In 2012, the IRS expanded the Fresh Start Program to allow more taxpayers to apply for tax relief. The main change in the program is that if an IRS agent considers a taxpayer eligible for an Offer In Compromise, the IRS will now make it easier to calculate the taxpayer's future income. The program has not seen any significant changes since 2012. However, the IRS examiners have been able to qualify taxpayers for tax relief at a different rate in recent years. The Fresh Start Tax Program saw record-breaking numbers of qualified applicants in 2020. The increase in Fresh Start tax relief applications and IRS' leniency in approving cases was mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic which caused financial hardship for millions of Americans. Many taxpayers will still be facing financial hardships in 2021. This includes students, parents, small-business owners, and parents. Experts in tax predict that the IRS Fresh Start Program eligibility will remain looser for a while, but it is unlikely that the IRS will relax its strict application requirements for an extended time. To determine if you are eligible for tax debt relief in 2020, check your eligibility for the 2021 IRS Fresh Start Initiative Program.
It's simple, yes. Both the IRS and you, as taxpayers, will be benefited by the Fresh Start initiative. The IRS will win because they will be compensated for their efforts rather than being "ghosted" by the taxpayer. The IRS wins because they will get back in good standing. This means that they won’t be hit by levies and liens, wage garnishments or criminal penalties, nor fines.
The IRS provides tax relief solutions to taxpayers of all income levels. Depending on your financial situation, you may be eligible for one type or another of this relief. For more information about the relief options available to you, consult a tax professional.