Hello. I’m panicking a bit. And I know this is the internet so I’m all ready to scroll on past trolls who judge me for being here.
I am incredibly behind in taxes. City income and state sales tax (as a very part time small business). I had filed 2017-2021 income city tax but had a balance I tried to pay for, but couldn’t keep up. That was referred to the state Treasurer collections unit. I thought my accountant filed 2022-2024 city taxes but didn’t, so that’s where the garnishment came from (I do some contract side part time work).
I got a wage garnishment notice this week for delinquent city tax filings and payment, and promptly borrowed, hustled for the money to pay for it.
But I’m worried what’s to come. A portion of my income tax balance between 2017-2021 got sent to the state treasury collections department.
I’m estimating about $8k owed in back taxes.
I’m a single mom (since 2017). I have three girls, 22 (in college), 19 (in trade school), and 14 (freshman). Not that I need to explain or defend myself, but I have struggled with mental health issues (PTSD, anxiety, depression with suicide ideation, panic disorder, ADHD), since my dad passed and grandpa passed close together in 2018. Then worked at a health department during the pandemic, which really took a toll. Found a new job, got laid off last year. I took a job paying less, and have been working 2-3-4 jobs to make ends meet. I have a budget, I stick to it, for the most part, unless my older kids have emergencies.
I know others have it harder, but I’ve hustled and sacrificed to make ends meet for my family (divorced, no child support), and sacrificed a little too out of my capacities so am now trying to clean up the mess. Am I screwed? My body is shot from the PTSD symptoms and panic … I’ve lost 6 pounds this week. Again, I KNOW I effed up and am willing to put the work in to make it right, but worried it’s going to be impossible.