What to Gather Before Asking for Help With Unpaid Taxes

If you owe back taxes, getting organized before you contact the IRS, a tax professional, or a nonprofit tax clinic can save time and reduce stress. Having the right paperwork ready helps the person assisting you understand your full financial picture and identify the best resolution option. 

The IRS offers payment plans and, in limited cases, an Offer in Compromise for taxpayers who cannot pay in full. 

Start With IRS Notices

Gather every IRS letter, bill, or notice related to the unpaid tax. This includes notices showing the tax year, balance due, penalties, interest, deadlines, and any proposed changes.

Pay special attention to notices such as a CP2000, which reports possible underreported income and includes a response form. If you disagree with the proposed changes, the IRS expects a signed explanation and supporting documentation by the deadline. 

Bring Your Tax Returns

Collect the tax returns for every year involved in the tax debt, including any amended returns. If you have not filed a required return, prepare or file it before seeking certain relief options; the IRS generally requires all required returns to be filed before it will consider an Offer in Compromise. 

Also include:

• Copies of filed federal and, if relevant, state returns

• Any IRS acceptance or correspondence for amended returns

• Prior-year W-2s, 1099s, and other income records

• Documentation for deductions, credits, or disputed items

Document Your Income

Your current income matters because it helps determine whether you can pay the balance in full, make monthly payments, or qualify for hardship-based relief. The IRS may ask for a Collection Information Statement, such as Form 433-A for individuals and self-employed people or Form 433-B for businesses. 

Bring recent proof of income, including:

1. Pay stubs

2. Recent W-2s or 1099s

3. Self-employment income records

4. Benefit statements, such as Social Security or unemployment income

5. Business profit-and-loss statements, if applicable.
    

List Monthly Expenses

Prepare a simple, realistic list of what you spend each month. This helps establish whether an installment agreement is affordable or whether you may have a financial hardship.

Include housing, utilities, food, transportation, insurance, medical costs, child care, debt payments, and required business expenses. Keep supporting statements or receipts available, but do not delay getting help if you do not have every receipt.

Gather Asset and Debt Records

For payment-plan or Offer in Compromise discussions, you may need to show what you own and what you owe. The IRS’ Offer in Compromise instructions specifically identify bank statements, loan and mortgage statements, credit accounts, retirement account statements, and other records that show financial condition.

Useful documents include:

1. Bank and credit-union statements

2. Mortgage statements and loan balances

3. Credit card statements

4. Vehicle loan or lease information

5. Retirement and investment account statements

6. Property or vehicle valuation information, if relevant

Use Trusted Help

Be cautious with companies that promise to eliminate tax debt or guarantee an Offer in Compromise. The IRS recommends seeking assistance from a legitimate representative, such as a licensed enrolled agent or reputable accountant.

Free or low-cost help may also be available through the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service, Low Income Taxpayer Clinics, and qualified nonprofit tax-assistance programs. Start with the IRS’ Get help with tax debt page and its Tax Debt Help tool to explore options based on your situation.

Have Identification Ready

If you plan to visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or speak with a representative in person, bring a current government-issued photo ID, your taxpayer identification number, and the tax return for the year in question if you have it. 

The IRS also advises bringing any supporting tax documents you may need. 

Know Your Resolution Options

Before your appointment, review the options so you can ask informed questions. Most individual taxpayers may qualify for an online payment plan; the IRS says short-term plans are available for balances under $100,000, while long-term installment agreements are available online to individuals owing $50,000 or less in combined tax, penalties, and interest.

A Simple Pre-Help Checklist

Before asking for help, place these items in one folder:

1. IRS notices and deadlines

2. Tax returns and income records

3. Pay stubs or business income records

4. Monthly expense list

5. Bank, loan, mortgage, and credit statements

6. Retirement or investment account statements

7. Photo ID and taxpayer identification number

8. Notes about hardship, major life changes, or disputes with the IRS

Being prepared does not mean you must solve everything alone. It simply gives you, and anyone helping you, the information needed to choose a realistic path toward resolving unpaid taxes.