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

Marc Boulanger • April 3, 2025
A sign that says facing back taxes here 's how orange county residents can get relief

How to Get Relief from Back Taxes in Orange County (Quick Answer)

If you’re behind on taxes in Orange County, California, you can get relief by:

  1. Filing all missing tax returns
  2. Requesting a payment plan (installment agreement)
  3. Applying for an Offer in Compromise to settle for less
  4. Qualifying for hardship status (Currently Not Collectible)
  5. Seeking penalty abatement for reasonable cause
  6. Working with a local tax resolution CPA like Boulanger CPA

➡️ Each option has specific eligibility rules. Professional help ensures the best outcome and protection from IRS or FTB enforcement.


🎥 Watch: How to Get Relief from Back Taxes in Orange County

If you're struggling with IRS or California state back taxes, this quick video breaks down the most effective ways to get relief. Marc Boulanger, CPA, explains the options available to Orange County residents — including payment plans, Offers in Compromise, penalty abatement, and more. Watch now to learn how you can stop collections and take back control of your finances.

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.

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:

  • Filing all past-due IRS and FTB returns
  • 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 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.


❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Back Taxes & Relief in Orange County

  • What are back taxes and how do they happen?

    Back taxes are unpaid taxes from a previous year or the current year. They can result from unfiled returns, underreported income, or failing to pay the full amount owed. Even a single missed payment can lead to serious consequences.

  • Can I get help with back taxes if I live in Orange County?

    Yes. Orange County residents can resolve IRS or California FTB tax debt through payment plans, Offers in Compromise, penalty relief, or hardship status. Working with a local CPA like Boulanger CPA increases your chances of a favorable outcome.

  • What happens if I ignore my back taxes in California?

    Ignoring back taxes can lead to wage garnishments, bank levies, tax liens, license suspension, and even passport denial. Both the IRS and California FTB have aggressive enforcement powers, especially if you live or work in California.

  • How do I know if I qualify for an Offer in Compromise?

    You may qualify if you can’t afford to pay your full tax debt based on your income, assets, and expenses. The IRS will evaluate your “reasonable collection potential” to determine eligibility. Boulanger CPA can help assess and submit your offer.

  • What’s the fastest way to stop IRS collections in Orange County?

    The fastest way is to file all missing returns and set up a compliant payment plan or qualify for hardship status (Currently Not Collectible). A local tax relief CPA can help you get protections in place quickly.

  • Can I still get tax relief if I haven’t filed in years?

    Yes. You must first become current by filing all legally required tax returns. Once you’re in compliance, you may be eligible for tax relief programs. Boulanger CPA can assist with late filing and transcript recovery.

  • What’s the difference between IRS and California FTB back taxes?

    IRS back taxes are federal; FTB (Franchise Tax Board) handles California state income taxes. Both can issue liens, levies, and garnishments, but their rules and programs differ. We help resolve both for Orange County clients.

  • Will back taxes affect my credit or ability to get a loan?

    Yes. If the IRS or FTB files a lien, it can impact your creditworthiness and ability to refinance or get approved for a mortgage. Resolving your tax debt quickly protects your financial standing.

  • Can I go to jail for not paying my taxes?

    Jail is rare and typically reserved for willful tax evasion or fraud. Most back tax issues are civil matters. As long as you're working toward resolution, criminal charges are extremely unlikely.

  • Why should I use a local CPA instead of a national tax relief company?

    Local CPAs provide personal, professional service and are accountable to California state licensing boards. National companies often rely on sales reps and make unrealistic promises. At Boulanger CPA, we offer tailored solutions for Orange County residents with real results.

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