5 Hidden IRS Traps & How to Protect Yourself This Tax Season

Most people are surprised to learn that the IRS doesn’t have forever to collect on back taxes. In general, the agency has a 10-year statute of limitations that starts the day your tax debt is officially assessed. Once that clock runs out, the IRS typically loses its ability to collect. Sounds straightforward, right? Not so fast. There are important exceptions that can pause or even extend that 10-year collection window—and if you’re not aware of them, you might think you’re in the clear when you’re not. At Arch Tax, we believe in helping our clients understand how these rules really work so you can make smart, informed decisions about your situation.

If you owe back taxes, you may have heard that filing for bankruptcy can sometimes wipe out IRS debt. While that’s technically true, the rules are extremely strict, and in most cases there are better solutions available. At Arch Tax, we work hard to resolve tax issues without pushing you toward bankruptcy — but it’s important to understand how the process works in case it becomes part of the discussion. What Is an IRS Tax Discharge? An IRS tax discharge happens when certain qualifying tax debts are eliminated through bankruptcy. However, not all tax debt qualifies, and you must meet several conditions before the IRS will allow it.  The general criteria include: Tax returns were filed at least two years before the bankruptcy. The IRS assessed the tax more than 240 days before the filing. The debt is unsecured (no lien attached). The debt is not related to trust fund taxes (such as withheld payroll taxes). The taxpayer did not commit fraud or attempt to evade taxes. At least three years have passed since the tax return was originally due (including extensions). If all of these apply, a discharge may be possible. Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy There are two main types of bankruptcy that come into play with tax debt: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Often called “liquidation bankruptcy.” Can eliminate qualifying tax debts. Typically requires proving you don’t have the income to repay what you owe. Faster and more straightforward than Chapter 13. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Restructures your debts into a 3–5 year repayment plan . Allows you to catch up on overdue payments. Does not discharge IRS debt. For those strictly looking to wipe out IRS debt, Chapter 7 is more favorable — but qualifying is difficult, and it’s not always the best path forward. What Tax Liabilities Cannot Be Discharged? Even in Chapter 7, some types of taxes are never dischargeable. These include: Federal tax liens already filed. Recent property taxes. Certain payroll and employment taxes. “Trust fund” taxes such as withheld income, Social Security, and Medicare. Erroneous refunds or credits tied to non-dischargeable taxes. In these cases, bankruptcy will not erase your obligation. Why Bankruptcy Should Be a Last Resort Bankruptcy can feel like a quick fix, but it comes with long-term financial consequences. Your credit, your ability to borrow, and even certain job opportunities can all be affected. That’s why at Arch Tax , we do everything possible to explore other tax resolution strategies first — like Offers in Compromise, installment agreements, penalty abatements, or the IRS Fresh Start Program. Bankruptcy may help in very specific situations, but we see it as the last option on the list. Final Thoughts IRS tax discharge through bankruptcy is possible, but only under narrow circumstances. For most taxpayers, there are far better options that can resolve your IRS debt without the lasting effects of bankruptcy. At Arch Tax , our mission is simple: help you find the best solution for your tax problem — not just the fastest or easiest. We’ll walk you through your options, explain what you qualify for, and fight to protect your financial future. 📞 Call us today to review your case and find out what tax relief options may work for you. Bankruptcy isn’t the only answer — and often, it’s not the best one.

When tax debt feels overwhelming, the promise of “fast relief” can be tempting. Unfortunately, not every tax relief company plays by the rules. In recent years, taxpayers have reported an increase in scams where firms use aggressive sales tactics, hidden fees, or false promises to lure in clients—only to leave them worse off than before. Knowing how to spot the red flags can protect your wallet and give you peace of mind. Common Warning Signs of a Tax Relief Scam 1. Upfront Payment Demands Be cautious if a company asks for full payment before they’ve reviewed your situation. Many fraudulent firms collect thousands of dollars upfront and then fail to provide meaningful help. 2. Lack of Transparency If a company won’t explain its process, fees, or credentials in clear terms, consider it a major red flag. Trustworthy firms are upfront about costs and timelines. 3. Aggressive Marketing Tactics Scam firms often rely on unsolicited calls, misleading mailers designed to look like IRS notices, or pressure to “sign up now before it’s too late.” Legitimate professionals don’t need scare tactics to earn your trust. 4. No Licensed Professionals on Staff A reliable tax relief company employs licensed experts—such as CPAs, enrolled agents, or tax attorneys—who can represent you before the IRS. If you can’t verify credentials, walk away. 5. No Money-Back Guarantee Many reputable companies offer some form of satisfaction guarantee. Scammers often avoid this, knowing their “services” won’t deliver results. Signs of a Legitimate Tax Relief Firm Licensed professionals are easy to verify and listed publicly. Transparent fee structures that don’t hide costs. Free initial consultations so you can explore your options without financial risk. Protecting Yourself Before hiring a tax relief company: Research reviews and complaints online. Verify credentials with professional associations. Ask direct questions about costs, timelines, and services. Trust your gut —if something feels off, it probably is. Final Thoughts Tax relief can be life-changing when handled by the right professionals—but devastating if you fall for a scam. By recognizing these warning signs and doing your due diligence, you can avoid fraudulent companies and focus on solutions that actually work. If you’re dealing with IRS debt and want clear, honest guidance, consult a licensed tax professional you can trust . You can also schedule a free consultation with us and we'd be happy to answer all of your questions.

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You trust your tax preparer with some of your most sensitive personal and financial information. But what happens if scammers target them—and end up with your data? Unfortunately, there’s a real scam going around that does exactly that. Here’s how it works and how you can protect yourself. The Scam in Action Criminals send fake emails to tax preparers, pretending to be from the tax software company the preparer uses. These emails ask the preparer to “verify” their Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) —a number the IRS uses to identify legitimate tax businesses. The email tells them to send the EFIN information by fax. If the preparer falls for it, scammers can use that EFIN to file fake tax returns in clients’ names—claiming fraudulent refunds. Why This Matters to You If your preparer’s EFIN is stolen, scammers could: File a fake return using your personal information Claim your refund before you do Cause IRS delays and red flags on your account Make it harder and slower for you to get your real refund Signs of Trouble Here are a few warning signs that could mean your personal tax information was compromised: You try to e-file and the IRS says a return has already been filed under your name You get a letter from the IRS about a tax return you didn’t file You receive unexpected tax documents in the mail What You Can Do You can’t stop scammers from targeting tax professionals, but you can take steps to protect yourself: Ask your preparer how they protect client data — A good tax pro will use secure portals and never send sensitive info over unencrypted email. Consider getting an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) — This is a 6-digit number that prevents anyone from filing a return in your name without it. Act quickly if you suspect fraud — Contact your tax preparer, report it to the IRS, and follow their steps to secure your account. Bottom Line The EFIN scam targets tax preparers, but it’s taxpayers who can suffer the consequences. By choosing a preparer who takes security seriously—and staying alert to signs of fraud—you can greatly reduce your risk. If you think your information may have been compromised or want help setting up extra IRS protections, contact Arch Tax today . We’ll help you secure your account and make sure your tax return is filed safely and accurately.

If you filed for an extension, your new tax deadline is October 15, 2025 . That gives you a little extra time — but not much — to get everything in order. Many taxpayers in your shoes consider hiring a professional to help finish the return. But here’s the catch: Not all tax preparers are created equal.  Some are helpful pros. Others? Not so much. Choose the wrong one, and you could risk your refund — or worse, find yourself in a mess with the IRS. Here are the biggest red flags to watch out for when choosing a tax preparer: 1. They Promise Bigger Refunds Than Everyone Else If someone claims they can get you a “huge refund” before they’ve even looked at your documents, that’s a giant red flag. A legitimate preparer doesn’t make promises until they’ve seen the facts. 2. They Want Your Refund Deposited into Their Bank Account Never agree to this. Your refund should be deposited directly into your bank account — not theirs. This is a shady tactic some preparers use to skim fees or delay payments. 3. They Won’t Sign the Return By law, paid preparers must sign your return and include their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) . If they refuse? Walk away. 4. They Don’t Ask for Records or Receipts Good tax pros ask a lot of questions and request documentation. If someone is willing to prepare your return based only on a pay stub or vague guesses, that’s a problem. 5. They Base Their Fee on Your Refund Size A preparer who charges a percentage of your refund has a financial incentive to fudge the numbers. Reputable pros charge flat or hourly fees — not a cut of your return. 6. They Can’t Be Reached After Tax Season What happens if the IRS sends you a notice in December? Make sure you’re working with someone who’s available year-round — not just from January to April. What You Should Look For A valid PTIN IRS e-file access Transparency in pricing Willingness to review the return with you Available to answer questions even after October Final Tip: You Are Still Responsible No matter who prepares your return, you are legally responsible for what gets filed. Don’t sign a return you haven’t reviewed — and never sign a blank one. Need Help You Can Trust? At Arch Tax, we pride ourselves on transparency , ethics , and experience . We’ve helped hundreds of clients meet their tax deadlines — without the red flags. Let’s make sure your return gets filed right. Schedule a free consultation today!