If you have found yourself in a position where you need to utilize tax relief services, you are probably wondering how long the process typically takes. Read on for the answer to that question and see some examples of past timelines.
So, how long does it take to resolve a tax relief case? The long answer is – it depends. Each tax situation is unique, so there is not a one-size-fits-all answer that would apply. The short answer is that it generally takes six months to two years to resolve. However, it can take longer than two years depending on the complexity of the issue.
For example, if we are planning to file an Offer in Compromise with the IRS on your behalf, but you have unfiled tax returns, the unfiled tax returns would need to be prepared and sent to the IRS before we could even begin working on the Offer in Compromise.
Once we start working on an Offer in Compromise, all required documents – bank statements, financial records, etc. – would need to be assembled and submitted by the taxpayer. The Offer in Compromise would then be prepared and submitted to the IRS. From there, the IRS can take anywhere from six to nine months to process the submitted Offer in Compromise. After it has been reviewed, a settlement officer would be assigned to the case. They can either accept the request, which would be the best-case scenario, or they could deny the request, which would require the case to go through an Appeals process. The Appeals process alone can take another six months to a year.
On the other hand, if your tax relief issue is regarding a wage levy, the process can be much faster. Once a POA is obtained, the tax professional can contact the IRS on the taxpayer’s behalf and set up an installment agreement. In some situations, a levy issue can be resolved in as quickly as one week.
Another example is setting up an installment agreement. While some installment agreements, like a streamlined installment agreement, can quickly be handled online, others that require sending in documentation to the IRS can fall within the six months to a year timeline. It truly depends on the individual situation.
As the examples above indicate, it is really difficult to say how long a relief case will take because there are a myriad of factors to be considered and everyone’s situation is truly unique. The best course of action is to speak to a tax professional. They can assess the situation and provide guidance on the amount of work and time they believe it would take to resolve your unique issue.
If you would like more information on the tax relief services we offer, click here to learn more! If you don’t want to commit to anything upfront, we do offer a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our seasoned tax professionals who will discuss your tax situation and give you estimated timelines for case resolutions.
