How to Avoid a Surprise Tax Bill & What To Do If You Receive One

by | Apr 3, 2023 | Tax Lawyer

Once again, tax season is among us, and millions of industrious Americans are already daydreaming about their sizable return checks. Unfortunately, this year may be disappointing for a lot of them.

A challenging and frequently unpleasant area of personal finance is taxes. No one ever wants to receive an unexpected tax bill, yet it can occur for several reasons.

What should you do, therefore, if you find yourself in this awkward situation? How can you keep your tax bill from being too high this year? Here are some suggestions to assist you to avoid receiving a tax bill as well as suggestions on what to do if you do. Let’s begin by discussing ways to prevent receiving an unexpected tax bill.

Keep a record of your earnings and outgoings for the entire year. Keeping track of your income and expenses all year long is one of the best methods to prevent a hefty tax burden. Keep a record of your revenue from all sources, including salaries, side jobs, and investments. Keep receipts and other proof of expenses you can deduct from your taxable income on top of that to make sure you have everything you need to support your claim if a surprise tax bill does materialize.

Adjust Your Withholdings Accordingly.

Verify that the appropriate amount of taxes is being deducted from your paycheck by your employer. You might need to modify your withholdings if you’ve undergone a substantial life change, such as getting married, having a child, or switching employment. To make sure you’re withholding the appropriate amount, use the IRS withholding calculator.

Make Tax Payments In Advance.

You might be required to make anticipated tax payments throughout the year if you are self-employed or have additional income sources that aren’t deducted from your paychecks. Forms and instructions for calculating and paying estimated taxes are available from the IRS.

Look Over Your Tax Return.

Check your prior year’s tax return to make sure you didn’t miss any deductions or credits. By doing this, you can prevent overpaying your taxes and getting a nasty tax bill as a surprise.

Even if you have years of unfiled tax returns, contact our professional tax setlement agency for a free consultation if you find yourself in tax problems. Here are some actions you can take to help you in your predicament while you wait for your appointment at www.cotslaw.com.

Look At The Bill And See If You Can Justify It.

Make sure the bill is accurate by carefully reading it. Examine your bill and note its justification as you go. It can be the result of a mistake on your tax return, an unanticipated change in your income, or a modification to the tax code.

Think About Additional Options.

You have a few options if the bill appears to be true in every way and you are responsible for the debt the IRS is asserting you owe. If you are unable to pay the payment in full, think about your debt-

resolution choices. With the IRS, you might be able to work out a payment schedule, negotiate a setlement, or pursue a few other choices. Don’t disregard this tax bill, though, since the IRS can be tenacious in pursuing what they believe is owed to them, and doing nothing will only make things worse.

Hire Experts For Assistance.

Contacting the IRS on your own can be highly scary for the typical taxpayer, and they are not on your side. Avoid doing so. Consider consulting with a CPA, Enrolled Agent, or an atorney who specializes in tax relief if you’re unsure of what to do or need assistance negotiating with the IRS.

We have years of expertise resolving IRS and state tax issues for taxpayers just like you and negotiating the best deal on your behalf. Contact us right now for a consultation to find out your options if you owe the IRS money at www.cotslaw.com.

You may lessen the impact on your finances and prevent future shocks by taking efforts to prevent a surprise tax bill and being prepared if you do receive one. Keep your paperwork organized throughout the year, examine your taxes, and, if required, seek expert assistance.

Tax Lawyer

Free Consultation

DanielTCotts cotslaw

About Daniel T.A. Cotts

Daniel is a skilled Tax Attorney who moved to Corpus Christi in 2019 to expand his practice and return to Texas. With over 26 years of experience in the legal profession, Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge of Taxation, IRS Dispute representation & resolution, Estate Planning, Accounting, and Business & Contract Law to South Texas.

 

our services

Call us now!