See Our Frequently Asked Questions 

  • Where’s my refund?

    The fastest way to check their refund status is through the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the Service’s website or via the IRS2Go phone app.


    Information about refunds may be checked 24 hours after the IRS receives a taxpayer’s e-filed return or four weeks after the taxpayer mails a paper return to the Service. Users who wish to access “Where’s My Refund?” should have information from their current tax return to access their refund information. The IRS updates the “Where’s My Refund?” tool once a day, usually overnight.


    Most tax refunds are issued in 21 days or less. However, some refunds could take longer because they need further review. Moreover, the IRS urges taxpayers with incomes of $66,000 or less to use Free File program which provides electronic versions of IRS paper forms to complete and file.

  • When do I need a tax attorney, enrolled agent or CPA?

    If you owe more than $10,000.00 to the IRS or the IDR it typically makes sense to hire a qualified tax attorney.  A qualified tax attorney knows how to handle the IRS or the IDR and will act in your best interests.  A qualified tax attorney can sometimes save you money which further justifies hiring a lawyer. When you hire a lawyer, you will never have to talk to the IRS which often relieves the stress and the anxiety that people frequently feel.  Further, talking to the IRS without the advice of counsel is not a good idea because you are letting “the wolf into the hen house.”


    IRS Trouble Solvers, LLC, has been in business since 1991. Mr. Sheehan is a former IRS attorney and his practice is dedicated to the resolution of tax problems with both the IRS and the Illinois Department of Revenue.

  • How do I find a good tax attorney

    Unfortunately, it is not easy to find a good tax attorney, although they are out there.  Like any major decision, it is important that you carefully research the attorney that you intend to hire and don’t fall for false promises. Set forth below is a guide to assist you when hiring a tax attorney.

  • How much does tax resolution cost?

    There is no set answer as to the cost of resolution in any given case. There are a number of variables, including how aggressive the IRS is being and the cooperation of you, the client, with us. The complexity of the case is also a factor in the cost of resolution. IRS Trouble Solvers have affordable rates for every taxpayer, and we offer payment plans as well.

  • I’m waiting for the results from my audit and the current deadline to file this year’s taxes is approaching, should I file or wait?

    This is a very difficult question. If the pending audit changes will affect this year’s tax return it may be advisable to wait until the audit has concluded before you file for this year. Sometimes there are urgent reasons why you must file this year’s tax return even though the audit has not yet concluded including loan applications, car loans, mortgage refinance and student loans.  In that event, you may need to file an amended tax return after the audit has been concluded. If you can wait to file this year’s tax return until the audit has been concluded, don’t wait too long. Any refund listed on this year’s tax return may be barred by the refund statute of limitation if the tax return is not filed within three years of the due date plus any extensions.

  • What should I do if I received an IRS audit letter?

    The first thing you should do is to call a qualified tax resolution expert who will assist you with evaluating the strengths and weaknesses in your case. Also pay attention to the deadlines listed in the letter and be sure to not miss any deadlines with the IRS. The worst thing you can do is to contact the IRS directly. Anything you say can be treated as an admission against you.

  • How long can the IRS audit my tax returns?

    The IRS has three years after the filing of a tax return to audit that return and levy additional taxes. If 25 percent or more has been left out of gross income claims, that statute of limitations increases to six years. If you fail to file any tax returns, the IRS can assess those taxes against you at any time.

  • I received a call from the IRS demanding immediate payment on a credit card. What do I do?

    This is a scam intended to steal money from you. The IRS does not directly accept credit cards. Write down the person’s name, badge number and telephone number. Also write down the telephone number listed on the Caller ID. These types of calls should be reported to the IRS.

  • Can I get an extension to pay my taxes without penalties and interest?

    Yes. However, a request for an extension must be filed with the IRS by April 15 of the year following previous tax year. Deadlines extensions are generally made until Oct. 15.

  • How long should I keep my tax returns, records and paperwork?

    Although there is no set answer for how long you should keep your tax returns or corresponding paperwork, we recommend that you keep your tax return paperwork and the underlying documents for a minimum of seven years.  If you purchased real estate or other items with a basis, such as stocks and bonds, it is advisable to keep your tax records for a much longer period of time, typically seven years after the sale of the asset.

  • Why did the IRS keep my refund?

    The IRS can keep or delay your refund for the following reasons:


    • You have unpaid taxes from previous years
    • You have unfiled taxes
    • You are in bankruptcy
    • You are under audit
  • How long does the IRS have to collect money from me?

    The short answer is the IRS has 10 years from when the tax was assessed to collect it from you. While the IRS may not be able to collect from you after that period, the 10-year deadline can be extended through an IRS Offer in Compromise.

  • Does the IRS really pay rewards for turning in tax cheaters?

    Yes. Under the IRS Whistleblower program, those that turn in tax cheats are eligible for rewards based on the amount of unpaid collected taxes.

  • Who can view my IRS file?

    Access to your file is supposed to be strictly limited only to IRS personnel working on your case. The IRS has set up protocols specifically designed to prevent IRS employees from “browsing” the tax information of others unless they are specifically assigned to work on that case. If an IRS employee is caught “browsing”, that employee is subject to termination and criminal prosecution.

  • Do I qualify for IRS innocent spouse relief?

    Innocent spouse relief provides taxpayers relief from additional tax they owe if a spouse or former spouse failed to report income, reported income improperly or claimed improper deductions or credits. The two different types of innocent spouse relief are Separation of Liability and Equitable Relief.

  • Can the IRS garnish my wages or take my assets?

    Yes. If the IRS serves a levy on your bank, they can seize your entire account up to the amount you owe in unpaid taxes. You have 21 days to obtain a release of levy.

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