Owe Money to the IRS or North Carolina Department of Revenue? How Bankruptcy Can Help

 Posted on May 20, 2019 in Bankruptcy

Can Bankruptcy Resolve Tax Debt Matters?

No one likes thinking about their debt, but there's something about tax debt that makes it even more threatening and overwhelming than other obligations you may have. Mail from the IRS or North Carolina Department of Revenue can cause a knot in your stomach and lead to serious financial consequences down the road. If some or all of your debt comes from back taxes, find out how bankruptcy could help you get some breathing room.

Are Taxes Dischargeable in Bankruptcy?

In some cases, money owed to the IRS or North Carolina Department of Revenue can be discharged through bankruptcy, however, there are some factors that may affect your ability to discharge tax debt. There are also some types of tax debt that cannot be written off. This is why it's important to consult a bankruptcy attorney near you. If you find out immediately that your debt is nondischargeable, you can make an informed decision whether or not bankruptcy is worth it. Payroll taxes, fraud penalties, and non-income taxes cannot be discharged.

The Timing of Your Tax Returns

Timing is perhaps the most crucial factor in figuring out whether or not your tax debt can be discharged through bankruptcy. Assuming that most of your debt comes from income taxes, you must meet bankruptcy standards for discharge. If you committed fraud or tax evasion, that amount cannot be discharged. Similarly, you must have filed a tax return for each year of debt you wish to discharge. If you did not file, the taxes owed for that year cannot typically be discharged in bankruptcy.

In terms of timing, as of the date your bankruptcy case is filed, more than three years must have passed since the due date of your tax return; more than two years must have passed since you filed your tax return; and more than 240 days must have passed since the IRS or State assessed your taxes.

Depending on your tax situation, you may find that some years are dischargeable and others aren't. Your attorney can look through your tax returns and help you determine your options.

Our Tax Debt Attorneys at Can Help. Call 704-256-7766.

Could bankruptcy give you a clean slate and a brighter financial future? Blossom Law PLLC serves families throughout North Carolina to help them reach their financial goals. Call us at 704-256-7766 to schedule your free phone consultation.

Contact Blossom Law PLLC online or call 704-256-7766 to set up your free initial consultation.
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