Eliminate Tax Debts Through Bankruptcy
Serving Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware and Chester Counties
While it is common in bankruptcies for people to discharge credit card debt, medical bills and other unsecured debts, many people also are facing overwhelming amounts of IRS tax debt. Although it is possible to eliminate IRS debts in a bankruptcy, doing so can be difficult and will require you to meet certain conditions to qualify. You may also discharge your debts in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy but you will be responsible for paying them back in full under the repayment plan.
In more than 25 years of practice, I have helped clients eliminate IRS tax debts and other unsecured and secured debt through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. Throughout my career, I have always provided honest advice and dedicated representation to my clients that takes their individual needs into consideration. If bankruptcy is not in your best interest, I will tell you and then discuss what your other options are for debt relief.
Tax debt is complicated, and if you are trying to discharge it through bankruptcy, it is a responsible choice to hire an experienced attorney to guide you through the process. Without a lawyer, it is easy to make simple mistakes that could cause significant problems later on.
Requirements for Discharging Tax Debts in Bankruptcy
It is possible to discharge IRS and state income tax debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy but only if all of the following conditions are true:
- The taxes are income taxes. Other taxes, such as payroll taxes, cannot be discharged in a bankruptcy.
- There was no fraud or evasion committed. If you attempted to file a fraudulent return or willfully evaded paying taxes, these debts may be denied a discharge.
- Your debt is at least three years old. The tax return for the debt you are wishing to discharge must have been due at least three years before the date of your bankruptcy filing.
- You must have filed a tax return. If you wish to discharge your tax debt, you must have filed a tax return for the debt at least two years before the date of your bankruptcy filing.
- You qualify under the 240-day rule. Your income tax debt must have been assessed at least 240 days before the date of your bankruptcy filing.
Located in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, I represent clients in Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware and Chester counties. Contact me at Joshua Z. Goldblum, Attorney at Law, to learn more information about discharging tax debts in bankruptcy and how you can create a fresh start for your financial future. Call me to make an appointment for a free initial consultation at 215-322-2745.
My firm is a debt relief agency. I help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
