IRS representation, Houston

IRS problems, from the first letter to a levy

To: You
From: Blaga Veleva, EA
Re: IRS help

Most IRS problems follow the same path: a bill, reminders, a notice of intent to levy, a final notice with hearing rights, then a levy or lien. The earlier you act, the more options you keep. Blaga Veleva, EA, on FM 1960 in Houston, can read your letter, find where you are on that path, and speak to the IRS for you.

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A.01You got an audit letter. Here is the plan.If you get an IRS audit letter, note the response date, gather only what the letter asks for, and decide who will speak to the examiner.
A.02Owe the IRS for past years? Here are your options.To settle back taxes with the IRS, get filed up, learn the exact balance, then pick the option your budget can carry: full payment, a payment plan, a hardship delay,...
A.03Tax debt and bankruptcy: plan before you fileSome IRS debt can be discharged in bankruptcy.
A.04Currently not collectible: when you truly cannot pay the IRSCurrently not collectible (CNC) is an IRS status for people who cannot pay their tax debt because of financial hardship.
A.05When the tax debt was your spouse'sInnocent spouse relief can free you from tax, interest and penalties that came from your spouse or former spouse's error on a joint return.
A.06IRS payment plans, set up the right wayMost people who owe the IRS can get a payment plan.
A.07IRS transcripts: the IRS's own record of your accountAn IRS transcript is the IRS's own summary of your return or your account.
A.08How to tell a real IRS letter from a scamA real IRS letter normally arrives by U.S.
A.09IRS bank levy: what to do in the next 21 daysIf the IRS levies your bank account, the bank freezes the funds and sends them to the IRS after 21 days.
A.10Getting a federal tax lien releasedThe IRS releases a federal tax lien within 30 days after you pay the tax debt in full.
A.11Offer in compromise: who really qualifiesAn offer in compromise lets you settle IRS debt for less than the full amount only if you can't pay in full or doing so would cause financial hardship.
A.12Behind on payroll taxes: what the IRS can do and what to do nowUnpaid payroll taxes are treated more seriously than most tax debt because part of the money was withheld from employees.
A.13Getting IRS penalties removedFor eligible 2025 and later returns, the IRS applies the Automatic Exemption from Penalty on its own, with no request, and sends a notice confirming it.
A.14How to stop or pause IRS collectionYou can pause IRS collections by requesting a Collection Due Process hearing within 30 days of a final notice, asking for hardship status, or submitting a payment...
A.15Behind on filing? Start here.If you haven't filed in years, file every return that is due, even if you can't pay.
A.16When the IRS garnishes your paycheckAn IRS wage garnishment, called a wage levy, takes part of every paycheck until you make other arrangements, pay the debt, or get the levy released.

How does an IRS problem usually escalate?

It moves in steps, and each letter tells you which step you are on. A typical balance-due case looks like this:

First bill. A CP14 says you owe and asks you to pay by the date on the notice.
Reminders. A CP501, then a CP503. Interest and penalties keep growing.
Intent to levy. A CP504 lets the IRS take a state refund and start looking for other assets. It cannot levy wages or a bank account on this notice alone.
Final notice. An LT11 or Letter 1058, or a CP90, gives you 30 days to ask for a Collection Due Process hearing.
Enforcement. A bank levy, a wage levy, or a federal tax lien with a Letter 3172.

Unfiled returns and audits run on their own tracks, but they often end on this same road once a balance is assessed. The IRS letter decoder shows where any notice fits.

What should you do this week, whatever letter you have?

Find the date on the letter and count the days you have left. That date matters more than the dollar amount.

Keep every envelope and page together. Take a photo of each one.
Do not ignore it, even if you think it is wrong. A wrong notice still needs an answer.
If the letter says "final notice" or offers a hearing, the 30-day window is the priority. Form 12153 is the request, and the deadline is printed on your letter, per the IRS Collection Due Process FAQs.
Do not drain savings to pay part of it before you know your options. A payment plan or a pause may fit better.
Send Blaga a copy. A free consultation is the fastest way to know which step you are on.

Which IRS problem page fits your situation?

Start with the page that matches the letter or the action you are facing:

Money taken or about to be: IRS levy, wage garnishment, stop or pause collections.
A public filing on your property: IRS lien release.
Your return is being questioned: IRS audit help.
You owe and cannot pay in full: back taxes, installment agreement, offer in compromise.
The balance is mostly penalties: penalty abatement.
Years with no return filed: unfiled tax returns.
A spouse or former spouse caused the debt: innocent spouse relief.
You are thinking about bankruptcy: pre-bankruptcy tax planning.

Who can talk to the IRS for you in Houston?

An Enrolled Agent can. The IRS calls enrolled agent status "the highest credential the IRS awards," and says enrolled agents have unlimited practice rights, like attorneys, per the IRS enrolled agent page. That covers audits, collections and appeals.

Blaga Veleva is an Enrolled Agent and has led Tax & Business Solutions for more than 17 years. Once you sign Form 2848, a power of attorney, she can call the IRS, request your transcripts, and answer letters in your place. You stop taking the calls. You can meet her at 5629 FM 1960 West, Suite 221, or work by secure portal from anywhere in greater Houston. See more about Blaga.

On file

A client, in their own words

“Great job overall! Very fast and efficient. I have [several] years of back taxes that finally caught up with me. She was able to help me out and get it done promptly for a reasonable price. Thanks again for all your help!!!”

Tara J.Thumbtack, 2019

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Questions

Questions people ask

Q1Who can represent me before the IRS in Houston?

Attorneys and Enrolled Agents are among those who can represent you. Blaga Veleva is an Enrolled Agent with unlimited practice rights before the IRS. She works from FM 1960 West and can act for you once you sign Form 2848.

Q2Is an enrolled agent enough for an IRS problem?

For most collection, penalty and audit cases, yes. The IRS says enrolled agents are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they represent, which tax matters they handle, and which IRS offices they appear before. If a case turns criminal or needs a bankruptcy filing, you also need an attorney.

Q3How long do I have before the IRS takes my money?

It depends on the letter. A CP504 alone does not allow a bank or wage levy. A final notice such as an LT11 or CP90 gives you 30 days to request a hearing. Once a bank levy hits, the bank holds the funds for 21 days before sending them.

Q4Can I get a free consultation about an IRS letter?

Yes. Tax & Business Solutions offers a free consultation. Bring or upload the letter, and Blaga will explain which step it is and what your options are. Call (281) 785-0460.