Facing Back Taxes? Here’s How Orange County Residents Can Get Relief

What Are Back Taxes?

Back taxes are unpaid federal or state taxes from a previous year or earlier in the current year. Common causes include:

• Not filing tax returns
• Filing but not paying the amount owed
• Underreporting income (1099s, self-employment, etc.)
• IRS or FTB adjustments after an audit

Even one year of unpaid taxes can lead to aggressive collection efforts from the IRS or California FTB and it’s critical to understand the difference in collection tactics between the two agencies.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay Back Taxes?

Consequences of ignoring tax debt in California may include:

• Wage garnishment (IRS or FTB can take money from your paycheck)
• Bank levies (accounts frozen and funds seized)
• Tax liens on your property
• Driver’s license or professional license suspension (FTB only)
• Passport restrictions
• Escalating penalties and interest

How Can I Resolve Back Taxes in Orange County?

1. File All Missing Tax Returns

Before any tax relief can begin, you must be in compliance. That means:

• File past-due tax returns without risking enforcement
• Ensuring current year withholding and estimates are up to date

We assist clients in quickly gathering records, preparing accurate returns, and reviewing IRS/FTB account transcripts.

2. Set Up a Payment Plan (Installment Agreement)

If you can’t pay in full, the IRS or FTB allows monthly payments.

Common types:

• Guaranteed (for IRS debts under $10,000)
• Streamlined (under $50,000, with auto-approval)
• Partial Pay (if you can’t afford full repayment)

We negotiate manageable payment plans based on your income and expenses.

3. Apply for an Offer in Compromise

An Offer in Compromise (OIC) lets you settle back tax balances for less than you owe if paying in full would cause financial hardship. Eligibility is based on:

• Income
• Assets
• Monthly living expenses

This is the IRS’s version of a “fresh start,” but approval is complex. We handle all paperwork, calculations, and negotiations.

4. Request Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status

If you truly can’t afford to pay, you may qualify for hardship status, which:

• Stops all collections
• Leaves your case temporarily inactive
• May lead to eventual debt expiration (statute of limitations)

We build your financial case to support CNC eligibility.

5. Seek Penalty Abatement

IRS and FTB penalties can sometimes be removed through:

• First-time penalty abatement
• Reasonable cause relief (e.g., illness, natural disaster, reliance on a tax pro)

You must provide clear and documented reasons. We draft and submit strong penalty abatement requests.

What Is the Best Way to Settle Back Taxes in California?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best path depends on:

• How much you owe
• Your current income, expenses, and assets
• How many years are unfiled
• Whether you’re dealing with IRS, FTB, or both

Working with a CPA experienced in tax resolution ensures your case is handled strategically and by the book.

Why Orange County Taxpayers Should Choose a Local CPA Firm

National tax relief companies often:

• Use sales reps, not licensed professionals
• Outsource work with little transparency
• Make unrealistic promises

Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC is a trusted local CPA firm, not a call center. We:

• Have deep experience with both IRS and California FTB tax relief
• Offer virtual and in-person appointments from our Orange County office
• Help with every step: filings, negotiations, communication, appeals, and follow-up

Local Tax Problems We Solve

We assist Orange County residents with:

• IRS and FTB tax payment plans
• Offers in Compromise
• Payroll tax problems
• Unfiled tax returns
• High-income and self-employed tax issues
• Wage garnishment release
• IRS or FTB lien and levy removal

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Back Taxes Define Your Future

Back taxes are stressful — but they don’t have to control your life. Whether it’s $10,000 or $100,000+, there are real solutions that can:

• Stop collection actions
• Reduce what you owe
• Restore your peace of mind

At Boulanger CPA, we guide Orange County residents through every step of the tax resolution process with expert advice and local support.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

📍 Serving all of Orange County
📞 Call now: 657-218-5700
📧 Email: marc@boulangercpa.com
🌐 Visit: www.orangecounty.cpa

💬 Book your confidential consultation today — and finally put your tax problems behind you.

📣 About the Author

Marc Boulanger, CPA is the founder of Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, a boutique tax resolution firm based in Orange County, California and trusted by high-income individuals and business owners across Southern California.

He is the author of Defend What’s Yours: A California Taxpayer’s Guide to Beating the IRS and FTB at Their Own Game, available now on Amazon. The book offers a step-by-step plan for resolving IRS and FTB tax debt without losing your business, your home, or your peace of mind.

With over a decade of experience resolving high-stakes IRS and State tax matters, Marc brings strategic insight to complex cases involving wage garnishments, bank levies, unfiled returns, and six-figure tax debts. He is known for helping clients reduce or eliminate tax liabilities through expertly negotiated settlements and compliance plans.

Marc is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in California and Oklahoma and holds the designation of Certified Tax Representation Consultant. He is a member of the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS) — the national organization founded by the educators and practitioners who have trained thousands of CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys in IRS representation strategy.

Every case is handled with discretion, proven methodology, and direct CPA-led representation — not call center scripts.

📍 Learn more at www.orangecounty.cpa or call (657) 218-5700.