The CuraDebt Tax Team: Getting Clear On Your IRS And State Tax Options
Not sure which tax relief path is yours? Take the 10-second check below.
What the tax team helps you sort out
Back taxes rarely stay simple. A single unpaid year can grow penalties, trigger notices, and turn into a lien or a threatened levy. The tax team exists to cut through that and get you a clear read on where you stand and what relief you may qualify for, without the guesswork of trying to decode IRS letters alone. Here is the ground it covers.
| If you're dealing with... | What the tax team helps you understand |
|---|---|
| Back taxes owed to the IRS or a state | The total picture across years, and which resolution paths realistically fit your numbers. |
| An Offer in Compromise question | Whether settling for less than the full balance is even a realistic option for your finances. |
| Penalties piling up | Whether you may qualify for penalty abatement and how to ask for it. |
| A payment you can't afford | Installment agreements and, in hardship, currently-not-collectible status. |
| A lien, levy, or wage garnishment threat | What the notice actually means and how quickly you need to act. |
| Unfiled returns | Getting back into compliance, which is usually the gate to any relief. |

The main tax-relief paths, in plain English
Most IRS resolutions come down to a handful of programs. You do not need to master them, you just need to know which one your situation points toward.
How getting matched works
You do not have to figure out which path is yours on your own. The process is quick and built around your numbers.
1. Share the basics. Roughly what you owe, to the IRS or a state, and whether you have received any notices. This takes about two minutes.
2. Get a clear read. You will see which resolution paths are realistic for your situation, so the alphabet soup of IRS programs turns into a short, relevant list.
3. Move forward with help. If it makes sense, you are connected with an independent tax relief firm that can handle the filing and negotiation. There is no obligation to proceed.
Why acting sooner helps
IRS problems reward early action. Penalties and interest compound, notices carry deadlines, and options like stopping a levy narrow the longer you wait. Getting a clear read now, even if you do nothing yet, means you understand your window before it closes. It costs nothing and takes about two minutes to check what you may qualify for.
You can also read about your tax debt relief options and how Currently Not Collectible status works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CuraDebt tax team help with?
The tax team helps you get a clear picture of IRS and state back taxes: how much you owe across years, which relief programs realistically fit your situation, what any notices mean, and what to do about liens, levies, penalties, or unfiled returns. The goal is to replace guesswork with a short, relevant list of options.
What is an Offer in Compromise?
An Offer in Compromise is an IRS program that lets you settle your tax debt for less than the full amount when you genuinely cannot pay it in full and the IRS agrees it is the most it can expect to collect. Whether you qualify depends on your income, expenses, and assets, so not everyone is eligible.
Can I set up a payment plan for back taxes?
Yes. An installment agreement lets you pay your tax debt over time in monthly amounts instead of a lump sum, which stops the pressure of a full-balance demand and keeps you in good standing. The right structure depends on how much you owe and what you can afford each month.
Can IRS penalties be removed?
In some cases, yes. Penalty abatement can remove or reduce certain penalties, often for a first-time issue or where you had reasonable cause, such as a serious illness or a disaster. Removing penalties can meaningfully shrink your total balance, so it is worth checking whether you may qualify.
What is currently not collectible status?
Currently not collectible is a temporary status the IRS may grant when paying anything toward your tax debt would leave you unable to afford basic living expenses. It pauses active collection while your finances recover. Interest can still accrue, but it can be an important lifeline during hardship.
What should I do if I got a levy or garnishment notice?
Act quickly. A levy or wage garnishment notice carries deadlines, and your options to stop or reduce it narrow the longer you wait. The first step is understanding exactly what the notice means and how fast you must respond, then moving on the relief path that fits before the window closes.
Do I need to file old returns before getting relief?
Usually, yes. The IRS generally expects you to be current on your filings before it will approve relief programs like an Offer in Compromise or an installment agreement. Getting unfiled returns caught up is often the gate that opens the rest of your options, so it is a common first step.
Does the tax team handle state taxes too?
Yes. Many people owe both the IRS and a state tax agency, and state debts come with their own rules, notices, and deadlines. The tax team helps you understand the full picture across both so you are not solving one and overlooking the other.
How much does it cost to check my tax options?
Checking what you may qualify for is free and takes about two minutes. You share the basics of what you owe and any notices you have received, and you get a clear read on the resolution paths that realistically fit, with no obligation to proceed.
How does CuraDebt actually help with my taxes?
CuraDebt is a free service that reviews the information you submit and matches you with an independent tax relief firm suited to your situation; CuraDebt is not a law firm and does not itself perform the tax work or give legal advice. You are never obligated to move forward, and you can compare what you learn before deciding anything.
Related Resources
- How tax debt relief works
- What an Offer in Compromise is
- The IRS Fresh Start program explained
- How IRS installment agreements work
- The CuraDebt Tax Team: How We Match You With Tax Relief Firms
- How Much A Massachusetts Tax Attorney Costs (And What You Get)
- Tax Relief Options For Senior Citizens: What You Need To Know
- IRS Tax Levy Vs. Lien