Chapter 7 Tax Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 Tax Bankruptcy

Tax problems can be solved!

The Senario

Let us assume an individual has typical credit card debts in the amount of $15,000. The individual has filed tax returns every year, but, being self-employed, has not been able to fully pay personal income taxes each year. As a result, on years 1995 through 2000 there is an outstanding tax, interest and penalty liability of $50,000. This individual has a car which was financed within the last two years, rents a home, and has $2,000.00 in an IRA.

The penalties on the taxes will accrue at somewhere between $250.00 and $500.00 per month, depending on whether the penalties have reached their statutory maximum. Interest will be added at the rate of 6% per annum compounded daily. The IRS will pursue enforced collections.

Filing the Petition

Filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition invokes an injunction called the “automatic stay”. All collection activity must stop. A bankruptcy estate is created and is examined by an appointed bankruptcy trustee. The trustee reviews the case to determine whether any assets are available for liquidation and distribution to unsecured creditors.

In this scenario, the recently financed car has no equity, the household goods and furnishings are average, and the only funds available are $2,000 in an IRA. All of the listed assets are exempt and the trustee would “abandon” the property back to the debtor.

Tax Transcripts to carefully analyse if a BK can eliminate the taxes

A transcript obtained from the IRS and FTB Disclosure Departments in this case revealed that all of the taxes met three specific criteria which classify them as general unsecured, non-priority taxes and therefore dischargeable in the Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

The 3 criteria for tax dischargeability (possible elimination) are:

1. The tax return must be due, including applicable extensions, more than three years prior to the filing of the bankruptcy.

2. A tax return must have been filed more than two years prior to the filing of the bankruptcy. (This brings up the issue of what a “filed” tax return consists of.)

3. The taxes must have been assessed more than 240 days prior to the filing of the bankruptcy.

Abatement of Taxes

Once a bankruptcy is completed and the discharge is entered, the IRS and FTB must follow through with an abatement of the dischargeable tax, interest, and penalties. The abatement consists of the computer being adjusted to show no balance due and the tax liens being released. (Some liens need to be negotiated and satisfied.)

Chapter 7 a powerful option

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be a very powerful option which can be utilized to prevent, terminate, and control IRS and State collection activities.

GARY A. QUACKENBUSH
Attorney at Law

12396 World Trade Drive, Suite 213
San Diego, CA 92128
858-549-8600
fax 858-549-8863
Gary@GQLaw.com
www.GQLaw.com

Tax problems can be solved!

Let us know how we can help you.