your current ability to pay can all affect the resolution strategies available to you.
That's why effective tax resolution should begin with understanding the entire situation — not immediately trying to sell you a particular program.
At SMIB Management, we take a comprehensive approach.
Are You Dealing With Any of These Tax Problems?
IRS Tax Debt
You owe the IRS money and aren't sure how you're going to pay it.
Unfiled Tax Returns
You're behind on one or more tax returns and need help getting back into compliance.
IRS Notices & Letters
You've received a notice and aren't sure what it means, how serious it is, or how you should respond.
IRS Liens
The IRS has filed — or may be preparing to file — a federal tax lien.
Bank Levies
The IRS has taken or threatened action against funds in your bank account.
Wage Garnishment
A portion of your paycheck may be subject to IRS collection activity.
Business Payroll Tax Problems
Your business is behind on payroll taxes or facing collection pressure from the IRS.
Audits & Examinations
The IRS is reviewing your tax return, deductions, income, or business activity.
Installment Agreement Problems
You need a payment arrangement or your current agreement is no longer manageable.
Years of Tax Problems
Multiple years of tax debt, missing returns, penalties, and notices have accumulated into a much larger problem.
What Does Tax Resolution Actually Mean?
Tax resolution is the process of addressing outstanding federal or state tax problems and determining the appropriate path toward resolving them.
Depending on your circumstances, that may involve correcting filing issues, negotiating payment arrangements, requesting penalty relief, responding to IRS notices, evaluating settlement options, addressing enforcement activity, or determining whether other collection alternatives may be available.
The right solution depends on the facts.
There is no legitimate "one-size-fits-all" tax resolution program.
That's why our process begins with analysis.
Your Tax Resolution Options May Include
Before We Recommend a Solution… We Need to Understand the Problem.
One of the biggest mistakes taxpayers make is choosing a tax resolution company based on an advertisement promising to "settle your tax debt for pennies on the dollar."
Those advertisements rarely tell the whole story.
Whether you qualify for a particular IRS program depends on your actual financial circumstances.
Our objective is not simply to find a resolution.
It's to identify the resolution strategy that makes the most sense for your situation.
That's why SMIB Management focuses first on determining:
- What do you owe?
- Which tax years are involved?
- Are all required returns filed?
- Has the IRS already started collection activity?
- Are liens or levies involved?
- What is your current income?
- What assets do you own?
- What are your allowable living expenses?
- How much can you realistically afford to pay?
- Which IRS programs may apply?
- Which strategies should be avoided?
Our Tax Resolution Process
Understand Your Situation
We begin by reviewing the tax problem, notices, filing history, outstanding balances, and other relevant information.
Determine Where You Stand
We identify what appears to be happening with the IRS and determine what additional information may be needed.
Analyze Your Options
We evaluate potential tax resolution strategies based on your circumstances.
Develop a Resolution Strategy
You'll receive a clearer understanding of the path forward and the steps necessary to begin resolving the problem.
Representation & Resolution
When representation services are appropriate, qualified tax professionals can communicate with taxing authorities and work through the agreed-upon resolution process.
Get Back Into Compliance
Resolving the immediate problem is only part of the goal. We also want to help you avoid finding yourself in the same situation again.
The IRS Has a Collection System. You Should Have a Strategy.
The IRS has extraordinary collection powers.
Depending on the circumstances, those powers can include:
- Filing federal tax liens
- Levying bank accounts
- Garnishing wages
- Seizing certain assets
- Applying future tax refunds to outstanding balances
- Assessing penalties and interest
- Pursuing responsible individuals for certain business tax liabilities
That doesn't mean you should panic.
But it does mean you should understand what you're dealing with.
The sooner you understand the situation, the sooner you can begin evaluating your options.
Don't Assume the Worst. But Don't Ignore It Either.
An IRS notice is telling you something.
The question is: What does it mean?
Some notices simply request information. Others indicate a balance due. Some are warning you that collection activity may begin. And others require action within a specific timeframe if you want to preserve certain rights.
If you've received an IRS letter or notice, let us help you understand what you're looking at.
Why Taxpayers Work With SMIB Management
We Look at the Entire Picture
Tax resolution involves more than filling out an IRS form.
Your finances, tax history, business circumstances, assets, income, expenses, and future goals can all matter.
We Focus on Strategy
We don't believe every taxpayer should automatically pursue the same IRS program.
The strategy should fit the facts.
We Speak Tax
IRS terminology, procedures, deadlines, notices, collection standards, and forms can become complicated quickly.
Our job is to help make the process understandable.
We Help Reduce the Uncertainty
One of the hardest parts of having a tax problem is simply not knowing what happens next.
Understanding your options can replace uncertainty with a plan.
We Look Beyond the Immediate Problem
The best tax resolution strategy should not only address yesterday's problem.
It should also help create a better tax position moving forward.
Tax Problems Can Happen to Good People.
A business slows down. Payroll taxes fall behind. A divorce creates financial pressure. A major medical expense changes everything. A business fails. A tax return isn't filed. A payment gets missed. One year becomes two. Then the notices start arriving.
Before long, what began as a manageable problem feels impossible.
The important thing is what happens next.
You don't have to understand the entire IRS system.
You simply need to begin by understanding your situation.
The Sooner You Address Them, the Better.
Business owners can face particularly complicated tax situations.
- Payroll taxes
- Unfiled business returns
- Estimated tax problems
- Tax liens
- Revenue Officer contact
- Employment tax assessments
- Personal liability issues
- Cash flow pressure
When tax problems begin interfering with the operation of your company, delaying action can make the problem substantially more difficult.
SMIB Management works with business owners to evaluate the problem and build a practical strategy toward resolution.
You Don't Need to Know Which IRS Program You Need. That's What the Analysis Is For.
Don't begin by choosing the solution. Begin by understanding the problem.
Tax Resolution FAQs
Can you settle my IRS debt for less than I owe?
Possibly, but no legitimate tax professional should promise that without first reviewing your circumstances.
The IRS Offer in Compromise program can allow qualifying taxpayers to resolve liabilities for less than the full amount owed. Eligibility depends on factors including income, expenses, assets, equity, and collection potential.
What if I can't afford to pay the IRS?
There may be options.
Depending on your financial circumstances, payment arrangements, temporary collection relief, settlement programs, or other strategies may be available.
The first step is evaluating your financial situation.
What happens if I haven't filed taxes for several years?
Unfiled returns are common in tax resolution cases.
In many situations, required tax returns must be filed before the IRS will approve certain resolution programs.
We can help determine which returns need to be addressed.
Can the IRS take money from my bank account?
Under certain circumstances, yes.
The IRS has levy authority after required procedures and notices have occurred.
If you have received a Final Notice of Intent to Levy or are facing active collection activity, the situation should be addressed promptly.
Can the IRS garnish my wages?
Yes, the IRS can levy wages under certain circumstances.
Unlike many conventional wage garnishments, an IRS wage levy may continue until the tax debt is resolved, the levy is released, or another qualifying event occurs.
Should I call the IRS myself?
You can.
However, before providing detailed financial information or agreeing to a resolution, it can be helpful to understand your options and the implications of the information being requested.
How quickly can a tax problem be resolved?
It depends on the complexity of the situation, the resolution strategy, the IRS workload, documentation requirements, and whether all required tax returns have been filed.
Some matters can be handled relatively quickly. Others may take considerably longer.
Will the IRS stop contacting me if I hire a representative?
When a qualified tax professional is properly authorized to represent you, much of the communication regarding the represented matter can generally be handled through your representative, although there may be exceptions.
The Worst Tax Strategy Is No Strategy.
Every unopened IRS letter creates more uncertainty. Every missed deadline can limit options. Every month of inaction can allow penalties and interest to continue accumulating.
You don't have to solve everything today.
But you should find out where you stand.
Your IRS Problem May Be Complicated. Your Next Step Doesn't Have to Be.
Tell us what's happening. Tell us what you've received from the IRS. Tell us how long the problem has existed. Tell us what you're worried about.
We'll help you begin sorting through the situation and determining what the next step should be.
SMIB Management, Inc.
Tax Strategy |
Tax Preparation |
Tax Resolution |
Business Advisory
Important Disclosure
Tax resolution results vary based on each taxpayer's individual facts and circumstances. No specific outcome, settlement amount, reduction in tax liability, penalty abatement, collection status, or acceptance into any IRS program can be guaranteed. Eligibility for IRS resolution programs is determined under applicable federal tax law, IRS procedures, financial standards, and the taxpayer's individual circumstances.
SMIB Management, Inc. does not promise that every taxpayer will qualify to settle tax liabilities for less than the amount owed. Representation before the Internal Revenue Service is provided only by professionals authorized to practice before the IRS when such representation is included within the scope of an engagement.
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