IRS or FTB Tax Troubles? Tax Relief is Available (pun intended)
Highly recommend contacting Fidelity Tax Relief (FTR) services, if so! Tried negotiating with both more than 5 years. Circa-January 2016 received notice that a "Legal Hold" was placed on small amount remaining in my bank account. Bank's representative stated IRS issued hold due to "failure to respond to their 3 attempts at contacting me." Sent them via certified mail a proposed installment agreement August 2015...was awaiting reply within 3 months. Apparently, in April 2015 tax preparer had used an old address when my 2014 taxes were filed (which was a closed P O Box address located in another county). I had overlooked the address and simply signed/mailed it as is because I was filing at April 15th deadline! I was 'retired out of my job of 12 years, late-2014 and am living on a fixed income.
The IRS representative said they wrote to address filed with my . taxes. When they didn't receive a response put a lien on all my assets vs. respond to my August installment agreement. Over next few years I received additional holds on large or small amounts from either the IRS or FTB lien hold departments. These liens prevented me from moving without paying a rent deposit equivalent to that of a home purchase down payment! Some family members suggested I contact a tax resolution company for assistance. I retorted that I don't have any money to give anyone else if I can't pay overdue taxes and am struggling to pay for current living/medical costs!!! Due to these alternating liens and annual rent increases realized I was being 'priced out of' having a roof over my head, buying food, personal items and medicines to live i.e., if I couldn't afford to move out. Exasperated with the constant liens coupled with annual rent increases I finally engaged FTR in April 2018.
Does this sound like anything you have experienced or are experiencing? If so, all is not lost - there is light at the end of the tunnel. I realized that to obtain relief from the stress I've been experiencing re taxes owed I needed help so reached out to FTR, April 2018. Although I was surprised at amount it would cost to obtain their help it was less than what I owed government, which already has plenty of the money I've contributed over 50 years of working. Sometimes 4 jobs simultaneously to support myself and 4 children as a Single Parent.
After being assessed a proposed $258 a month rent increase at a previous apartment, I moved mid-January 2019 to room with someone. Fast forward to Feb. 10th I checked account to determine whether rent paid had cleared bank. Discovered there was another legal hold for entire rent amount! Roommate's portion wasn't deposited until the 7th and was still there February 8th when we received a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit.
The Franchise Tax Board had attempted to confiscate total rent shares. Yikes! After contacting bank and finding out FTB had issued a lien hold I reached out to Yelena at FTR, who immediately went to work on my behalf. I provided her with bank's info and copy of the 3-Day Notice. Yelena, Frank and other members of FTR's Legal obtained a release of FTB's lien hold (provided I meet certain conditions) and had the bank reverse withdrawal the SAME DAY! She promised to contact bank the following day if monies weren't returned to my account. Our monies were restored. I am happy to report we were able to pay rent on the 11th - attributed to Yelena and the team's swift responses.
That said, realize failure to check address on my tax filings and inability to pay taxes on early 401K withdrawals (due to hardship life circumstances) prompted all these tax liens. This chain of events was not due to this fine agency's fault; rather it was due to a series of events which culminated in the government breathing down my neck to satisfy tax liabilities. That is, based upon rules and regulations established by our government which is "for the people." While my set of circumstances is heart wrenching and unbearable at times from associated stress, these things are facts of life and living.
I will be forever grateful to FTR for all the help they are providing once we have finalized this indebtedness! So happy they are there to assist myself and others who have enough sense to stop trying to 'fight the government' on their own strength and not seek help from these true, friendly professionals at Fidelity Tax Relief. Suggest you try FTR, read and understand agreement documents (ask questions if you don't) and do respond timely to requests. They can and will help, however it is incumbent upon those who contracted with them to do his/her part.
Remember, it is not worth giving up one's life (committing suicide or some other devious thing) to pay taxes owed from monies you don't have. Finally, trying to run/hide from government is futile. Best wishes to everyone striving to live under the pressure of owing taxes! read more