TaxCure Blog

Tax avoidance and tax evasion both reduce your tax bill. But tax avoidance involves using legal strategies to reduce how much tax you owe, while tax evasion is a crime punishable by fines and possible jail time. Staying on the right side of the law requires you to understand the distinctions between these two concepts – if in doubt, use TaxCure to find a tax professional to help you. 

In April 2026, the IRS released a new digital tool with the intention of helping taxpayers navigate tax debt relief options. Does it use generative AI to tell you about resolution strategies? Can it scan your IRS transcripts to provide custom guidance? Or help you apply for relief quickly? Nope, nope, and nope. 

An IRS Offer in Compromise (OIC) program is a legitimate way to settle your tax debt. It allows you to pay less than what you owe, but still meets your IRS obligations. OIC is typically available to those who cannot afford to pay in full, but the application process is complicated.

Unfiled corporate tax returns cost businesses at least 5% in failure-to-file penalties monthly, and penalties and interest continue to accrue until you file. But once you get behind, it can be hard and potentially even scary to catch up. Many business owners avoid filing back returns because they fear it will trigger an audit. 

If you accidentally make a payment for the wrong tax period, the IRS will apply any overpayments to tax periods with balances due and send you a refund of the remaining amount.