Not paying your taxes on time entails various consequences. If you are having trouble paying your taxes in full, don't let it hinder you in filing your tax return timely. Consider paying as large a percentage of the amount owed or borrow money from others in order to settle your tax liability in full. Filing a return and not including full payment can save you large amounts of penalties and fees. Moreover, payment plans are available and being on a current payment plans avoids IRS collection process which may include, property seizures, garnishments etc. Most CPA firms can advise you on these matters.
These are the ordinary penalties:
· "Filing Failure" penalty
5% per month on the amount of tax due on the return to a maximum of 25%
· "Payment Failure" penalty
.5% per month on the amount of your tax due on the return to a maximum of 25%
· Both "Filing Failure" penalty and "Payment Failure" penalty apply
The "Filing Failure" penalty lowers to 4.5% per month and "Payment Failure" penalty is
.5% per month. The combined penalty stays at 5%. The maximum penalty for both is 25%. Then, the "Payment Failure" penalty continues at.5% per month another 45 more months. Both penalties can go to a maximum of 47.5%.
Besides the penalties above, interest is charged on late payments. Also when you are self-employed, you take full responsibility for paying the taxes as money is earned through the year.
Payment extensions are provided when it can be proven that unwarranted hardship exists. Inconvenience caused by paying the tax isn't enough grounds for unwarranted hardship. The taxpayer must show that paying the tax would cause significant difficulty and/or expense. For example, a fire sale, selling property at an extremely discounted price, since the person faces the difficulty of paying taxes.
When a payment extension is granted, interest is still charged but the "Payment Failure" penalty is waived. The payment extension is usually good for six months from the due date of the return. The IRS will lengthen time allowed for a payment extension due to some circumstances..
To apply for a payment extension use Form 1127. Form 1127 requires a taxpayer to provide detailed statements of; assets and liabilities, statement income for each of the 3 months prior to the due date of the tax return and statement expenses for each of the 3 months prior to the due date of the tax return.
Paying Income Taxes With Borrowed Funds
Borrowing money to settle tax obligations is an option. Here are some various scenarios:
· Loan From Individuals
Borrow from relatives or friends. Interest rates are probably lower.
· Loans From Banks Or Other Commercial Institutions
Interest on this type of loan is usually considered a non-deductible personal interest expense. Typically a financially troubled taxpayer has a hard time to qualify for this type of loan.
· Home Equity Loan
Interest rates may be lower than with other types of loans. The interest payments may be tax-deductible. This is usually the cheapest option.
· Credit Card
There are a number of companies approved to accept credit cards or debit cards to pay income tax. Note, interest charges may be high and is usually considered a non-deductible personal interest expense. On top of this interest, the companies approved to accept credit cards or debit cards to pay income tax charge a service fee.
Monthly Payment Agreement Request
File form 9465 to apply for a monthly payment agreement with IRS, this can be done online at WWW.IRS.GOV. This process can be done after a hardship extension expires. Form 9465 requires less information than Form 1127 regarding the hardship extension. No financial statements are required if tax due is under $50,000.
When the amount owed is more than $50,000 Form 433-A Collection Information Statement for Wage Earners and Self-Employed Individuals is required. This form helps the IRS obtain detailed, information about you. Consider consulting a CPA Firm about allowable expenses and national living standards that correspond to Form 433-A.
There is a fee for the monthly payment agreement and it is deducted from the first payment if the request is approved. When the payment agreement request is approved, interest on any tax due date is still imposed. However the "Payment Failure" penalty is reduced to.25 % instead of.5% if the return is timely filed.
The monthly payment agreement has a fee of $120. The fee is reduced to $52 when a person permits the IRS auto debit from their account. In the event the taxpayer qualifies as a low-income the fee is reduced to $43.
Monthly Payment Agreements may be terminated if IRS thinks the probability of obtaining payments are at risk. The IRS will also terminate a monthly payment agreement if the financial information supplied was not accurate or complete.
Other reasons for terminating the agreement are the following:
• Failing to make a monthly payment.
• Failing to pay another tax liability when it's due.
• Failing to provide updated financial information.
• IRS finds out that your financial condition has improved.
A written notice will be sent by the IRS 30 days prior to changing or terminating a monthly payment agreement. IRS will also provide the grounds for changing or terminating a monthly payment agreement. The requirement for written notice does not apply when the IRS believes the collection of tax owed is at risk.
Thus, it is very important that tax returns are filed properly even if full payment cannot be made. Options like hardships extensions or monthly payment agreements may be availed to prevent further charges, penalties and other serious consequences.
We hope this article was helpful. This article is an example for purposes of illustration only and is intended as a general resource, not a recommendation.
We can help deal with the IRS and paying your taxes. Accountant Pompano Beach here to help!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Peter_D._Rudolph/1367050
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