Back Taxes
Pay less, pay over time, or don't pay at all — legally.
Overview
Back taxes are any federal or state tax balance from a prior year that remains unpaid. Left alone, they generate penalties, interest, liens, and eventually levies. The good news: virtually every back-tax case has a defined menu of resolution options, and the right one depends on your equity, income, and future earning potential — not on how much you owe.
What's Included
- Full transcript analysis for every open tax period
- Collection statute (CSED) calculations for each year
- Installment agreement, OIC, CNC, and PPIA modeling
- Lien withdrawal, subordination, and discharge assistance
- Coordination of federal and Florida state balances
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between back taxes and unfiled taxes?
Back taxes are unpaid balances from returns that have already been filed (or that the IRS filed via SFR). Unfiled taxes are years where no return has been filed at all. Many clients have both.
How long does the IRS have to collect back taxes?
Ten years from the date of assessment (the CSED). Certain events — bankruptcy, pending OIC, CDP appeal, being outside the U.S. — pause (toll) that clock.
Can the IRS take my house for back taxes?
The IRS can seize a primary residence but must first obtain federal court approval — it's rare and reserved for egregious cases. Wage garnishments, bank levies, and business asset seizures are much more common.
Can back taxes be discharged in bankruptcy?
Sometimes. Income taxes can be discharged in Chapter 7 or 13 if they meet the 3-year, 2-year, and 240-day rules and the return wasn't fraudulent. Trust fund and payroll taxes generally cannot. We coordinate with bankruptcy counsel when it's the right path.
See our full Tax Resolution, Tax Prep & Bookkeeping FAQ.
Related Services
Back Taxes Across Northeast Florida
We handle back taxes cases for taxpayers and small business owners throughout the Jacksonville metro. Choose your city for locally-tailored details, ZIP codes served, and city-specific FAQs.
Also serving all of Duval County, St. Johns County, Clay County, and Nassau County. See the full Jacksonville tax attorney overview.
Related Back Taxes Guides
Attorney-written deep-dives on the procedures, forms, and timelines behind back taxes.
Ready to talk about Back Taxes?
Call now for a free case review. We'll pull your transcripts and show you exactly what your options are.