Resolution timelines vary depending on the issue and agency responsiveness. Bank levies and wage garnishments can often be stopped within 24–72 hours. Offers in Compromise, audit defense, and prosecution of Innocent Spouse Relief may take months, sometimes up to a year or more. We update you regularly throughout the process.
Do you communicate directly with the IRS and State agencies?
Yes. Once you sign Form 2848 (Power of Attorney), we handle all communications — letters, phone calls, audits, seizures — so you don’t have to do it yourself.
What happens if I get an IRS notice or audit letter?
Do not respond personally. Forward it to us and we immediately step in to manage your response, meet deadlines, and strategize your defense.
How much do your services cost?
Fees are based on complexity, type of case, and resolution needs. We provide upfront estimates—no hidden charges—and offer payment plans to make professional help accessible.
Can I qualify for an Offer in Compromise (OIC)?
You may qualify if your income, expenses, and assets indicate you’re unable to fully pay your tax liability. Offers can settle IRS debt for pennies on the dollar, though acceptance rates are low without expert preparation.
What's the difference between Innocent Spouse, Injured Spouse, and Equitable Relief?
Innocent Spouse Relief removes liability for taxes due to your spouse’s errors—if you didn’t know or weren’t involved.
Injured Spouse Relief protects your portion of a joint refund from offset due to your spouse’s separate debts.
Equitable Relief applies when it’s unfair to hold you responsible under all circumstances—even if you knew about the error.
When must I apply for Innocent Spouse Relief?
You generally have 2 years from the IRS’s first attempt to collect (e.g., levy or garnishment). Equitable relief may extend eligibility up to 10 years in certain cases.
What triggers an IRS audit?
Common triggers include large deductions, unreported income (e.g., 1099, crypto), business expenses, or random statistical selection. Even honest mistakes can lead to an audit.
How severe is payroll tax debt?
Unpaid payroll taxes are high priority for the IRS—because they involve funds the government collected on behalf of employees. You can face bank levies, personal liability via the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP), and even business shutdown.
What is Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status?
A financially struggling taxpayer can have collections halted through CNC status, also known as hardship, allowing time to recover. Interest continues but levies, garnishments, and seizures stop.
Can you help with state tax problems too?
Yes. We resolve issues with state tax agencies like the FTB, CDTFA, or those in other states, including garnishments, liens, audits, and franchise/sales tax problems.
I haven’t filed taxes in years — what should I do?
Start by filing your last 6 years to avoid penalties (refunds only available for 3 years). We reconstruct records, prepare accurate returns, and negotiate to reduce or eliminate penalties.
How are levies and seizures different?
A levy captures wages, bank accounts, or third-party payments.
A seizure takes physical assets like homes, cars, or business equipment. Both can be stopped — but seizures often require rapid, intensive intervention.
Will resolving my debt hurt my credit score?
The IRS and state tax debts are federal or state obligations, not consumer debt. They don’t appear on your credit report—but liens, garnishments, and asset seizures can damage your creditworthiness.
Is DIY resolution a good idea?
Most DIY efforts fail—or result in worse outcomes. The IRS issues scam warnings, and only licensed professionals (CPAs, EAs, attorneys) have the credentials and experience to negotiate effectively.
What sets National Tax Aid apart?
Led by John Fitzgerald, CPA & Tax Attorney — rare, dual credentials
Choose the relevant service page above for the problem you’re facing.
Call (949) 398‑0918 or submit a free consultation form.
Sign Form 2848, and let us stop the IRS — so you can get your life back.
Why Choose National Tax Aid?
30+ years of experience in tax controversy
Led by a licensed CPA and Tax Attorney, John Fitzgerald
Over 20,000 tax returns
We serve individuals & businesses across all 50 states
Serving Orange County and Beyond - Request Immediate Bank Levy Help
Our offices in Tustin and Irvine serve clients throughout Orange County, including Anaheim, Santa Ana, Mission Viejo, and more. But no matter where you are — we can help. Don’t lose another dollar, call us now for urgent help.
