Dealing with the IRS
Dealing with the IRS - What to Do When the IRS Contacts You
We Decode Every IRS Notice For You
No guessing what it means or what to do next
THOROUGH
You Stop Dealing with the IRS Directly
We take over every call, letter, and response
HANDS-OFF
No More Surprises in Your Mailbox
We manage the IRS so you stop dreading the post
PROTECTED
Rachel Kim
IRS Enrolled Agent - 13 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
IRS Notice Received
CP14 - $18,300 Balance Flagged
Day 1
Agent Assigned
Rachel Kim reviewing the notice. Response drafted.
Day 1
IRS Contacted On Your Behalf
Penalty Review Started. Client Off the Hook for Communication.
Day 1
Derek Osei
Tax Resolution Specialist - 8 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
Final Notice Reviewed
LT11 Levy Warning. Immediate Action Needed.
Day 1
Power of Attorney Filed
IRS Communication Fully Redirected
Day 2
Levy Threat Stopped
Agent Contacted IRS. Collections Paused.
Day 2
Nina Patel
IRS Resolution Attorney - 17 Years Experience
ACTIVE
Case Status
In Progess
CP503 Notice Reviewed
Second IRS Demand. Escalation Risk Identified.
Day 1
Response Strategy Prepared
Installment Agreement Application Started
Day 1
IRS Agreement Initiated
Monthly Payment Plan Filed. Enforcement Halted.
Day 3
What happens when IRS contact goes ignored
The IRS does not forget. It just gets louder.
If you feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. Start with the situation that matches what is happening right now, and you will land on the right next step.
The First Letter Shows Up
CP14, CP2000, or a balance notice lands in your mailbox. Most people leave it on the counter. This is still the easiest point to fix things.
act now
Follow-Up Notices Start Arriving
A second letter. Then a third. Penalties and interest keep adding to your balance every single month you wait.
escalating
Final Warning Notice Issued
The IRS sends a final notice before enforcement. This is the last stop before they come for your wages and accounts. Most people panic here.
critical
Enforcement Action Begins
Wage garnishment. Bank levy. Your employer gets a notice. Your account gets frozen. This is avoidable but only if you act before this step.
urgent
You Call Us, We Handle It
Your enrolled agent steps in right away. Power of attorney filed. The IRS now deals with us. You get to breathe again.
Protected
Tax relief is possible
Speak to a tax resolution expert today.
What Dealing with the IRS Actually Looks Like
Most people assume the worst. Most of those assumptions are wrong.
The IRS is not trying to ruin your life. It is following a process. And once you understand that process, it stops feeling impossible. That is what we are here for.
Common Myth
"If the IRS contacts me, I have to respond immediately or face consequences."
"Calling the IRS myself is the fastest way to sort this out."
"If I ignore it long enough, the IRS debt will expire."
"Once the IRS takes action, it is too late to do anything."
The Reality
Every IRS notice has a response window. Knowing which notice you have and what that window is matters more than panicking and calling the IRS the same day.
Calling the IRS without knowing your rights or your options often leads to agreements that do not serve you. A licensed professional knows what to say and what not to say.
IRS tax debt does have a statute of limitations but it is 10 years and the clock resets under certain conditions. Waiting it out almost never works the way people hope.
Enforcement can be stopped even after it starts. Garnishments can be released. Levies can be reversed. There is almost always a next move. You just need to know what it is.
Got a letter and not sure what it means? Start with a free case review.
Free consultation • No obligation • confidential
Not sure what your notice means?
Find Out Today
One question. Then we show you where you stand and what to do.
Your Options
Find the Right IRS Resolution Program for Your Situation
Offer in Compromise
Can't pay in full
Tax debt is stressful, and tax relief is a serious decision. Our approach is built around clear communication, realistic options, and steady progress, so you understand what is happening and why.
Best for you if
You owe more than you can realistically ever pay back and your income and assets are limited.
Typical Timeline
6 to 12 months from application to IRS decision. Collections paused during review.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Installment Agreement
Pay over time
A structured monthly payment plan negotiated directly with the IRS. Stops collection pressure while giving you a clear, manageable path to resolve your tax balance over an agreed period.
Best for you if
You can afford to pay your debt over time but need a structured plan that stops IRS enforcement.
Typical Timeline
30 to 90 days to set up. Payments begin immediately once approved by the IRS.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Currently Not Collectible
Pause collections
If paying your tax debt would create serious financial hardship, the IRS can temporarily halt all collection activity, no levies, no garnishments, no calls, while your financial situation is reassessed.
Best for you if
You have no ability to pay right now due to hardship, unemployment, or essential living expenses.
Typical Timeline
Can be granted quickly. Status is reviewed periodically by the IRS as your situation changes.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Penalty Abatement
Reduce penalties
IRS penalties added to your debt can be removed or reduced if you meet eligibility criteria. Often granted for first-time compliance issues or reasonable cause. Reduces your total balance without affecting the underlying tax.
Best for you if
Your balance has grown significantly due to penalties and interest and you have a history of compliance.
Typical Timeline
Response from IRS typically within 30 to 60 days of submission. Can be requested by phone or letter.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
Innocent Spouse Relief
Remove liability
If your spouse or former spouse created a tax liability without your knowledge or consent, you may be able to remove yourself from that debt entirely using the IRS Innocent Spouse Relief program.
Best for you if
You filed jointly with a spouse who understated income or claimed improper deductions without your knowledge.
Typical Timeline
6 months or more depending on complexity. An enrolled agent handles all IRS communication.
Not sure if this applies? Speak to an agent
None of These Feel Like a Fit?
Let's figure it out together
Every tax situation is different. If none of the above programs feel like a clear fit, an enrolled agent will review your full case, identify every option the IRS offers, and tell you honestly what applies at no cost to you.
Best for you if
Anyone unsure of their options or whose situation feels too complicated to fit a single program.
Typical Timeline
Your free case review typically takes 30 minutes. No paperwork needed to get started.
Results
real IRS notices.
real people.
real outcomes.
What happened after people stopped handling it alone
Our process
From your first call to your last IRS letter
We Read the Notice
You call or fill out the form. An enrolled agent reads your IRS letter, tells you exactly what it means, and explains what happens if nothing is done. No paperwork. No commitment.
We Get Between You and the IRS
We file your power of attorney. From that point forward, the IRS contacts us and not you. We handle every response, every deadline, and every request.
We Resolve It and Keep You Updated
We work toward the best available outcome for your specific situation and keep you informed at every step. No guessing. No silence. Just progress.
Why tax hardship center
Not just another firm telling you to call the IRS yourself
IRS EA
Enrolled Agents
Federally licensed to represent you directly before the IRS, not just advisors
A+
BBB Rated
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, verifiable, independent rating
50
States Licensed
Licensed to practice and represent clients in every state,federal and state tax issues
10,000+
Cases Resolved
Over a decade of resolving IRS and state tax cases across all 50 states
$0
Risk to You
We help you successfully resolve you case
2012
Established
Over a decade of experience, not a pop-up firm, a proven practice with a long track record
Ready to work with a team that actually gets levies released?
Testimonials
Trusted Help, With Clear Communication
When you are dealing with the IRS, you need clarity and follow through, not vague promises.
We focus on realistic options, straightforward communication, and a structured path from first call to resolution.
I review a lot of businesses. I am fair and want to provide information for people who genuinely are looking at a business to use for themselves. Regarding doing business with the Tax Hardship Center, it’s too good to be true but WOW. They helped me so much. I felt like I was out of a 10-year prison at the end. The feeling I had after they worked out all the issues I had with back tax penalties, etc., was just such a relief.
Special thanks to: Josh Bensimhon, Senior Tax Analyst, my first impression on the phone. After 2 months of searching, he was the first person that put me at ease. Jessy Zhu, Tax Preparer, for the speed and accuracy of getting the electronic form filled in and filed. Leslie Welch, Tax Preparation Associate, who clearly and precisely explained what my role was and the timeline I was on.
Gary M.
May 29th, 2024
G
Honestly I was really skeptical about getting involved with a company that deals with tax debts. After going down the tax debt resolution rabbit hole I saw so many horror stories other worrisome things, but I needed help.. badly. I got a notice of intent to levy and I knew if I did nothing my life would basically be over so I took a chance and prayed for the best.
I’m glad I did because it worked out better than I ever could have expected. Jeremy helped me understand my options and made the plan as well as the fees easy to understand and straight forward.
It ended up getting resolved better than I could have hoped for and I can finally sleep again.
I’m grateful to Jeremy, Kimberly, and the rest of my team. Thank you Tax Hardship Center
A F.
May 28, 2025
A
If you have unresolved tax issues, this is the company work with – I had a stellar experience and my tax issues were resolved in a much shorter time period than I had anticipated. Sarah, Alex and Clay were absolutely wonderful. All calls were returned promptly and they took the time to answer all questions I had. I very much appreciate their patience.
Katherine Hess was my case manager and she was absolutely wonderful to work with-she too answered all calls promptly and stayed in close contact every step of the way and her kindness, professionalism and patience were very much appreciated. I cannot recommend this company enough. If you have unresolved tax issues this is the company to work with-they go above and beyond for their clients!
Linda Little
Sep 20, 2025
L
I didn’t know if Tax Hardship could help me. I hadn’t filed tax returns in years and the IRS was sending me bills so I got scared and buried my head in the sand. I knew I had to do something about it when the letters started coming more frequently and seemed to be getting more aggressive. I decided to hire Tax Hardship and they were incredible.
My tax prepares got my returns filed quickly and the resolution team was a God send! They kept me updated throughout the process and answered all my questions. I’m now in “good standing” with the IRS
Alice P
June 06, 2026
A
20+ years of tax relief services.
Serving clients nationwide in all 50 states
Learn More
Resources To Understand What the IRS Is Telling You
If you are still trying to make sense of your IRS letter, these guides will help you understand what you are dealing with before you do anything else.
You set up a payment plan with the IRS, breathed easier, and...
The letter came on a Tuesday. Nothing about Tuesdays usually feels dangerous....
You open the mailbox. There it is. An envelope with that unmistakable...
One more thing
Every IRS Notice Has a Deadline. Most People Do Not Know Theirs.
Ignoring an IRS letter does not make the deadline go away. It makes the next letter worse and your options smaller. A free review takes 30 minutes and tells you exactly where you stand.
confidential • No obligation • IRS enrolled agents • BBB A+ Rated
Frequently asked questions
Questions People Ask before they call us
Straight answers. No runaround.
What is the difference between an IRS notice and an IRS letter?
An IRS notice usually has a specific notice number, like CP14 or LT11, and tells you exactly what action the IRS wants you to take. A letter may be more general and could be requesting information or confirming something. Either way, don’t ignore it. The first step is figuring out exactly what type of communication you received.
How long do I have to respond to an IRS notice?
The timeline depends on the notice, but many IRS notices give you around 30 days to respond. Some notices carry more serious consequences if ignored, especially those related to collections. Check the deadline on the notice and act before that date passes. Waiting usually limits your options.
Can the IRS contact me by phone or only by mail?
In most cases, the IRS starts by sending a letter through the mail. If you receive a phone call claiming to be the IRS before you’ve received any written notice, that’s a major red flag. Legitimate IRS contact almost always begins with official correspondence first.
What happens if I call the IRS myself without a professional?
You can call the IRS yourself, but it’s important to understand your options before you do. Many taxpayers agree to payment arrangements without knowing other relief programs may be available. Speaking with an enrolled agent first helps you understand the full picture before making decisions that can affect your case long term.
Is it too late to do something if I already ignored several notices?
Usually not. The IRS collection process happens in stages, and there are often still options available even after multiple notices have been ignored. The key is acting now instead of waiting longer. The sooner you address it, the more flexibility you typically have.
What does it mean when the IRS files a return on my behalf?
If you don’t file a required tax return, the IRS can create one using income information they already have. These substitute returns usually don’t include deductions, credits, or expenses that could lower your tax bill. As a result, the balance is often much higher than it should be. Filing your own return is almost always the better solution.
Can a tax professional stop enforcement even after it starts?
Yes. Even if a wage garnishment, bank levy, or other collection action has already begun, there may still be ways to stop or reverse it. The IRS has procedures that allow collections to be paused when the right resolution program is put in place. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of success.
How do I know if my IRS notice is real and not a scam?
Real IRS notices arrive by mail and include an official notice number, IRS letterhead, and clear instructions. The IRS will not demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. If you’re unsure, verify the notice directly through your IRS account or have a tax professional review it before responding.
What is the difference between a levy and a lien?
A lien is the IRS’s legal claim against your property because of unpaid taxes. A levy is when the IRS actually takes money or assets to satisfy the debt. Think of a lien as a warning that protects the government’s interest, while a levy is the collection action that follows if the debt remains unresolved.