When the business owes
Payroll and sales tax belong to someone else first
Money withheld from paychecks, or collected from customers as sales tax, was never the business's to spend. That is why the agencies treat it so seriously, and why a balance can be assessed against the owner as well as the company.
We help owners find out what is actually owed, stop the balance growing, and keep the doors open while it is paid. If the business is closing, we work out what follows the owner afterwards and what doesn't.
Missed or late payroll tax deposits
The penalty the IRS can assess against owners personally
Sales tax owed to the state revenue department
Closing a business that still has a tax balance
What the work looks like for an owner
- 01
Count what's really owed
Quarter by quarter, deposits made, deposits missed and what the agency has added.
- 02
Get current
Bring returns and new deposits up to date, so the balance stops growing while you sort out the old one.
- 03
Put an arrangement in writing
A payment plan for the business, and a position on any penalty with your name on it.
- 04
Decide about the future
Whether to keep going, restructure or close, and what each would mean for you personally.
About business tax
Can the IRS come after me personally for the company's payroll tax?
In some cases, yes. A penalty can be assessed against the people responsible for the withholding. We look at who made the decisions and what the agency may claim.
We missed some deposits but filed the returns. Is that better?
Filing helps, because it tells the agency what you owe and keeps the problem from getting bigger. The unpaid amount still needs an arrangement.
Does sales tax work the same way?
It goes through the state, not the IRS, and the rules differ by state. We tell you early if your matter needs an extra step or a different office.
Can I close the business and be done with the balance?
Closing doesn't erase what's owed, and some of it can follow the owner. We'll explain which parts, before you decide.
Behind on business tax?
Tell us the tax, the quarters and who the notice is addressed to, and we'll say what happens next.