Frequently asked questions

TaxStrategyHQ is a matching service that connects consumers who owe the IRS with vetted tax resolution specialists. We are not a tax firm, and we do not provide tax, legal, or financial advice. Our role is to help you find a qualified professional for your situation.

Yes. There is no cost to you for the eligibility check or the match. The tax resolution firm you are matched with sets their own fees and will explain their pricing before you commit to anything.

We look for firms led by Enrolled Agents, CPAs, or Tax Attorneys, the professionals authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS under Circular 230. We also evaluate their fee transparency and whether their advertising makes misleading outcome claims. Full details are on our vetting standards page.

No. We match you with one firm. Your information is shared only with that one firm. We do not sell, syndicate, or ping-tree your data to multiple buyers or lead networks.

We serve consumers in 49 US states. California is not currently available due to state regulatory considerations.

The IRS offers several options depending on your situation: Offer in Compromise (settle for less than owed), installment agreements (monthly payment plans), penalty abatement (reduce or remove penalties), Currently Not Collectible status (pause collections), and the Fresh Start Program (expanded access to these options). Eligibility depends on your financial situation and is determined by the IRS.

Most tax resolution firms focus on cases involving $10,000 or more in tax debt. Below that threshold, the IRS's own self-service options (online payment agreements, first-time penalty abatement by phone) may be sufficient without professional help.

Yes. The IRS has the authority to issue wage garnishments (called wage levies) and bank levies to collect unpaid taxes. They typically send several notices before taking enforcement action. If you have received a notice of intent to levy, it is important to respond before the deadline stated in the notice.

The IRS generally has 10 years from the date a tax is assessed to collect the debt. This is called the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED). After the CSED passes, the IRS writes off the remaining balance. Certain actions (filing an OIC, bankruptcy, leaving the country) can pause or extend this clock.

Unfiled returns must typically be filed before the IRS will consider any resolution option. The IRS may also file a return on your behalf (called a Substitute for Return, or SFR), which usually results in a higher tax liability because it does not include deductions or credits you may be entitled to. Filing your own return replaces the SFR and often reduces the amount owed.

All three credential types can represent you before the IRS. Tax attorneys are helpful when legal issues are involved (criminal investigations, Tax Court). CPAs bring broader financial expertise. Enrolled Agents specialize specifically in IRS tax matters and representation. The best fit depends on your situation.

A federal tax lien (which the IRS files publicly when you owe $10,000+) can appear on your credit report and affect your ability to borrow. Resolving the debt and requesting a lien withdrawal after full payment or an accepted resolution can improve your credit standing. The resolution process itself is between you and the IRS and is not reported to credit bureaus.

We review your responses, match you with the firm in our network best suited to your case, and share your contact information with that firm. They will reach out (typically within one business day) to discuss your situation and explain your options. You are under no obligation to proceed.

Timelines vary by program. A streamlined installment agreement can be set up in days. An Offer in Compromise typically takes 6 to 12 months for the IRS to process. Currently Not Collectible status can be established in weeks. Your matched specialist will give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.

Fees vary by firm and by the complexity of the case. Most firms charge a flat fee or a phased fee structure. Expect to discuss pricing during your initial consultation with the matched firm. TaxStrategyHQ does not charge consumers any fees.