<p><strong>What really happens when you owe the IRS—and how much of it is actually fixable?</strong></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Sterling Insights,&nbsp;<strong>Tracy McCary</strong>&nbsp;sits down with&nbsp;<strong>Michael Raanan, Enrolled Agent and President of Landmark Tax Group</strong>. Together, they explore&nbsp;<strong>IRS back taxes and tax resolution</strong>, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for listeners. Michael draws from his experience as a former IRS revenue officer to discuss&nbsp;<strong>how tax debt is calculated, resolved, and sometimes reduced</strong>, offering actionable advice for&nbsp;<strong>individuals and business owners dealing with IRS issues</strong>. This episode is a must-listen for&nbsp;<strong>taxpayers, advisors, and anyone concerned about IRS debt</strong>, providing both knowledge and tools to navigate this important subject.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>●&nbsp;<strong>Not All Tax Debt Is Accurate</strong>: Many IRS balances are overstated due to substitute returns—fixing filings can significantly reduce what’s owed.</p><p>●&nbsp;<strong>Cause, Cure, Compliance Framework</strong>: Understanding why the debt happened, how to resolve it, and how to stay compliant is key to long-term success.</p><p>●&nbsp;<strong>Multiple Resolution Options Exist</strong>: Payment plans, hardship status, and offers in compromise depend on financial analysis—not negotiation.</p><p>●&nbsp;<strong>IRS Mistakes Happen</strong>: Even large payments can be misapplied, leading to major penalties and long disputes.</p><p>●&nbsp;<strong>Beware of Tax Relief Scams</strong>: Many firms overpromise “pennies on the dollar” but fail to deliver real results.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Quotes from Michael Raanan:</strong></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>● “It’s not that big of a deal when you owe back taxes—you just have to address it.”</p><p>● “The IRS is very black and white. It’s about what you qualify for, not negotiation.”</p><p>● “We hear it all the time—‘they didn’t do anything for me’—that’s the reality with a lot of these tax relief firms.”</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Understanding how the IRS actually works—and what options truly exist—can turn a stressful tax problem into a manageable plan forward.</p><p><br></p><p>Connect with Michael:</p><p><span style="color: rgb(43, 55, 62);">Website:&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><a href="https://landmarktaxgroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">https://landmarktaxgroup.com/</a></p>