401k and IRS Debt - A Dirty Trick on Middle Class Workers

The Backbone of Corporate America...Call center jobsand you don't have equity in anything like a house or
are still one of the major sources of employment forcar; you could be eligible for an Offer in Compromise.
non-college Americans despite many companiesAn Offer in Compromise is where you can settle your
outsourcing those jobs. The jobs pay well enough forIRS tax debt for a single lesser payment. However
even a single mother to keep on top of her finances.that 401k withdrawal could mess your chances for an
Also many employees at these companies haveOffer up.
401ks and those are where problems with the IRS canMake your case...If you needed the 401k money for a
arise.hardship such as medical expenses, school tuition, etc...
Investing for your future...The 401k is meant to beit doesn't count as income to determine your financial
saved for retirement, but every year countless peoplestatus for the Offer in Compromise. However if you
take early withdrawal from their 401k to pay forblew them money on luxury items, or a vacation the
emergencies that have occurred to them. One of theamount withdrawn does count as income and it's likely
biggest misconceptions is that when you withdrawthe Offer in Compromise will be denied. After all, only
from your 401k the IRS automatically takes your taxes2% of all Offers in Compromise actually get accepted.
out. The fact is that they don't. You are expected toAnother Option...Maybe you can't qualify for an Offer in
set aside about 30% of the total amount withdrawnCompromise. Your other option is that you can enter
for the IRS share.into an Installment Agreement where you pay a
A call center service associate can find a sudden IRSmonthly sum to the IRS. The IRS determines how
debt of $10,000-$20,000 impossible to pay off;much you should pay based on your take home
especially if they have a mortgage and kids.income minus essential expenses. The remaining
So what can you do if you owe money to the IRSamount is yours, the rest the IRS expects you to pay.
from a 401k withdrawal? There are a couple ofOf course you could always do nothing and wait for
options available to you depending on your financialthe IRS to put a lien on your credit, levy your wages or
situation.bank account, or even seize your assets.
Too much to handle...If you're in a tight financial situation,Now you have the smoking gun...Use it!
you have no hope of ever paying back the loan in full