Owe back taxes? Deal with it. You may get a discount

"It's a privilege to pay taxes. Yeah! It's not a political question folks. We have to pay for stuff." - Lewis Black. Stand-up comedian. (1948 -    )

BY JULIA ANDERSON
There are many situations that can put you behind in paying your federal U.S. income taxes. An unexpected major health issue could suck up all your savings and put you on the verge of bankruptcy. Maybe you lost a job and are not back on your feet.

Or you are self-employed, business has been slow, and you are behind in sending quarterly estimated self-employed federal tax payments to the Internal Revenue Service. You may have children or grandchildren who are facing a federal tax issue. 

Whatever the circumstances of “getting in trouble” with the IRS, you (or family members) need to deal with it. These circumstances all require a tax return. It is no use hiding out.

If you ignore the issue, it only gets worse because “back taxes” and late payment penalties pile up.

“People need to start the dialogue as soon as possible,” David Tucker, IRS spokesman in Seattle, told me. “Let the IRS know that you have an intent to pay. We will work with that individual to resolve the situation. When there’s no communication…that’s the problem,” Tucker said.

He recommends that if you face a complex tax situation, hire a tax professional who can walk you through the process of sorting out and catching-up.  A tax pro can tell you what documentation you will need before meeting with the IRS, what you will need to claim certain tax-deductible expenses.

“From the standpoint of the IRS, we want the (tax-paying) process to be as easy as possible,” Tucker said. “If you haven’t paid taxes for a number of years, we want to work with you. Think of it as a collaboration rather than an adversarial situation. But don’t ignore IRS notices that may be coming in the mail. Call us,” he said.

Doing the research
If you think you are in tax trouble, make an online visit to IRS.gov. Read up on the IRS “Offer in Compromise” tax debt program that may allow you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. This is about as painless as it can get if you owe back taxes.

Low-income? Still file.
Meanwhile, if you are in a low-income bracket, you may think you don’t need to file a federal tax return. Reconsider because you might be leaving money on the table.

“People should look at filing a return regardless of whether they owe any taxes,” Tucker said. “They should go through the process to see if they qualify for a refundable credit or other tax credits.”

For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit, applies to individuals (and couples) who work but don’t earn much. The average EITC “refund” is $2,400.

As well, you may qualify for a Child Tax Credit or the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which provides incentives for going to college.

Who must file? Just about everyone.
Tucker explained that as a single taxpayer under age 65, you must file a return if your gross income (in 2017) is at least $10,350. If you are 65 or older, you must file if your gross income is $11,900 or more.

GETTING HELP:
If you owe back taxes contact the IRS: click here.
For more about the Offer to Compromise program, click here. 
Owe Taxes? These Tips can Help. click here

In Portland, contact the IRS Tax and Business Center at 1220 SW Third Ave. in the Federal Building in downtown Portland. Make an appointment in advance for a face-to-face meeting by calling 844-545-5640. Be prepared to explain your situation. Ask what documentation you should bring to the meeting.

If you qualify for low-income tax credits: You can get FREE help during the tax filing season by contacting a volunteer with the Income Tax Assistance Program sponsored by the AARP Foundation. Search online for AARP tax-aide locations near you.

FOR MORE:
5 Tips for People who Owe Taxes, click here.