There are many tax penalties that the IRS uses to penalize millions of taxpayers each year.

 

These include:

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• Failure to file:  when you don't file your tax return by the return due date, April 15, or extended due date if an extension to file is requested and approved.

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• Failure to pay:  when you don't pay the taxes reported on your return in full by the due date, April 15. An extension to file doesn't extend the time to pay.

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• Failure to pay proper estimated tax:  when you don’t pay enough taxes due for the year with your quarterly estimated tax payments when required.

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• Dishonored check: when your bank doesn't honor your check or other form of payment.

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All of these tax penalties can substantially increase the amount you owe the IRS or State in a very short period of time through interest and additional charges.

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Some taxpayers find out about tax problems many years after they have occurred. This causes the amount owed to be substantially greater due to tax penalties and interest - making payment of the original debt and added penalties almost impossible. 

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The good news is that if you qualify, there are ways to get relief from the tax penalties through a tax penalty abatement. If you find out that you owe money due to penalties and interest, contact the Tax Man to see if there are options to have your payments reduced or abated.