For most people, personal finance is a deeply private matter. The idea of revealing their personal financial information to anyone, especially total strangers, can often cause fear and anxiety. However, when taxpayers find themselves with tax debts they are unable to pay, they may be required to divulge some of this information to the IRS for collection purposes. Below, we will examine how taxpayers might be able to avoid having to complete IRS Form 433-A.

What is IRS Form 433-A?

IRS Form 433-A, the “Collection Information Statement for Wage Earners and Self-employed Individuals,” is a form the IRS requires applicants for certain installment agreements to complete in order to gain a full picture of the applicant’s finances. If the IRS requests that you complete 433-A, it will want to know:

• Where you work, how long you’ve worked there, and your compensation
• Where you bank and the amount in your accounts
• The types of investments you own and their current value
• Your sources of credit and how much you owe
• Your life insurance policies
• The location and value of your real property
• The value of your personal vehicle(s)
• The value of your personal effects (e.g., jewelry, furniture, artwork, etc.)
• Your total living expenses broken down by category (i.e., housing, child care, auto expenses, medical costs, food and clothing, etc.)
• For self-employed individuals, all relevant financial information about their business

The IRS also requires those completing Form 433-A to provide documentation for what they have disclosed on the form. This includes pay stubs, bank statements, mortgage documents, insurance policies, etc.

How to Avoid Completing IRS Form 433-A

Because Form 433-A requires taxpayers to disclose so much information you will want to avoid having to complete it if possible. You may apply for a streamlined installment agreement, which is available to taxpayers who owe less than $100,000. These agreements do not require applicants to complete a collection information statement.

• If you owe $50,000 or less in back taxes, you may be eligible for a streamlined installment agreement. This allows you to pay your tax debt in monthly installments for up to 72 months. You may pay by direct debit from your bank account or paycheck. Or by submitting monthly payments (if the amount is $25,000 or less).
• If you owe between $50,000-$100,000 in back taxes, you may also be eligible for a streamlined agreement for up to 84 months. But you will be required to pay by direct debit.

While streamlined installment agreements offer an attractive alternative to invasive financial disclosures, taxpayers should keep in mind that interest and penalties will accrue during the installment period.

Contact Enrolled Agent Richard Schickel at RMS Tax Consulting LLC.

A streamlined installment agreement is a great strategy for paying what you owe to the IRS without having to disclose more financial information than necessary. For more information about IRS Form 433-A, streamlined installment agreements, or our other tax resolution services, contact Richard Schickel at RMS Tax Consulting LLC. (520) 448-3531. We will help you explore all your options.