How Long Does the IRS Have to Collect From You—and What Stops That Clock?

One of the most persistent myths about tax debt is that it lasts forever. Many taxpayers have heard the IRS has ten years to collect, but very few understand how that timeline actually works—or how easily it can be extended. The truth is that while the IRS generally has ten years to collect a tax […]

Can the IRS Really Garnish Social Security Benefits?

Can the IRS Really Garnish Social Security Benefits? For many retirees and individuals living on fixed income, Social Security feels untouchable. It is often described as protected income, safe from creditors and lawsuits, and essential for covering basic living expenses. When federal tax debt enters the picture, that sense of protection can disappear quickly. Yes, […]

Which IRS Penalties Are Easiest to Remove in New York?

For New York taxpayers, IRS penalties often feel worse than the original tax bill. A balance that started as something manageable can quietly balloon as penalties and interest stack month after month. Many people assume those penalties are fixed and unavoidable. In reality, some IRS penalties are far easier to remove than others if you […]

What Happens When You Owe the IRS but Can’t Afford to Pay Anything

Owing money to the IRS is stressful. Owing money you truly cannot afford to pay is something else entirely. For many people, tax debt isn’t the result of recklessness or overspending. It comes from life events — job loss, medical issues, business downturns, divorce, or years of trying to keep things afloat while falling behind. […]

Why the IRS Thinks You Underreported Income on Long Island — And How to Fix It Before It Becomes a Bigger Problem

Many Long Island taxpayers are surprised when an unexpected IRS notice arrives accusing them of underreporting income. It can happen in Uniondale, Hempstead, Garden City, the Five Towns, Hicksville, Queens-adjacent neighborhoods, and everywhere in between. The notice might be a CP2000, a Proposed Assessment, or something labeled “Income Discrepancy.” No matter the version, the message […]

Why Long Islanders Are Seeing Higher Balances on IRS Notices

Long Islanders often discover they owe more than expected when the IRS issues an adjustment notice. These letters can feel intimidating, but understanding why they happen helps you regain control. Income Reporting from Multiple Sources Long Island residents frequently juggle multiple income streams: Any omission leads the IRS to add tax automatically. Misapplied Credits If […]

How to Stop an IRS Wage Garnishment Fast in New York

Few things feel as violating as opening your paycheck and realizing the IRS has already taken a big slice of it. For many New Yorkers, that’s the first time the reality of a tax problem fully hits. Up until then, notices could be ignored, stacked on the counter, or pushed to “later.” A wage garnishment […]