Bankruptcy Legal Aid: Discharging Tax Debt with Chapter 7
In bankruptcy law, Chapter 7 is often referred to as a “liquidation bankruptcy” because it allows consumers to liquidate, or eliminate, almost all outstanding debts. Many people falsely believe that tax debt cannot be discharged when you file, but experienced Milwaukee bankruptcy legal aid from Attorney Burr can actually help most consumers eliminate tax debt by filing for Chapter 7 if they meet these three basic provisions.
The income tax return was due over three years ago
If you owe back taxes to the IRS, you are not alone—thousands of Americans either intentionally or inadvertently short the IRS a total of $290 billion each year. As the IRS becomes increasingly aggressive about pursuing people who owe back taxes, many consumers find themselves overwhelmed by bills. If you are considering filing for Chapter 7, you may be able to eliminate your tax debt as long as the tax return was due more than three years ago.
The income tax return was filed more than two years ago
Was your tax return filed more than two years ago today? If so, you already satisfy this requirement, but some taxpayers never file returns for certain years. In that case, the IRS will file one for you. Unfortunately, a government-filed tax return does not meet this test; each consumer must file his own return at least two years before filing for Chapter 7.
The tax was assessed more than 240 days ago
This rule means that the tax agency must have determined that you owe back taxes more than 240 days ago. If you filed your return and acknowledged that you owed a balance; according to bankruptcy law, your tax debt has been assessed. This rule can be confusing, so be sure to consult an experienced attorney to determine your precise assessment date.
Contact attorney Michael Burr at Burr Law Office today at (877) 891-1638 to get the Milwaukee bankruptcy legal aid you need. You can also visit our website for more information about our legal services.
