Back Taxes in Orange County Here’s How to Settle with the IRS Without Losing Everything

Marc Boulanger • August 4, 2025

Legal Ways to Settle IRS Debt in Orange County

Orange County CPA helping client settle back taxes

Introduction

If you're dealing with back taxes in Orange County, you're likely overwhelmed, stressed, and unsure where to turn. The fear of losing your home, your business, or your paycheck to the IRS is real—but it doesn't have to become your reality.


At Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, we help individuals and business owners in Orange County resolve their IRS tax problems legally and efficiently—without losing everything they've worked so hard to build. This guide will show you how to settle your IRS debt using proven strategies that protect your assets and your peace of mind.



What Are Back Taxes?

Back taxes are taxes that were not paid when due. These can include:

  • Unpaid federal income taxes
  • Payroll taxes for business owners
  • Self-employment taxes
  • Estimated taxes


Whether you owe a few thousand or hundreds of thousands, unresolved back taxes will lead to penalties, interest, and aggressive collection actions by the IRS.


In Orange County, where living costs are high and small businesses thrive, unpaid taxes can quickly become a financial disaster.  That’s why it’s crucial to get help settling your back taxes in Orange County before the IRS begins taking further action.



The Consequences of Unpaid Back Taxes

Failing to address back taxes can result in:

  • IRS Notices and Audits
  • Wage Garnishments
  • Bank Levies
  • Federal Tax Liens
  • Asset Seizure
  • Passport Revocation


The IRS doesn’t just go away—and the longer you wait, the more damage is done. But there is hope.



How to Settle IRS Back Taxes Without Losing Everything

If you live in Orange County, CA, and owe back taxes, here are the most effective and legal ways to resolve your debt:



1. Get Into  Compliance First

Before the IRS will negotiate, you must be in compliance. This means:

  • All required tax returns must be filed (even if you can’t pay).
  • You must stay current on current year tax obligations.


We help Orange County clients get into compliance fast, often filing years of back returns in days.



2. Explore an  Installment Agreement

An Installment Agreement is a payment plan that allows you to pay off your tax debt over time. The IRS offers:

  • Guaranteed Installment Agreements (if you owe under $10,000)
  • Streamlined Installment Agreements (for debts under $50,000)
  • Partial Payment Installment Agreements (if you can’t afford full monthly payments)


As an Orange County CPA firm, we can help you apply for the right plan and negotiate terms that fit your budget.



3. Submit an Offer in Compromise (OIC)

An Offer in Compromise allows you to settle back taxes for less with the IRS —but only if you qualify.

To be approved, you must prove that:

  • You can’t afford to pay the full amount
  • The offer represents the most the IRS could reasonably collect


We prepare and submit successful OIC applications for Orange County clients by leveraging our deep experience with IRS negotiation.



4. Request Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status

If paying your back taxes would cause serious financial hardship, you may qualify for Currently Not Collectible status.

This halts IRS collection efforts—including garnishments and levies—temporarily.

In other words, the IRS may pause collections if you’re in financial hardship while they review your ability to pay.

You’ll still owe the debt, but the IRS pauses all actions while your financial situation is evaluated.



5. Penalty Abatement and Interest Relief

Penalties and interest can increase your original tax bill by 25% or more. We routinely help clients reduce penalties and interest on your California tax debt by applying for First-Time Penalty Abatement or Reasonable Cause Relief saving them thousands.


6. Innocent Spouse Relief

If you’re being held responsible for tax debt that your spouse (or ex-spouse) caused, you may qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief. We’ve helped several Orange County clients walk away from tax debt that wasn’t truly theirs.



7. Business Owners: Settle Payroll Tax Debt

Unpaid payroll taxes are among the most serious IRS offenses. The IRS may hold you personally liable through the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty.

If your Orange County business owes payroll taxes, act quickly. We’ll negotiate a settlement to avoid business closure or personal liability.



8. Bankruptcy (Last Resort)

In some cases, older tax debts may be dischargeable in bankruptcy. While this is rare, it can be a lifeline when combined with proper planning.

Consult with our CPA team and a bankruptcy attorney to see if you qualify.



Why Choose a Local Orange County Tax Resolution CPA?

Working with a local expert gives you a huge advantage over national tax relief companies. Here’s why:

  • Face-to-face support in our Orange County office
  • Knowledge of California tax laws and local IRS procedures
  • Faster response times and personalized strategies
  • Better communication and accountability


Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC is based in Orange County, CA and has successfully resolved back tax issues for individuals and businesses throughout the area. We primarily meet with clients virtually via Zoom for convenience, but in-person appointments at our Orange County office are available by request.



Real Orange County Success Story

“I owed over $92,000 in back taxes and was terrified the IRS would take my home. Boulanger CPA filed my missing returns, got penalties waived, and negotiated a settlement for just $6,800. I finally feel like I can breathe again.” — Sarah M., Irvine CA



What to Expect When You Call Us

  1. Free Initial Consultation
  2. Tax Return Review + Compliance Check
  3. Customized Tax Resolution Strategy
  4. IRS Representation and Negotiation
  5. Long-Term Tax Planning to Prevent Future Issues


We don’t just fix the problem—we help you build a healthier financial future  and protect your paycheck from IRS collection actions that could disrupt your life.



Call Today — Don’t Wait for the IRS to Make the First Move

The IRS is one of the most powerful collection agencies in the world. If you owe back taxes and live in Orange County, the worst thing you can do is wait.


Call Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC today and let us help you settle your tax debt before things spiral out of control.

📍 Visit Us: https://www.orangecounty.cpa
📞
Call Now: 657-218-5700
📧
Schedule a  Free Consultation



Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed tax professional regarding your specific situation.

What are back taxes?

Back taxes are unpaid taxes from prior years. They may include penalties and interest if not resolved promptly.

How do I know how much I owe?

A CPA can pull your IRS and FTB transcripts to verify balances, penalties, and interest going back up to 10 years or more.

Can I settle my back taxes for less than I owe?

Yes. Through the IRS Offer in Compromise program or FTB settlement procedures, you may qualify to resolve your debt for less.

What if I can’t pay anything right now?

You may qualify for Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status, which temporarily pauses collections until your situation improves.

Will the IRS or FTB garnish my wages?

Yes, if you ignore notices. The IRS and FTB can garnish wages, levy bank accounts, and file tax liens when debts go unpaid.

How can a CPA in Orange County help?

A local CPA can pull your records, evaluate settlement options, stop wage garnishments, and negotiate with IRS and California agencies on your behalf.

📣 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.

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