The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for collecting taxes to fund government programs and services. When taxpayers fail to pay their taxes on time, the IRS has several methods to collect the outstanding balance. One of these methods is passive collection, which involves actions taken by the IRS without direct contact with the taxpayer.
Passive Collection Methods
1. Filing a Notice of Federal Tax Lien
A Notice of Federal Tax Lien is a public notice that the IRS has a legal claim against a taxpayer’s property. This lien secures the government’s interest as a creditor and gives the IRS priority over other creditors in certain situations, such as bankruptcy or property sales. A tax lien can damage a taxpayer’s credit score and make it difficult to obtain loans or other forms of credit.
2. Serving a Notice of Levy
A Notice of Levy is a legal document that authorizes the IRS to seize and sell property to satisfy a tax debt. The IRS can levy various assets, including:
- Real estate
- Vehicles
- Bank accounts
- Wages
- Social Security benefits
- Retirement income
The IRS typically issues a Notice of Levy after sending multiple notices and attempting to contact the taxpayer.
3. Offsetting Refunds
The IRS can offset any federal tax refunds due to a taxpayer to satisfy an outstanding tax debt. This includes refunds from income taxes, Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs), and Child Tax Credits (CTCs). The IRS will apply the refund amount to the taxpayer’s tax balance, reducing or eliminating the debt.
Impact of Passive Collection Actions
Passive collection actions can have severe consequences for taxpayers. A tax lien can damage credit scores, making it difficult to obtain loans or other forms of credit. A levy can result in the seizure and sale of assets, potentially causing financial hardship. Offsetting refunds can reduce or eliminate tax refunds that taxpayers rely on for financial stability.
Avoiding Passive Collection Actions
To avoid passive collection actions, taxpayers should:
- File and pay taxes on time.
- Contact the IRS if they cannot pay their taxes on time to discuss payment options.
- Respond promptly to IRS notices and correspondence.
- Keep accurate records of tax payments and correspondence with the IRS.
Passive collection is a powerful tool that the IRS can use to collect unpaid taxes. Taxpayers who fail to pay their taxes on time should be aware of the potential consequences and take steps to avoid these actions. By understanding the IRS’s passive collection methods and taking proactive measures, taxpayers can protect their financial well-being and avoid unnecessary hardship.
The IRS has 10 years to collect your taxes
FAQ
How does IRS collect unpaid taxes?
Does the IRS outsource collections?
Does the IRS forgive tax debt after 10 years?
What does the IRS do with the money it collects?
What is the IRS collection process?
This publication provides a general description of the IRS collection process. The collection process is a series of actions that the IRS can take to collect the taxes you owe if you don’t voluntarily pay them. The collection process will begin if you don’t make your required payments in full and on time, after receiving your bill.
How long does the IRS have to collect taxes?
The IRS generally has 10 years – from the date your tax was assessed – to collect the tax and any associated penalties and interest from you. This time period is called the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED). Your account can include multiple tax assessments, each with their own CSED. Examples may include:
What happens if I don’t pay my tax?
If you don’t pay your tax in full when you file your tax return, you’ll receive a bill for the amount you owe. This bill starts the collection process, which continues until your account is satisfied or until the IRS may no longer legally collect the tax; for example, when the time or period for collection expires.
How long can the IRS collect back taxes?
For how many years can the IRS collect back taxes? For most common back tax scenarios, there is a 10-year statute of limitations for collecting back taxes. Federal law essentially gives the IRS collection process ten years past the filing deadline for each year’s taxes to collect what is owed.