Q: Can I get an extension to pay back taxes because I need to find an attorney?
I am a Vietnam veteran, who is 65 years old, and on social security. I owe many years back taxes in the state of California. I do not owe all the money they say I must pay. It is a complicated case. I want to know: if I tell them I need to find an attorney, by law, am I allowed more time to respond to the California state tax board? Or do they have the right to start a garnishment, even though I do not have an attorney yet?
A:
I am a Vietnam veteran myself. Thank you for your service.
It's best to contact the California Franchise Tax Board by phone and request a 30 day hold on collection.
They will ordinarily grant such a request.
Then immediately establish contact with a skilled tax attorney for the purpose of establishing a monthly installment arrangement . Depending upon your income and expenses, the FTB may put you into the category of economic hardship if all of your income is eaten up by necessary living expenses.
We handle this type of situation on a routine basis. The key is establishing a line of communication with the FTB.
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