Tax Resolution
Tax Resolution Services for US Startups & Small Businesses
Behind on filings, hit with penalties, or facing a tax levy on a bank account? We start by getting your books accurate – because nothing else can be resolved until the underlying numbers are right – then coordinate the fix with your tax professional. Think of it as fast, no-nonsense IRS tax resolution services, without the wait.
- Free initial review of your notice or situation
- 100% remote - all 50 US states
- We fix the books; keep your CPA or we can refer one
- Honest scope - if it's outside ours, we'll say so upfront
What is Tax Resolution?
Tax resolution is the process of fixing an unresolved tax problem – unfiled returns, unpaid balances, penalties, or a levy – by correcting the underlying records and coordinating a resolution with the IRS or state. Startup Books provides tax resolution support for US startups and small businesses: we rebuild and correct your financial records first, then work alongside your CPA or tax attorney to file, negotiate, or respond. We do not provide legal representation for criminal tax matters.
Where We Help
Common Tax Problems We Help Resolve
Five situations we see most often - and what actually needs to happen for each one.
Back Taxes & Unfiled Returns
Filing back taxes starts with reconstructing accurate records for every unfiled year. We rebuild your books period by period and hand you (or your CPA) a filing-ready package.
Payroll Tax Penalties
Payroll tax penalties compound fast because part of it is money withheld from employees. We get your payroll records current and identify exactly what's owed, by quarter.
IRS Penalties & Penalty Relief
Most IRS penalties are civil - late filing, late payment, accuracy-related - and many qualify for abatement. We get your records ready so your CPA can pursue relief.
Tax Levies - Bank & Property
A levy means the IRS or state has moved to seizing assets directly. Timing matters, A tax levy on a bank account means funds can be seized directly - timing matters most here, and we prioritize getting your records defensible within days, not weeks.
IRS Notices & Audits
Any notice is easier to answer with clean books behind it. We get your records into shape to respond accurately and coordinate the reply with your CPA or EA.
A note on scope: Tax evasion is a criminal matter and requires a tax attorney, not a bookkeeping service. If that’s your situation, we’ll tell you plainly during your free case review and point you toward the right kind of help rather than take on something outside ours.
Why It Works This Way
Your Books Have to Be Right Before Anything Else Can Be Resolved
You can’t file an accurate return, negotiate a penalty, or respond to a levy with numbers you don’t trust. Every resolution path – abatement, installment agreement, offer in compromise, levy release – runs through the same starting point: records the IRS or state will accept. That’s the part we own. The negotiation and filing is your CPA’s or attorney’s job; ours is making sure they have something accurate to work with.
The Process
How Tax Resolution Works
One call and a clear plan within days.
1
Free case review
Tell us what notice you received or what's overdue. We'll tell you honestly whether this is a books problem we can fix, or a legal matter that needs an attorney first.
2
Records assessment
We identify exactly which periods are missing, incomplete, or wrong, and give you a fixed quote and timeline to correct them.
3
Rebuild & reconcile
We reconstruct the books period by period until your records are accurate and defensible.
4
Coordinate the resolution
We hand the corrected records to your CPA, enrolled agent, or tax attorney (or refer you to one) to file, negotiate, or respond to the levy.
✓
Move to ongoing bookkeeping
Once resolved, most clients move to a monthly plan so it doesn't happen again.
What Does Tax Resolution Cost?
Pricing depends on how many periods need rebuilding and how complex the records are – it isn’t a flat monthly fee like ongoing bookkeeping. We quote a fixed price after your free case review, before any work starts. No hourly billing, no open-ended invoices.
FAQ
Got a Question? Get Your Answer
Quick answers to common tax resolution questions. Still unsure? Reach out and we'll guide you.
What is tax resolution?
Tax resolution is the process of fixing an unresolved tax problem – unfiled returns, unpaid balances, penalties, or a levy – by correcting the underlying records and negotiating a resolution with the IRS or state. It typically starts with figuring out exactly what’s owed and for which periods. We handle the records side; a CPA, enrolled agent, or attorney typically handles the filing or negotiation itself.
How do I file back taxes if I haven't filed in years?
You file back taxes by reconstructing accurate financial records for each missing year, then filing the returns oldest to newest. Most people are unsure exactly how far back they’re missing – that’s the first thing to establish, since it changes the entire plan. We rebuild the books for each period so there’s something accurate to file from.
What happens if I don't file back taxes?
Unfiled returns don’t disappear – penalties and interest accrue, and the IRS can eventually file a substitute return on your behalf that rarely works in your favor. There’s no realistic path where waiting longer helps. The first useful step is finding out exactly what’s missing, not guessing.
Can payroll tax penalties be reduced or removed?
Yes, in some cases – through penalty abatement if there’s reasonable cause, or a payment plan that stops penalties from continuing to grow. Payroll tax is treated more seriously than most other business taxes because part of it is money withheld from employee paychecks. The first step is getting current, accurate payroll records.
What's the difference between a tax penalty and tax evasion?
A tax penalty is a civil charge – for late filing, late payment, or errors – while tax evasion is a criminal offense involving willful, intentional non-payment. The vast majority of IRS notices are civil penalties, not evasion. If your situation involves a criminal investigation, that requires a tax attorney, not a bookkeeping service.
Can a property tax levy be stopped?
A property tax levy can sometimes be released or prevented if you respond before the seizure is finalized – typically by resolving the underlying balance, entering a payment plan, or demonstrating a filing error. Timing is the biggest factor, and accurate, current records are what make a fast response possible.
How long does tax resolution take?
Timelines vary widely – a straightforward penalty abatement can resolve in weeks, while multi-year unfiled returns or an active levy can take longer depending on how much rebuilding is needed. We give you a specific timeline after the free case review.
Do you represent me in front of the IRS?
No – we handle the bookkeeping and records side of tax resolution; representation in front of the IRS is a CPA, enrolled agent, or tax attorney function. We coordinate closely with whichever professional is handling your case, or can refer you to one.
What records do I need for tax resolution?
You typically need bank and credit card statements, prior filed returns (if any), payroll records if applicable, and any notices you’ve received. If records are missing, that’s normal – reconstructing them from bank and payment processor history is part of what we do.
Get a Free Review of Your Situation
Tell us what notice you got or what’s overdue. We’ll tell you straight whether it’s fixable, what it costs, and what happens next – no pressure, no obligation.