FinishLine Tax Solutions is a Plano, Texas-based tax resolution firm that assists individuals and businesses with complex federal and state tax matters. Founded in 2017, FinishLine Tax Solutions brings together certified public accountants, Internal Revenue Service tax attorneys, and licensed enrolled agents who focus on helping taxpayers understand their obligations and explore appropriate resolution strategies. The firm’s work spans tax debt relief, audit support, and education around programs such as the IRS Fresh Start initiatives.
FinishLine Tax Solutions has handled a wide range of cases involving unfiled returns, back taxes, audits, and collection actions, drawing on the team’s experience navigating IRS procedures and compliance requirements. Beyond direct representation, the firm emphasizes taxpayer education so clients can better understand notices, deadlines, and available options. With national recognition for its work and frequent commentary in major media outlets, FinishLine Tax Solutions continues to focus on clarifying common IRS challenges and guiding taxpayers through practical steps toward resolution.
Common IRS Problems Taxpayers Face
Navigating federal tax obligations can overwhelm some taxpayers as millions of Americans encounter Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues every year. Common issues include unfiled tax returns and owed back taxes.
Issues with the IRS, such as accumulating penalties, wage garnishments, audit notices, and bank levies, can disrupt finances, peace of mind, and credit. These issues can escalate when people do not know how to respond or their options. Understanding common IRS challenges is an important step towards resolving them.
Unfiled or late tax returns are one of the most common problems. Failing to file a return often triggers the failure-to-file penalty. It causes the IRS to assess taxes without the deductions and credits available to the defaulter. Extended non-filing also keeps the defaulter’s refund window closed, resulting in collection actions. To resolve this, the taxpayer should file the missing returns as soon as possible, even if they cannot pay the full amount. If the IRS sends a notice of deficiency, the taxpayer has 90 days to file a petition with the tax court.
Owing back taxes and collection actions are problematic because unpaid taxes tend to accumulate interest and penalties. If the IRS decides collections are necessary, it has the power to file a notice of federal tax lien or levy bank accounts to cripple the defaulter’s personal finances. To resolve this, the defaulter can apply for an offer in compromise to settle for less. They could ask the IRS to delay collection due to hardship, or they could negotiate an installment agreement to pay over time.
IRS audits and examinations create stress because they place specific items on a tax return under scrutiny and can result in additional taxes, penalties, and interest. Audits range from simple mail requests to in-person examinations and often arise from income mismatches, unusually high deductions, or random selection. Individuals should respond promptly, organize supporting documents clearly, and consider working with a qualified tax professional who can communicate with the IRS and manage appeals if disagreements arise.
Identity theft and fraudulent tax returns pose serious challenges because criminals can use stolen personal information to file fraudulent returns and delay legitimate filings. Resolving these cases often takes months while the IRS verifies the taxpayer’s identity. Individuals who suspect fraud should act quickly by reporting the issue, monitoring their tax accounts, and taking steps to secure their financial and credit information to prevent further misuse.
Underpayment of estimated taxes or improper withholding commonly affects self-employed individuals, freelancers, and investors. These issues can result in unexpected balances due and penalty assessments at filing time. Taxpayers can resolve this by adjusting withholding, making accurate quarterly payments, and requesting penalty relief when appropriate. Regular income reviews help prevent future underpayment problems.
Lastly, mathematical errors and mismatches in income information often trigger IRS notices and delay refunds. These mistakes usually stem from missing forms or discrepancies between reported income and third-party documents. Careful review before filing, prompt responses to IRS notices, and the use of reliable tax preparation tools or professional assistance can quickly resolve these issues and reduce the likelihood of repeat errors.
About FinishLine Tax Solutions
FinishLine Tax Solutions is a Plano, Texas-based tax resolution firm established in 2017. The company assists individuals and businesses with IRS and state tax matters, including unfiled returns, back taxes, audits, and collection actions. Staffed by certified public accountants, IRS tax attorneys, and enrolled agents, FinishLine Tax Solutions focuses on taxpayer education, compliance, and resolution strategies. The firm has earned national recognition for its work and regularly contributes insight on tax-related issues through major media outlets.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
