More taxpayers than ever before are struggling to pay their taxes.  In response to this concern, the IRS is providing tax help to individuals and small businesses that are having difficulties meeting their tax obligations.

Back in February, the Internal Revenue Service announced a tax help initiative for taxpayers to get a fresh start with their tax liabilities. This tax help plan centers on changes to the collection practices that will lessen the impact on taxpayers.

Tax help for taxpayers will come in the form of changes to the IRS Lien Policies that will: significantly increase the dollar threshold when liens are generally issued, resulting in fewer tax liens, making it easier for taxpayers to obtain lien withdrawals after paying a tax bill, and withdrawing liens in most cases where a taxpayer enters into a Direct Debit Installment Agreement.

Taxpayers struggling to meet their tax obligations will benefit from the IRS policy changes.

People are getting fed up with the increase of taxes. Take Frank Alford, a Floyd County, Indiana man.

Frank, who owns several single-family rental homes, showed up at the city-county building in New Albany to pay his property taxes with more than $21,000 in coins.  His reason?   To protest higher taxes.

Last year, Frank showed up to pay his taxes with dollar bills!

Alford loaded a garbage can with $21,333 in Susan B. Anthony dollar coins, and he carried a sign that read, “Property taxes gone wild.”

“I’m letting them know I’m a very unhappy taxpayer,” he said.

According to Mr. Alford, his property taxes have gone up 48 percent since 2006, and tax relief recently passed by the Indiana Legislature has done nothing for people who own rental property.

“The owner who lives in their property got all kinds of tax breaks. They don’t give you no homestead exemption, no mortgage exemption, nothing,” he said. “You’re paying double what you’re paying than owning your own home.”

Alford, a retiree with two hip replacements, loaded what he estimated was 400 pounds of coins and then headed inside to the treasurer’s office to settle up.
Deputy Clerk Bette Buechler did a quick tally of Alford’s property taxes.

When asked if the office has to accept the Susan B. Anthony coins, Buechler said, “I think I’m understanding if it comes in pennies, we don’t have to.”

A Floyd County deputy sheriff was asked to lend a hand getting the money to a nearby bank to be counted. As for Alford, this may not be his last protest.

“If we don’t get some relief, it may be in quarters, dimes, or pennies next year,” he said. “I’m angry at them.”