Owe Back Taxes? IRS Promises More Leniency in Collections Efforts

Kelly Phillips Erb
Updated
For taxpayers who owe back taxes, IRS says its liens and other collection efforts may not be as aggressive
For taxpayers who owe back taxes, IRS says its liens and other collection efforts may not be as aggressive

Are we seeing a kindler, gentler IRS? The IRS recently announced that it will be implementing new policies and programs to help taxpayers pay back taxes and avoid tax liens. This new approach has been met by many with a welcome, though perhaps wary, eye.

Reducing the aggressive tactics used by IRS has been long favored by many in the tax profession. The issue was raised again earlier this year when the National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA), Nina Olson, released her annual report to Congress and noted that the existing rules for liens hindered, not helped, IRS collections efforts. Her comments echoed those she made last year about existing IRS collections tactics.

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