By this point in the series, you understand how IRS collections progress and how long the IRS has to collect a tax debt. The next step in that process often introduces a term that causes immediate concern. The federal tax lien. At Capital City Professional Services , we often find that taxpayers hear the word “lien” and assume something has already been taken from them. In reality, a lien is not the same as a levy or seizure. Understanding that distinction is important. What

After learning about installment agreements, hardship status, and partial payment plans, many taxpayers begin asking a deeper question. How long can the IRS keep trying to collect this debt? The answer lies in something called the collection statute expiration date , often referred to as the CSED. At Capital City Professional Services , understanding this timeline is one of the most important parts of building a tax resolution strategy. The IRS does not have unlimited time to

In the previous post, we discussed Currently Not Collectible status and how the IRS may pause collections when someone cannot afford to pay anything toward their tax debt. But what happens if you can  afford to pay something, just not enough to pay the full balance before the IRS collection period ends? This situation is where a Partial Pay Installment Agreement may come into play. At Capital City Professional Services , this option is often misunderstood because it sits in t

After learning what the IRS looks at when reviewing your finances, a natural question follows. What happens if the numbers show I truly cannot afford to pay anything right now? This is where “Currently Not Collectible” status, often abbreviated as CNC, enters the conversation. At Capital City Professional Services , we explain CNC carefully because it offers relief, but it is not the same as forgiveness. Understanding what it does, and what it does not do, prevents false expe