Tax Relief 101
November 3, 2023
Exploring Different Forms of Tax Relief and Who Qualifies
Taxation, while a civic duty that keeps our country running, can sometimes become a hefty burden for individuals and businesses, especially during challenging economic times.
Fortunately, the tax code provides several forms of tax relief to help people who might find themselves unable to pay the IRS. Understanding the different forms of tax relief and the qualification criteria can empower taxpayers to take control of their financial obligations to the IRS and seek the necessary assistance.
This article explores the tax relief options available and who can qualify. If the IRS is claiming you owe $10,000 or more, contact our firm
immediately for a consultation and learn about your tax debt relief options.
Installment Agreements
An installment agreement allows taxpayers to pay their tax debts in manageable monthly installments. This is particularly beneficial for those who can’t pay their taxes in a lump sum.
Offer in Compromise (OIC)
An OIC is a provision that enables taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria. This form of relief is ideal for individuals facing financial hardship. Not everyone qualifies, but if you do, this can help you settle with the IRS for a fraction of what you originally owed. Reach out to our firm to see if you qualify.
Penalty Abatement
Penalties for unpaid taxes are hefty and often sink the taxpayer into deeper debt. That is why a penalty abatement can provide substantial relief by waiving certain penalties accrued on a tax debt. Individuals may qualify for penalty abatement if they have a reasonable cause for not complying with tax obligations, such as facing a serious illness or a natural disaster.
Innocent Spouse Relief
Taxpayers who filed joint returns and were unaware of their spouse’s erroneous or fraudulent tax reporting may qualify for innocent spouse relief. This provision can shield individuals from being held responsible for the tax liabilities arising from their spouse's actions.
Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status
The CNC status temporarily halts IRS collection activities for individuals facing financial hardship. To qualify, taxpayers must prove that paying the tax debt would result in severe financial hardship. Understanding your eligibility for these tax relief options can be the first step towards alleviating your tax burden.
It is advisable to consult with tax relief professionals who can provide personalized advice based on your unique financial situation. If you are facing a daunting tax bill or dealing with IRS issues, reaching out to a tax relief professional like us can provide clarity and help you navigate the complex tax landscape towards a resolution. If you owe over $10,000 to the IRS or have unfiled tax returns, give us a call
for a free, no-obligation consultation
to see which of
the above programs you qualify for.

Under the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3), qualified tips are any cash tip received by an individual with a valid Social Security number and in an occupation that 'customarily and regularly' received tips on or before Dec. 31, 2024. They include tips that are paid in cash or charged. The Treasury Department has not yet released the “official” list of occupations that qualify for the No Tax on Tips Regulations. It is expected, though, that the job titles will include but not be limited to those listed below: 1) Food & Beverage : Bartenders, Wait Staff, Servers, Chefs, and Cooks 2) Entertainment: Gambling Dealers, Change Persons, Booth Cashiers, Dancers, Musicians, Singers, Entertainers, and Other Performers 3) Personal Services: Personal Care Workers, Private Event Planners, Photographers, Videographers, Event Officiants, Pet Caretakers, Tutors, Nannies, and Babysitters. 4) Personal Appearance & Wellness: Skincare Specialists, Massage T herapists, Barbers, Hairdressers, Cosmetologists, Manicurists, Exercise Trainers, and Group Fitness Instructors. 5) Recreation : Golf Caddies, and Tour & Travel Guides. 6) Transportation : Ride Share, Taxi, and Food Delivery, Drivers, Porters, and Sky Caps. The final list is expected to be issued in October, 2025. Some implications of the No Tax on Tips Regulations. First , the deduction is for qualified tips of up to $25,000 per year regardless of how many employers you have during the year. The tax savings will be in the form of a tax deduction when you file your Federal tax return the following year. Second , qualified tips must be reported to the individual on one of three forms to be eligible for the deduction; a) Form W-2; b) Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation; or c) Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transactions. Third , it only applies to Federal income taxes. It does not include State, Local, Social Security or Medicare taxes. Finally, the maximum annual deduction of $25,000 for single filers and $25,000 each for joint or married filing separately filers phases out by $100 for each $1,000 for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $150,000 (or $300,000 for joint filers). How Advantage Tax Relief Can Assist You At Advantage Tax Relief, based in Itasca, IL, we have over a decade of experience helping individuals and businesses resolve tax issues. Our team specializes in offering personalized tax relief and tax resolution solutions tailored to your unique needs. We will work with you to assess your situation and explore your options, whether it’s an Offer in Compromise, installment agreements, or other strategies. Our experience allows us to identify the best path forward to ease your tax burden and guide you toward financial freedom. If you're facing tax debt, don't wait. Advantage Tax Relief is here to assist you with effective, professional help. Call Advantage Tax Relief today at 630-773-3200 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your tax issues.

First, working overtime does not mean you are getting an automatic increase in your take-home pay because it is not going to be taxed. That is not what is going to happen. The tax savings will be in the form of a tax deduction when you file your Federal tax return the following year. There will be no immediate impact. Second, it only applies for Federal income taxes. It does not include State, Social Security or Medicare taxes. Third, it also only applies to the overtime premium and within certain deduction and wage limits. You can only deduct the pay that exceeds your regular rate of pay. The 'half' portion of 'time-and-a-half' compensation. For example, say you make $20 per hour and work 5 hours of overtime that week at time-and-a-half. The deduction would the Federal tax on $50 of premium pay. ($20 divided by 2 times 5 hours) Finally, the maximum annual deduction is $12,500 for single filers and $25,000 for joint filers. The deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $150,000 (or $300,000 for joint filers).
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