I am not 100% positive about the details, but my friend inherited some money from her Mom when she died, and I think some of it was in some sort of investments, and when she took it out, she never paid taxes. They told her she owed something like $20,000 in taxes with fees and penalties, so she's been paying a little every month (and they want to jack up the payments in 2012 when her car is paid off). I was telling her that she should go back to school, that you don't need good credit to get financial aid or student loans. She's worried that she won't be able to get a student loan because she owes the IRS....is this true? I was telling her that she should get a tax lawyer, but she said she assumes she can't afford one....any good advice? I feel SO bad for her because I want to go back to school to get a second degree (and I have no problems except not so great credit), and I want her to move with me and make her life better too! Please say there is a way! I don't want to disappoint her!