DIY Tax Help: Complete Guide to Self-Service Tax Resolution

Why Choose DIY Tax Resolution?

Do-it-yourself tax resolution can save you thousands of dollars in professional fees while giving you complete control over your case. With the right guidance and tools, many taxpayers can successfully resolve their IRS issues independently.

Our platform provides the same analysis and strategies that tax professionals use, but at a fraction of the cost. You get expert-level guidance without the expensive hourly rates.

Common Tax Problems You Can Resolve Yourself

Back Tax Debt

If you owe less than $50,000 in combined tax, penalties, and interest, you can often set up an installment agreement online through the IRS website. For larger amounts or complex situations, our analysis helps determine your best options.

  • • Online Payment Agreement (OPA) for simple cases
  • • Streamlined Installment Agreement for amounts under $50K
  • • Full financial analysis for complex cases

Penalty Relief

Many taxpayers qualify for penalty abatement, especially first-time penalty abatement (FTA) or reasonable cause relief. These requests can often be handled through simple letters or phone calls.

  • • First-time penalty abatement (automatic for qualifying taxpayers)
  • • Reasonable cause abatement for specific circumstances
  • • Administrative waiver for certain penalty types

Currently Not Collectible Status

If you're experiencing financial hardship, you may qualify for Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status, which temporarily halts IRS collection activities while you get back on your feet.

  • • Temporary halt to collection activities
  • • Protection from wage garnishments and levies
  • • Time to improve your financial situation

Innocent Spouse Relief

If you filed a joint return and your spouse made errors or omissions without your knowledge, you may qualify for innocent spouse relief to eliminate your liability for their mistakes.

  • • Relief from spouse's tax errors
  • • Protection from joint liability
  • • Separation of liability options

Step-by-Step DIY Tax Resolution Process

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Before you can resolve your tax issues, you need a complete picture of your situation. This includes understanding exactly what you owe, your current financial capacity, and any special circumstances that might affect your case.

  • • Obtain account transcripts from the IRS
  • • Calculate your reasonable collection potential
  • • Document any special circumstances
  • • Review your compliance history

Step 2: Analyze Your Options

Not every relief option is available to every taxpayer. Your income, assets, expenses, and the amount you owe all factor into which programs you qualify for and which will provide the best outcome.

  • • Evaluate qualification criteria for each program
  • • Calculate potential outcomes and costs
  • • Consider long-term implications
  • • Prioritize options based on your goals

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Proper preparation is crucial for success. The IRS requires specific forms, documentation, and financial information. Missing or incorrect information can result in rejection and delays.

  • • Complete required forms accurately
  • • Gather supporting documentation
  • • Prepare financial statements
  • • Write compelling explanations when needed

Step 4: Submit and Follow Up

Submitting your application is just the beginning. The IRS review process can take months, and you may need to provide additional information or respond to requests for clarification.

  • • Submit applications with proper documentation
  • • Track your case status
  • • Respond promptly to IRS requests
  • • Maintain compliance during the process

When DIY Tax Resolution Makes Sense

You're a Good Candidate for DIY If:

  • • You owe less than $50,000 in total tax debt
  • • Your case is relatively straightforward
  • • You have time to dedicate to the process
  • • You're comfortable reading and completing forms
  • • You want to save money on professional fees
  • • You prefer to maintain control over your case

Consider Professional Help If:

  • • You owe more than $100,000
  • • You're facing criminal tax issues
  • • You have complex business tax problems
  • • You're dealing with Revenue Officers
  • • You've been unsuccessful with previous attempts
  • • You're uncomfortable handling IRS communications

Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Not staying current on new tax obligations

The IRS will reject most relief applications if you're not current on filing and paying current year taxes. Make sure you're compliant before applying.

Mistake: Providing incomplete financial information

The IRS requires complete and accurate financial disclosure. Omitting assets or income can result in rejection and potential fraud penalties.

Mistake: Missing deadlines

Many tax relief options have strict deadlines. Missing a deadline can eliminate your eligibility for certain programs permanently.

Mistake: Not understanding the long-term implications

Some relief options have tax consequences or affect your ability to use other programs in the future. Understand all implications before proceeding.

Tools and Resources for DIY Success

IRS Resources

  • • IRS.gov online tools
  • • Publication 594 (Collection Process)
  • • Form 656 (Offer in Compromise)
  • • Form 9465 (Installment Agreement)
  • • Account transcript requests

Financial Tools

  • • Collection Financial Standards
  • • Reasonable Collection Potential calculator
  • • Monthly payment calculators
  • • Asset valuation guides
  • • Expense documentation templates

Our Platform

  • • Personalized analysis
  • • Step-by-step guidance
  • • Form preparation assistance
  • • Document checklists
  • • Progress tracking

Ready to Start Your DIY Tax Resolution Journey?

Get a personalized analysis of your situation and discover which DIY options are available to you. Our platform provides the same analysis that tax professionals use, but at no cost.

Start with our free assessment and take control of your tax problems today.

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What Happens If You Wait

Late Filing Adds Penalties

Ignored Notices Trigger Bank Freezes

Unpaid Taxes Lead to Wage Garnishment

You can stop this — on your own — right now.

The IRS Has a Plan. Do You?

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The IRS Plan

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  • Daily compounding penalties and interest.
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