If you do have a balance due, the IRS has an installment plan. If you ignore it, it's just going to continue to accrue.

Mom and Dad cut a check to the school for the cost for the whole semester [but] some of those expenses may not qualify.

I have done those for people who have received those letters and they find out they have a refund.

Most people aren't aware of that deduction. With all of the [tax law] changes, sometimes the word doesn't get out to people.

We had an unexpectedly large tax liability. We paid what we could and then we worked out an installment plan with the IRS. We missed one payment and we got a lien as a result.

It sends a strong message to the administration that we can't just ignore this and take our time.