The Fresh Start Program was extended in 2012, shortly following its creation, to enable more taxpayers to apply for tax relief. The most significant change to this program is that the IRS now makes it easier for taxpayers to receive an Offer in Compromise when they consider them for tax relief. There have been no major changes to this program since 2012. In recent years, however, the rate at tax relief for taxpayers that IRS examiners can qualify has varied. In 2020, the Fresh Start Tax Program had record numbers. The COVID-19 epidemic, which led to financial hardship for millions, caused a significant increase in the number of Fresh Start tax relief cases that were accepted and the IRS' leniency in appraising them. However, there are many taxpayers who will continue to face financial hardship in 2021. This includes students, parents and small-business owners. The IRS Fresh Start Program qualifications may remain looser for some time, but tax experts expect that the IRS will not relax their strict application requirements. It is best to determine whether you are eligible for tax relief in 2021 by checking your eligibility as soon as possible for the IRS Fresh Start Initiative Program 2021.
Although "Fresh Start Initiative 2020" was a popular search term just a few years back, the current economic climate suggests that the program is still in demand. These are some of the requirements to be eligible for tax debt relief.
To help struggling taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS issued Notice 2022-36 PDF, which provides penalty relief to most people and businesses who file certain 2019 or 2020 returns late. The IRS is also taking an additional step to help those who paid these penalties already. To qualify for this relief, eligible tax returns must be filed on or before September 30, 2022. See this IRS news release for more information on this relief.