Today TaxMama hears from Krissy in the TaxQuips Forum who needs help. “I am married with two children, low income and my husband owes back child support. Last year I filed separately and ended up owing taxes. I had to set up a payment plan with the IRS to pay it off. I’d like to know if I file jointly this year, will the refund all go to the child support agency? Or will it all go to IRS for my back taxes?”

Today TaxMama hears from Kris in the TaxQuips Forum, with a long story. Let me summarize. Her boyfriend is behind on filing personal and payroll tax returns. He tried to get help from an accountant who may have overcharged him, and did not complete the work because he couldn’t pay the bill. They want to get married, but don’t want to jeopardize her assets. You can read the details here.

Courtesy of IRS.

[TaxMama note: Owing money can be really frightening. However, they generally do NOT put in you in jail. And IRS is trying hard to help you find ways to pay, without spending $3,000 or more for a professional tax debt negotiator. So, please, use the help offered.]

While the majority of Americans get a tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service each year, there are many taxpayers who owe and some who can’t pay the tax all at once.   The IRS has a number of ways for people to pay their tax bill.

The IRS has announced an effort to help struggling taxpayers get a fresh start with their tax liabilities. The goal of this effort is to help individuals and small business meet their tax obligations, without adding unnecessary burden.  Specifically, the IRS has announced new policies and programs to help taxpayers pay back taxes and avoid tax liens.

REPLAY today’s session – you can listen and SEE the session

Today’s topics included:

• Introductions of some participants
• Testing of microphones ;~)
• Questions about the new PTIN Registration
• Brief overview of the new Testing issue for “Registered Tax Preparers”.
• NAEA’s survey about the Enrolled Agent title – and changes.
• Discussion of  IRA or 401(k) to Roth conversion.
• Fiscal Years and when appropriate to use them.
• S Corporations – and the new legislative threat.
• EFTPS
• Estimated tax payments vs payroll
• Potential Extension of the Homebuyer’s Credit sales closing deadline.
• And more