tax problem

wi
i haven't filed taxes for the last three years. the state has recently started garnishing my paychecks. i am currently way behind in bills and seriously in debt. i am living check to check and do not see a way out. i do not want to file bankcruptcy. i need advice on what steps to take first and where to get help with my tax and financial situation.

I don’t know what state you are in, so I can’t say what is possible to do, but you could contact the state Revenue Department and ask if there is an relief they give because of hardship. At the least, they can probably arrange payment terms.

As for the federal taxes, you might start by seeing if you qualify for an Offer in Compromise. If you do, then you can come to a compromise with the IRS on what you owe and how you can pay it. The Offer in Compromise is submitted on Form 656, which has good instructions. You can download Form 656 for free at the IRS site at: [url]http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/forms_pubs/index.html.[/url]

As with any matter, your chances of getting a good compromise are best if you hire a tax professional, but you can do this yourself.