When taxes go unpaid, the IRS has several tools available to collect the debt. Beyond penalties and interest, the IRS can garnish wages, levy bank accounts, and even seize and sell assets. In serious cases, they can also levy retirement accounts or pursue jail time when the nonpayment involves more severe violations. Once a lien is filed, the IRS has a legal claim to anything of value.

IRS Help examines the situation, communicates with the IRS, and outlines the steps needed to prevent further collection actions. The goal is to help the taxpayer address the issue before it escalates into more severe consequences.