How to Solve the Most Common Tax Problems Today

Many people think tax issues only happen to others until they get a letter from the IRS. The truth is, tax problems are more common than you’d expect. Missed deadlines, underreported income, or a small math error can all trigger big headaches.

If you’re facing tax trouble in 2025, you’re not alone. And you’re not stuck. At Dreis Accounting Services, we help people fix these problems every day, with no judgment and clear steps forward.

Signs You’re Facing a Tax Problem

Not every tax issue is loud and obvious. Some signs creep in quietly. Look out for these tax issue signs:

  • You’ve received IRS notices you don’t understand
  • Your refund is delayed or missing
  • You see a balance due that you didn’t expect
  • You missed filing for one or more years
  • You’re getting collection calls or letters
  • You were told your wages may be garnished

If any of these are happening, it’s time to take action—before it gets worse.

Top IRS-Related Tax Issues in 2025

Some IRS tax problems show up more often than others. Here’s what to watch for this year:

CP2000 Notices

This means the IRS found a difference between what you reported and what they see. Usually, it’s about missing income, like a 1099 you forgot.

Underreported Income

Forgetting to report freelance work or side gigs is common. But even small amounts can raise red flags.

Audit Flags

Unusual deductions, large losses, or mismatched info can trigger an audit. It doesn’t mean you did something wrong, but it does mean the IRS wants a closer look.

Missing Forms

If you leave out key tax documents, the IRS may correct your return and charge you more.

These problems usually start small but grow fast if ignored.

How to Handle Back Taxes and Missed Filings

Owe the IRS for past years? You’re not alone. Handling back taxes is possible if you follow the right steps:

1. Gather Your Info

Collect income statements, receipts, and bank records for the missing year(s).

2. File the Late Return

You can file any return from the past six years, and in most cases, you should, even if you can’t pay right away.

3. Calculate What You Owe

Add in interest and possible penalties.

4. Request a Payment Plan

Use the IRS website or contact Dreis to set up a monthly plan.

5. Avoid Future Misses

Set reminders and get help early next time around.

Back taxes won’t go away, but they can be solved with action, not fear.

Understanding Tax Liens and Garnishments

The IRS has the power to collect what you owe. That’s where tax liens and garnishments come in.

What Is a Tax Lien?

It’s a legal claim against your property (like your home or car) because of unpaid taxes. It can hurt your credit and make it hard to sell things.

What Is Wage Garnishment?

This means part of your paycheck is taken before it reaches you, directly by the IRS.

What You Can Do:

  • Respond fast to IRS letters
  • Ask for a payment plan or an offer in compromise
  • Contact a tax professional to stop or reduce the garnishment

Ignoring it won’t make it disappear, but asking for help will.

What to Do if You Receive an IRS Notice

A letter from the IRS doesn’t always mean you’re in trouble. But it should never be ignored. Here’s what to do when you get an IRS notice:

Step-by-Step Checklist:

  • Read the notice carefully to see what they want
  • Check the tax year and compare it with your return
  • Look at the deadline to respond
  • Gather related documents (forms, W-2s, receipts)
  • Decide if you agree or disagree
  • Send a response or payment by the due date

If you’re unsure how to respond, Dreis can step in and handle it for you.

Steps to Correct Filing or Payment Errors

Made a mistake on your taxes? Fixing tax filing errors is easier than you think. Here’s how:

1. Identify the Mistake

Find the wrong number, missing form, or error on your return.

2. Use Form 1040-X

This is for amending a return. It can fix math errors, wrong income, or missed credits.

3. Recalculate Your Tax Bill

You may owe more, or get a refund.

4. Send the Fix Quickly

The sooner you fix it, the less interest or trouble you face.

5. Keep Copies of Everything

Hold on to the correction and all the backup docs.

When to Seek Professional Tax Help

There’s a point when DIY just isn’t enough. You should seek professional tax help if:

  • You owe more than $2,000
  • You’ve received more than one IRS letter
  • You haven’t filed in years
  • The IRS is threatening liens or garnishments
  • You’re being audited
  • You just feel lost

Tax problems don’t solve themselves. The longer you wait, the more complex it gets. Getting help early can save time, money, and stress.

How Dreis Accounting Services Solves Tax Problems

At Dreis Accounting Services, we help everyday people with real tax problems. Here’s what we do:

  • Fix past tax returns and file missing ones
  • Negotiate with the IRS on your behalf
  • Stop wage garnishments and remove liens
  • Set up payment plans that work
  • Respond to IRS letters quickly and clearly
  • Guide you so the problem doesn’t happen again

Whether you missed a payment or received a notice, we help make it right, without panic.

Final Thoughts

Tax problems don’t mean the end of your business or your finances. They just mean it’s time to act. Whether it’s back taxes, IRS letters, or filing mistakes, you can fix it, and we can help. At Dreis Accounting Services, we work with individuals and small businesses across Washington to solve tax issues every day. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

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