What Is The IRS Fresh Start Program?
Facing federal tax debt can be overwhelming, but the IRS Fresh Start Program might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Also known as the IRS Fresh Start Initiative, this program provides a range of relief options designed to make managing your tax debt less stressful and more achievable.
Rather than being a one-size-fits-all fix, the Fresh Start Program, created by the Internal Revenue Service, is a collection of tailored tools aimed at giving taxpayers and businesses the support they need. If you’re struggling to pay back taxes, this initiative can help break down your debt into manageable payments, so you can take control of your finances without feeling stuck.
Beyond making payments easier, the program can help you avoid serious consequences like wage garnishments or bank levies. From flexible payment plans to Offers in Compromise, the Fresh Start Program offers practical ways to reduce your debt burden and work toward financial recovery.
If dealing with the IRS feels like a constant weight on your shoulders, now is the time to take action. Contact our team at Tax Law Advocates, and we’ll guide you through how the IRS Fresh Start Program can work for your unique situation. Let’s help you breathe easier and move forward with confidence.
Benefits of the IRS Fresh Start Include:
- Prevention of tax liens being filed against a tax payer
- In some cases, removal of a tax lien that has already been placed
- Reduction in penalties and interest on penalties
- Payment Flexibility: Extended time frames without severe penalties
- No requirement to disclose income or assets to the IRS, which for some taxpayers will yield in a more affordable installment plan.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about the IRS Fresh Start Program, see the qualification requirements for 2024, and discover tips for completing the application. Ready to begin? Use our Fresh Start Calculator and get rid of tax debt today with the Fresh Start Program.
For over 14 years, our team of federally licensed & enrolled agents, tax attorneys, and accountants have all worked toward the common goal of helping people solve issues with both the IRS and state tax authorities.
Call 855-612-7777 for immediate assistance.
We Help With:
- IRS Fresh Start Application
- Tax Levies & Liens
- Wage Garnishment
- Asset Seizure
- Tax Preparation & Extensions
- IRS ‘Fresh Start’ Tax Program Qualification
- Offer-in-Compromise
- Currently Non Collectible Status
- Statute of Limitations Enforcement
- Filing Returns for Unfiled Years
- IRS Audit Defense
- Business & Personal Taxes
Is The IRS Fresh Start Program Legitimate?
Absolutely. The IRS Fresh Start Program is a genuine initiative created by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide real relief to taxpayers struggling with their tax debt. This program was designed to simplify the process of settling tax liabilities, offering eligible participants options like reduced payment amounts, manageable repayment plans, and streamlined solutions tailored to their financial circumstances.
If you owe $10,000 or more to the IRS, you may qualify for this innovative program. Many individuals and businesses have found it to be a lifeline, helping them resolve tax challenges and work toward financial stability. With its proven success and clear benefits, the IRS Fresh Start Program is a trusted resource for tackling tax debt and regaining control of your financial future.
Requirements To Qualify For The Fresh Start Program IRS in 2024 & 2025
The Fresh Start program is open to any taxpayer who owes back taxes and is struggling to pay them. There are no income requirements. To qualify, you must owe no more than $50,000 in combined back taxes, interest, and penalties and be current on all federal tax filings. Small business owners with up to $25,000 in payroll taxes may also qualify.
The first step in applying for the IRS Fresh Start program is to complete our contact form, contact your tax attorneys, or contact your accountants to see if you qualify. While there are no income requirements, the IRS has certain eligibility requirements that must be met in order to qualify for the program. Ensure you meet these criteria before applying:
- You must have filed all required tax returns for the previous three years
- You must not owe more than $50,000 in taxes, including interest and penalties
- Do you owe more than $50,000 in back taxes? We can help. Contact us for information.
- You must agree to pay your taxes owed within six years
- You must have made all required estimated tax payments for the current year
- You must not have been involved in any tax evasion or fraud activities
If you meet all the above requirements, you can then complete the application for the IRS Fresh Start program. Tax Law Advocates will work with you to complete the necessary paperwork and help you submit it to the IRS. We will also help you keep track of your progress and ensure that you are on pace to successfully complete the program.
Reduce Tax Debt & Eliminate IRS Penalties With These Initiatives
The good news is that the Internal Revenue Service created initiatives to help taxpayers reduce their tax debt. One way to reduce your debt would be through a process called penalty abatement.
If you’re buried under a mountain of tax debt, our team at Tax Law Advocates will dive deep into those balances and figure out which penalties can be knocked out. This isn’t just about shaving off some numbers—it’s about slashing that balance so you can pay off your debt faster without wasting more money on interest. No income qualifications needed here. You need to talk to the tax pros at Tax Law Advocates to see how you can get those penalties eliminated and start moving toward financial peace.
Payment Plan Options
The IRS Fresh Start program offers several payment plans to help taxpayers pay off their taxes. There are two main types:
- Streamline Installment Plans
- Partial Pay Installment Plans
Streamline payment plans
Long-term payment plans allow taxpayers to pay their taxes over a period of time, usually up to 72 months, and, in some cases, even 84 months. What to know about the streamline payment plan:
– Up to 72 months for amounts under $50,000.
– Reduced terms for lower amounts (e.g., 60 months for $25,000 or less).
Partial payment plans
Partial payment plans allow taxpayers to make smaller payments over time while the interest and penalties accrue. Key things to know about the partial payment plan:
– Available for those who owe less than $100,000.
– Full payment is required within 120 days.
In many of these instances the tax debt could be reduced significantly by utilizing the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the expiration date of the debt. The IRS has a set period of time to collect on an installment plan, Tax Law Advocates will use this limitation by getting you a low enough payment, and allowing most of the debt to expire.
If you need help understanding the IRS Fresh Start program or applying for a payment plan, contact the professionals at Tax Law Advocates. We can help you understand your options and make sure you qualify for the best payment plan for your situation.
Who qualifies for a payment plan?
To qualify for a short-term payment plan, you must owe less than $100,000 in combined tax, penalties, and interest.
To qualify for a long-term payment plan, you must owe $50,000 or less in combined tax, penalties, and interest.
When a taxpayer has a tax debt over $100,000.00, getting a monthly payment or resolution in place is more difficult. That is why it is so important to make sure one has proper representation to ensure they are put in the best possible situation given the larger balance that is owed.
Other IRS Fresh Start Program & Tax Relief Options
Offer-in-Compromise
If you’re strapped for cash with limited assets or income, an Offer-in-Compromise (OIC) could be your ticket to freedom. This allows you to settle your tax debt for just a fraction of what you owe. You can choose to pay the IRS in a lump sum or spread it out over 24 months.
Now, here’s the kicker: An OIC doesn’t just wipe out penalties and interest; it eliminates the principal, too. We’ve helped folks who owed hundreds of thousands to the IRS get their debt down to zero. But don’t get too excited—this isn’t for everyone. You need to understand the criteria to qualify, and that’s where talking to a tax professional at Tax Law Advocates comes in.
To qualify, you have to prove you can’t pay your taxes in full and that doing so would create a financial hardship. The IRS will dig into your income, expenses, and assets to see if you qualify. If you’re eligible, you’ll need to submit a non-refundable deposit, usually 20% of your offer amount. For example, if you propose to settle your $10,000 tax debt for $2,000, you’ll need to fork over $2,000 upfront.
Ready to see if you qualify? Reach out to your tax pros here at Tax Law Advocates, and let’s get this debt off your back.
Currently Non-Collectible Status
If you can’t afford to make payments on your tax debt, you may be eligible for Currently Non-Collectible Status. This means that the IRS will not collect on your debt until your financial situation improves. To qualify, you must prove that you can’t pay your taxes and that paying the full amount would create a financial hardship.
Penalty Abatement
As mentioned above, if you can’t pay your taxes, you may be eligible for a penalty abatement. A penalty abatement allows you to have your penalties waived.
Hardship Status
If you can’t pay your taxes, you might qualify for Hardship Status. This means the IRS will back off and won’t collect on your debt until you’re back on your feet financially. But to get there, you need to prove that paying the full amount would cause you serious financial hardship.
If you’re tired of the IRS breathing down your neck and want to see if you qualify for Hardship Status, it’s time to take action. Learn more about the IRS Hardship Program and let’s get started on turning your financial situation around.
Step-by-Step Application Process
This three part process is simple and quick. You simply:
- Complete the necessary forms.
- Submit required documentation.
- Follow our clear, guided instructions.
Will The IRS Accept My Fresh Start Application?
Here’s the deal. Getting your case accepted by the IRS isn’t a walk in the park, but it’s not impossible either. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS was pretty lenient with cases. But let’s be real—2024 is here, and while inflation is still squeezing wallets, the IRS is likely tightening the reins on that leniency.
Now, more than ever, if you’ve got tax problems, you need to act fast. Reach out to us at Tax Law Advocates immediately to see if you qualify for the program. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get the help you need.
Expert Help Is Just a Click or a Phone Call Away
With an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau and an AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance, time and time again we have proved our ability to solve any tax-related matters.
Common Misconceptions about the Fresh Start Program
Myth: All tax debt is eliminated.
Fact: The program reduces, but does not erase, eligible tax debts.
Myth: No need to file current taxes.
Fact: You must remain compliant with current tax obligations.
Adhere to the program’s terms to maintain eligibility and prevent the IRS from resuming collection efforts.
See How Much You Can Save
If you’re struggling to pay your taxes, the IRS Fresh Start program may be able to help. The program offers several different options, such as payment plans and streamlined procedures for filing taxes. If you have questions about the IRS Fresh Start program or need help with your application, click here to contact us using a form or call now at 855-612-7777.
We are here to help you get started on the path to financial stability.
