What to Do If You Have an IRS Balance: Solutions from Advantage Tax Relief
December 9, 2024

If you’re dealing with an IRS balance, you don’t have to face it alone. With the right guidance, you can find a resolution that works for you and your financial situation. Here’s how to approach the issue.
What Steps Should You Take?
1. Don’t Ignore the Issue
Ignoring your tax debt won’t make it go away. In fact, it can make things worse. Unresolved balances accrue penalties and interest over time, making your debt grow larger. The sooner you address it, the better your chances of minimizing these additional charges.
2. Confront the Debt Head-On
Turning a blind eye to your IRS balance can lead to serious consequences, such as wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens on your property. It’s crucial to address the debt as soon as possible to prevent the situation from escalating.
3. Assess Your Financial Situation
Take a close look at your finances to determine how you ended up with an IRS balance. Did you fail to file your taxes, or were you simply unable to pay the full amount due? Understanding the root cause of your debt can help you choose the best course of action for resolving it.
4. Explore IRS Payment Options
The IRS offers several payment solutions for taxpayers who owe money. These include:
Installment Agreements: Pay off your balance over time through manageable monthly payments.
Offers in Compromise: Settle your tax debt for less than what you owe if you meet certain criteria.
Currently Not Collectible Status: If you're facing financial hardship, the IRS may temporarily halt collection efforts.
At Advantage Tax Relief, John Bruszewski can help you explore these options and find the best strategy for your financial situation.
5. Stay in Compliance
Once you’ve set up a payment plan or reached a resolution, it’s important to stay on track. This means filing future tax returns on time and making payments as agreed. Staying compliant is essential to avoid further complications with the IRS.
6. Seek Professional Help
Navigating the IRS can be complicated and overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the tax laws and procedures. Working with an experienced tax professional can make the process smoother and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. The IRS tends to work more favorably with tax resolution experts, so having a professional like John Bruszewski on your side can help you achieve the best possible result.
Why Choose Advantage Tax Relief?
John Bruszewski and the team at Advantage Tax Relief
specialize in resolving IRS balances and offering tax relief strategies that are tailored to your individual situation. Whether it’s negotiating a payment plan or exploring more advanced solutions, we’re here to help you get back on track.
Don’t Face the IRS Alone—Get Help Today!
If you have an outstanding IRS balance, don’t wait for the situation to worsen. Call Advantage Tax Relief
now at 630-773-3200 for a free consultation and take the first step toward resolving your tax issues.

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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