Tax debt relief is needed for persons who have failed to file returns and therefore are being pursued by the IRS for compensation of back taxes. These back taxes are based on "Substitute For Return" (SFR) filings which the IRS filed for those negligent in doing their own. These returns are constructed from the W-2's and other notifications of income that are filed by employers to one's social security number. Professional assistance is needed especially when returns are left to the government's SFR's over an unspecified period of time but is marked by significant amounts owed and repeated attempts by the IRS to gain repayment that the taxpayer ignores. Relief from tax debt will often require litigation and a professional attorney experienced in this kind of debt. Relief is possible without imprisonment; however, criminal suits are possible and imprisonment assessed at one year of incarceration for each year of unfiled taxes.

Young people who are new to the work force may look at their pay stubs with great anticipation and can become confused by all the odd letters and dollar signs immediately following them. The deductions being extracted for requirements like FICA, Unemployment, Social Security, and local taxes can all be a true mystery to them.

We pay taxes with the sometimes naive expectation that they go toward the betterment of our country and to help pay for programs we take advantage of. However, experience tells us that they frequently go to fund unwanted international conflicts, pay benefits to people who don't live here or weren't born here, or represent political positions we do not embrace. Very frustrating indeed!

To make matters worse, homeowners pay annual taxes that must be paid monthly either via an escrow account managed by the mortgage company or annually through your own savings. And if you are unable to pay these taxes on time, you will be charged late fees. In a worst case scenario, unpaid taxes can subject you to heavy fines, an audit, and then possibly jail time.

If you owe taxes to the IRS and are having difficulty gathering the funds, consider the following tips.

1. Contact the IRS to request a detailed report on the taxes that you owe. The IRS will discuss your tax return free of charge to make sure that all calculations are accurate.

2. Recalculate all the figures on your tax return for your own comfort to ensure prior to sending in your taxes that your figures are all indeed accurate.

3. Look for clearly explained information on tax laws, or hire a third party tax preparer to search your records for any tax exemptions or discounts for which you may be eligible.