Approaching the IRS 10 year statute of limitations - should I set up an installment agreement now?

Thanks for the insight. I've heard about them getting more aggressive near the end. Do you think they might try to file a suit against me in these final months? Also, is there any way to confirm the exact CSED date without alerting them to the fact that I'm waiting it out?

The IRS typically only files suit in cases they consider high priority, usually involving very large amounts or suspected fraud. For typical tax debts like yours, it's uncommon this late in the game, though not impossible. To confirm your CSED dates without raising flags, you can request an account transcript from the IRS through their online portal or by filing Form 4506-T. This shows assessment dates from which you can calculate the 10-year period. The transcript request itself is routine and shouldn't trigger additional scrutiny. Just be aware that certain past actions might have extended the original CSED, so review the transcript carefully.

How exactly does this work? Do you upload your IRS documents and it tells you the exact date the statute expires? I've gotten different answers from different people about my situation.

Sounds like another pay service. How much does it cost? I'm skeptical about anything claiming to help with IRS issues since most "tax relief" companies I've dealt with just took my money and did very little.

The tool analyzes your IRS transcripts and other tax documents to identify specific events that affect your CSED calculation. It uses AI to recognize things like previous installment agreements, bankruptcy filings, or CDP hearings that might have paused or extended your statute. It highlights these events with explanations of how they impact your timeline. I understand the skepticism - I felt the same way. What made this different was that it's just a document analysis tool, not a full-service tax relief company that makes big promises. It simply helped me understand my own situation clearly so I could make an informed decision. They even have a sample analysis you can view before trying it.

How does this actually work? Does it just keep dialing the IRS for you or something? I've literally spent days trying to get through.

Yeah right. Nothing can get you through to the IRS faster. Their phone system is literally designed to be impossible. I'll believe it when I see it. There's no "secret backdoor" to the IRS.

It doesn't autodial for you - instead, it uses a proprietary system that monitors IRS queue times and call volume patterns. When it identifies a low-volume period, it secures your place in line and calls you when an agent is about to be available. You then complete the connection to the IRS. I was absolutely in your position before - completely skeptical that anything could beat the IRS phone system. I had literally spent 9+ hours on hold across multiple days. What convinced me was watching their live queue monitor showing how many people were ahead of me, then getting the callback exactly when they said I would. It's not a backdoor - they're just extremely efficient at navigating the official channels.

This is so true. My CSED was approaching and they suddenly filed a levy against my bank account after 2 years of no contact. The IRS collection system flags accounts approaching CSED for "last chance" collection attempts.

Exactly. They have automated systems that flag accounts as the CSED approaches. If the amount is substantial enough, they'll allocate resources to make one final collection attempt. They're particularly interested in retirement accounts, real estate equity, and investment portfolios. They sometimes even check social media for signs of lifestyle inconsistent with someone claiming inability to pay. Best to maintain a low profile during these final months and be prepared for possible levies on known assets.

Bankruptcy might discharge income taxes if they meet certain criteria - generally they need to be from returns filed at least 2 years before bankruptcy, for tax years at least 3 years old, and assessed at least 240 days before filing. With a CSED 7 months away, these taxes might qualify. However, bankruptcy is a nuclear option that affects credit for years. If OP can wait 7 months for the CSED to expire naturally, that's probably cleaner than bankruptcy. Also, tax liens on property sometimes survive bankruptcy depending on equity and exemptions.

Thanks for the detailed explanation. I didn't realize the timing requirements were so specific for tax debt discharge. Sounds like waiting out the 7 months is probably less disruptive if OP can manage it without the IRS taking aggressive collection action. Makes sense about the property liens too - I've heard those can be complicated even after bankruptcy. Seven months isn't that long in the grand scheme of things.