Statute of Limitations & Back Taxes – Archtax
Most people are surprised to learn that the IRS doesn’t have forever to collect on back taxes. In general, the agency has a 10-year statute of limitations that starts the day your tax debt is officially assessed. Once that clock runs out, the IRS typically loses its ability to collect. Sounds straightforward, right? Not so fast.
There are important exceptions that can pause or even extend that 10-year collection window—and if you’re not aware of them, you might think you’re in the clear when you’re not.