Declaring Bankruptcy When You Owe IRS Tax Debt

Declaring bankruptcy is the last method that you canallow you to settle your tax debts in some other
use to solve the tax problem. But proper care must befashion if they know you are going to declare
taken if you are going for this method because if IRSbankruptcy.
finds that you have cheated them then severe actionsThere are 5 rules put forward by the bankruptcy code.
will be taken against you. So, before choosing thisIf the tax debt of the bankruptcy filed person satisfies
method, consult a tax relief professional to see if this isthese 5 rules then only his petition will be approved.
the best choice for you.The first rule is regarding the due date for tax return
In order to get the tax benefits under the bankruptcyfiling. This date should be at least 3 years ago. The
then you must file a petition for bankruptcy in thesecond rule is that the return must be filed at least 2
bankruptcy court. Once this petition is filed, ayears before. The third rule deals with the age of the
bankruptcy estate will be created. It includes all thetax assessment and it should be at least 240 days old.
assets and properties of the person who files theFourth rule says that the tax return must not have
bankruptcy petition. In order to create a separatebeen completed with the intent of fraud. According to
taxable entity the petition must be filed under chapterthe fifth rule the person must not be guilty of tax
11 or chapter 7. These chapters belong to theevasion.
bankruptcy code. The tax benefits to be obtainedIf you are are strongly considering bankruptcy as a tax
depend on the chapter in which the bankruptcy petitionrelief method you should consult with a tax
is filed. It is highly advised for a person to use anprofessional before doing so. Most of the time, the tax
attorney or tax attorney when dealing with bankruptcy.benefit and savings in money you receive from
If the person is forgiven by the bankruptcy court thenbankruptcy are no better than other tax settlement
the tax that he had to pay to the IRS will be cleared.methods that are offered for individuals with severe
But, it also does not allow this individual to receive thefinancial problems under IRS code. If you settle with
normal tax benefit that most taxpayers receive. So,the IRS, you will be considered to be in good standing
you must think twice before filing a bankruptcy petition.with them and you will receive normal tax treatment in
This method should only be used if you havethe future but this is very different with bankruptcy.
exhausted all other options. It is likely that the IRS will