Discuss tax debt in plain language, starting with the amount owed or the letter you received. Get help understanding payment options and other relief questions without needing to know every tax term first.
Identify what is known
If you are unsure whether a return was filed, explain what records you have rather than assuming that a prepared copy proves submission. Past-due filing questions and a balance already shown by the IRS may require different follow-up.
Discuss the information needed
Ask which tax years require attention and what income or other records would be useful. Filing a past-due return can be important even when full payment is not possible. The relevant filing requirements and payment questions should be discussed separately.
Keep the work understandable
A proposal should explain whether it includes return preparation, account review, notice response, or payment assistance. Ask what remains your responsibility and how missing information will be handled. Keep copies of submissions and relevant confirmation.
Practical questions for your discussion
List relevant years and available return evidence. Add missing documents with request and receipt events. Keep the period described by the source separate from the date it arrived. Mark uncertain history openly. A retrieved item can complete one task without establishing that preparation or submission has finished.
Read the current official instructions: IRS guidance on past-due returns.