Federal bankruptcy law contains specific provisions that allow certain tax debts to be wiped out, but the eligibility windows are narrow and easy to miss. This is a 6-question check against the actual rules.
No legal jargon. No long forms. No pressure. A real read on where you stand under federal bankruptcy law.
Plain English, mobile-friendly, one at a time. Roughly sixty seconds start to finish.
Your answers are matched against the actual legal criteria for IRS debt discharge, not a generic disclaimer.
If your situation shows real potential, schedule a no-cost call with my team to review the full picture.
Every response is confidential and used only to assess your eligibility under federal bankruptcy law.
Six conditions determine whether tax debt can be wiped out in bankruptcy. Most people only need to know they exist. The assessment handles the rest.
Federal income tax debt may be dischargeable if the original return was due at least three years before you file for bankruptcy. The clock is running whether you know it or not.
The return itself has to have been filed at least two years before bankruptcy. Late returns can still qualify; returns that were never filed can permanently block discharge.
An offer in compromise, an installment agreement, or other tolling events can pause this clock and reset your wait.
Tax debt that arose from fraud or willful evasion is non-dischargeable, regardless of when you file. This is a hard wall, not a timing question.
Federal income tax is the most commonly dischargeable. Payroll taxes and trust fund penalties generally are not. State and local taxes follow different rules.
An IRS lien, levy, or wage garnishment changes both your urgency and your options. Filing bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay that halts most collection action, often the same day.
Real reviews from past clients across South Florida. Florida's most-reviewed bankruptcy law firm, with a 4.8-star rating and over 1,200 reviews.
"I just successfully completed my Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and highly recommend Van Horn Law Group. Every member of this team is wonderful, helpful, professional, and highly knowledgeable."
"Our experience with Van Horn Law Group has been nothing short of exceptional, thanks to the incredible support we received from the team. They made the process far more manageable and less daunting."
"From my initial phone call to inquire about bankruptcy to working with the team, everyone has been professional, kind, patient, and knowledgeable."
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I founded Van Horn Law Group because I saw too many people making life changing financial decisions without clear, trustworthy legal guidance. Tax debt, IRS collections, liens, and wage garnishments can feel overwhelming, but the right plan can create a real path forward.
For more than a decade, I have helped individuals, families, and business owners resolve tax and debt problems through practical legal solutions. Today, I lead one of South Florida's largest debt resolution and bankruptcy firms and am double board certified in consumer and business bankruptcy law.
My approach is simple. I take the time to understand your situation, explain your options clearly, and help you make the best decision for your future. If we can help, we will show you how. If we cannot, we will point you in the right direction.
Consumer and business bankruptcy. One of only a small group of attorneys in Florida holding both certifications.
Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and tax resolution strategies for individuals, families, and business owners.
Years of helping South Florida clients resolve IRS collections, garnishments, liens, and overwhelming debt.
The same plain-English, no-pressure approach applies to every kind of debt and financial challenge.
Filing can halt foreclosure and give you time to restructure your mortgage situation.
The automatic stay goes into effect immediately upon filing, often stopping garnishment the same day.
Different chapters serve different situations. Find the path that gives you the best outcome.
The rules around student loan discharge have shifted in recent years.
The check is free, takes about a minute, and is completely confidential. If your situation shows potential, we'll review the full picture with you at no cost, no obligation.
Start the eligibility checkThe results generated by this tool are preliminary and do not constitute legal advice. Final eligibility for tax debt discharge depends on a complete case review by a licensed attorney and the specific facts of your situation. Individual results described on this page are not guarantees of similar outcomes. Chad Van Horn and Van Horn Law Group are debt relief agencies. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. This is an advertisement as required by Florida law.