How to Find Out the Balance of Debt Owed to the IRS

An IRS debt is a highly serious matter. The IRS will use nearly all means necessary to collect unpaid taxes. Unlike consumer creditors, the IRS is capable of accessing your personal income for the purpose of collection. In cases of extremely delinquent accounts, the IRS can garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, and place liens on credit reports and homes. Prior to repaying an IRS debt, you must determine your total outstanding balance. Fortunately, this process is relatively easy.

Instructions

Figuring IRS Debt

1

Pull a recent copy of your credit report. See Resources for a free current copy. Review this report for any judgments or liens. The IRS may have already placed a lien on your credit. This figure may be accurate, but you'll want to confirm the total balance.

2

Review any correspondence from the IRS. This includes any letters of inquiry received from agents, collection notices, notices of unpaid debts and requests to re-file certain forms. These documents may contain your unpaid balance.

3

Speak with a trusted advisor prior to contacting an IRS agent. Your accountant is the best source. It's important to understand your rights. It is possible to incriminate yourself while speaking about debts with the IRS. You'll need to know what to say and, more important, what not to say.

4

Find a local IRS branch office. See Resources for a tool for this. Make sure to find an office that has live agents and customer service representatives. Determine whether to call the office or go in person. If you do go in person, make sure to bring a tape recorder to document the conversation. Documentation of communication is essential.

5

Contact your IRS agent to find out your outstanding debt. While there, it may be best to begin working out arrangements for repayment.