State Tax Debt: What You Need To Know

What Are State Tax Debt Settlement Options?

State tax debt settlement options are various programs and strategies designed to help individuals and businesses resolve their outstanding state tax liabilities. Some may believe that state tax debt is less serious than federal tax debt. This is false. If you have failed to file to pay your state taxes, you are at risk of facing some serious penalties. Where you file your taxes matter, as each state has its own set of rules and requirements. The easiest way to obtain state tax relief is to make a full payment for the amount you owe. Unfortunately not everyone has the funds available to pay what they owe in one lump sum payment. If you are in this predicament you may be eligible for one of the following tax relief resolutions:

• Installment Payment Agreement – An installment agreement tax resolution is a formal arrangement between a taxpayer and a tax authority that allows the taxpayer to pay off their tax debt over time through a series of scheduled payments. This agreement provides a structured and manageable way for individuals or businesses to satisfy their outstanding tax liabilities without the immediate burden of a lump-sum payment..
•  Offer in Compromise (OIC)– An offer in compromise (OIC) is a tax relief program offered by tax authorities that allows eligible taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount they owe. This program is designed to provide financial relief to individuals or businesses who are unable to pay their tax liabilities in full and who meet specific criteria.
•  Innocent Spouse Relief– Innocent spouse relief is a provision in the U.S. tax code that provides relief to a spouse or former spouse who may be held responsible for the tax liabilities of their partner, even if they were unaware of or not involved in the circumstances that led to the tax debt. This relief is designed to protect individuals who find themselves in situations where they should not be held accountable for their spouse’s or former spouse’s tax obligations. 
•  Currently Non Collectible (CNC) Status– Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status, often referred to as “hardship status,” is a tax relief option available to individuals or businesses who are experiencing significant financial hardship and are unable to pay their outstanding tax debt. When a taxpayer is granted CNC status, the tax authority temporarily suspends its collection efforts and refrains from pursuing aggressive actions, such as wage garnishment or bank levies, to recover the owed taxes.

It is important to note that resolution options vary by state and are determined by the debtors financial situation.

How Does State Tax Debt Relief Work?

State tax debt relief works similarly to federal tax debt relief but is specific to unpaid state taxes. Each state in the United States may have its own rules, programs, and procedures for tax debt relief. Here’s a general overview of how state tax debt relief typically works:

• Assessment of Tax Debt: State tax authorities assess taxes owed by individuals and businesses based on their state tax laws. This may include income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, and other state-specific taxes.
• Notification and Collection Efforts: When a taxpayer has unpaid state taxes, the state tax authority will typically send notifications, including tax bills, notices of taxes owed, and collection letters. They may also attempt to collect the debt through means such as wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens on property.
• Communication with the State: If a taxpayer is unable to pay their state tax debt in full, it’s important to communicate with the state tax authority promptly. Ignoring tax notices or collection efforts can lead to more severe consequences. It is beneficial to contact a professional to communicate with the State on your behalf
• Application and Documentation: To qualify for state tax debt relief programs, taxpayers typically need to complete application forms and provide supporting documentation. This may include financial statements, proof of income, and details about their assets and expenses.
• Evaluation and Approval: The state tax authority will review the taxpayer’s application and documentation to determine eligibility for relief programs. They will assess the taxpayer’s financial situation and ability to pay.
• Resolution and Compliance: Once approved for a tax debt relief program, taxpayers must adhere to the terms and conditions, which may include making regular payments, filing future tax returns on time, and remaining in compliance with state tax laws.
• Professional Assistance: Seeking guidance from a tax professional or a tax relief company who is knowledgeable about state tax laws can be helpful in navigating the state tax debt relief process, ensuring compliance, and increasing the chances of a successful resolution.

It’s important to note that state tax debt relief programs and eligibility criteria can vary significantly from one state to another.

Does State Tax Debt Ever Go Away?

State tax debt, like federal tax debt, does not typically go away on its own. State tax authorities have legal mechanisms to pursue and collect unpaid taxes for an extended period, and they will continue their efforts until the debt is fully satisfied or resolved.

Enlist the Help Of A Professional

At CuraDebt Tax, we have a team of tax professionals who are able to file your taxes for you. If you currently owe the IRS money, our team of tax professionals can find the best IRS resolution available to you. Contact us today to better understand your tax problems. CuraDebt has been helping individuals and small businesses for over 22 years nationwide. As of May 2023 CuraDebt received a score of 5 out of 5 on CustomerLobby for a total of 1179 customer views. CuraDebt is an Accredited Member of the American Fair Credit Council. Contact us for a free consultation. 1-877-999-0486. Take advantage of exploring another option for free. Not only do we handle tax relief, we also offer debt relief.

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