IRS Tax Resolution Case Studies
Educational walkthroughs of common IRS tax debt situations — how the problem develops, what the IRS can do, and the resolution options that may apply. Use the filters to find examples by industry or by resolution type, then open one to see the full breakdown.
Educational Examples — Not Testimonials
Every case study here is a composite, illustrative example created to explain how tax problems and resolutions typically work. They are not real clients, not testimonials, and not promises of any result. Figures are illustrative, and many taxpayers do not qualify for the programs described. Consult a qualified professional about your own situation.
Showing 10 of 10 case studies
Roofing Contractor with $78,000 in Payroll Tax Debt
A roofing company owner with $78,000 in payroll tax debt and three unfiled Forms 941 explores First-Time Abatement and an installment agreement.
HVAC Company Facing an IRS Lien While Refinancing Equipment
A Miami-Dade HVAC company with a filed federal tax lien needs to refinance equipment — and explores lien subordination to make the financing possible.
Restaurant Owner Who Received a CP504 on a $43,000 Balance
A restaurant owner who received a CP504 notice on a $43,000 balance — and could not pay a lump sum — sets up a streamlined installment agreement to avoid a levy.
Self-Employed Contractor with $127,000 in Tax Debt After an Injury
A self-employed contractor whose income collapsed after an injury explores an Offer in Compromise on $127,000 of tax debt. Acceptance is never guaranteed.
Trucking Owner Personally Pursued for a $67,000 Trust Fund Penalty
After a trucking company closed, the IRS pursued the owner personally for a $67,000 Trust Fund Recovery Penalty — and the TFRP interview and records shaped the result.
Electrician with Four Years of Unfiled Returns and an Inflated SFR Balance
A Georgia electrician with four years of unfiled returns faced an inflated IRS Substitute-for-Return balance — until correct returns reset the numbers.
Real Estate Investor Whose IRS Lien Was Blocking a Property Sale
A real estate investor's filed IRS lien threatened to derail a property closing — a Certificate of Discharge lets the sale go through.
Plumber Placed in Currently Not Collectible Status on a $34,000 Balance
A plumber whose income dropped below IRS allowable-living thresholds is placed in Currently Not Collectible status, pausing active collection on a $34,000 balance.
Small Business Owner Who Removed $28,000 in Penalties
A small business owner with a clean prior record removes $28,000 of penalties from an $89,000 balance through First-Time Penalty Abatement.
Dallas General Contractor with $156,000 Across Five Tax Years
A Dallas general contractor carrying $156,000 across five tax years explores a Partial Pay Installment Agreement when full repayment isn't realistic.