Because of its flexibility, the IRS Fresh Start Program can be a great option for tax offenders who are not intentionally tax offenders. The program is not without its benefits. However, there are still myths surrounding its capabilities.
When the amount you offer is the highest we can collect in a reasonable time frame, we will generally accept an offer of compromise. Before you submit an Offer in Compromise, be sure to investigate all possible payment options. The Offer in Compromise is not right for everyone. Be sure to verify the qualifications of anyone you hire to help with your Offer in Compromise.
Eligible families, including families in Puerto Rico, who don't owe taxes to the IRS can claim the credit through April 15, 2025, by filing a federal tax return—even if they don't normally file and have little or no income.
How do I check for IRS liensWe serve taxpayers throughout the entire United States. Our Power of Attorney to represent taxpayers before the IRS is valid in all 50 states. We can also legally represent U.S. taxpayers living abroad. So no matter where you’re living, if you owe the IRS back taxes, Ideal Tax is ready to help you resolve your tax debt.
The revised COVID-related collection procedures will be helpful to taxpayers, especially those who have a record of filing their returns and paying their taxes on time. Among the highlights of the Taxpayer Relief Initiative:
If the taxpayer is unable to accept an offer in compromise based upon a theory of Doubt about Liability or Doubt regarding Collectability, then Effective Tax Administration (or ETA), may be available. The taxpayer must show that the collection of the tax liability would result in economic hardship or where compelling public policy or equity considerations provided by the taxpayer are sufficient to allow for less than full payment.
The credit is available to eligible families, including Puerto Rican families, that don't owe any taxes to the IRS. They can file a federal tax return even if the income is low or not at all.
The gross income of the applicant and any relatives residing in the dwelling may not exceed $22,000. Income shall be computed by combining the gross income from all sources of the preceding year. Relatives residing in the dwelling may exclude the first $6,500 of income. There is no deduction for a relative who has no income. Applicants who are permanently and totally disabled may exclude the first $7,500 of income.
For any reason, you may need to amend or delay the offer. To appeal, please complete Form 13711 within 30 days of the rejection. It is necessary to identify the errors in the rejection and provide reasons.
If you offer to pay over the course of a payment plan, your first payment should be the monthly amount suggested in your plan. Make this payment once a month until you receive notice from the IRS. At that point, if your offer has been accepted, continue making the monthly payments until your balance is paid in full. This must take no more than 24 months after the offer is accepted.
Find forms to submit an application and step-by-step instructions in Form 656-B, Offer in Compromise BookletPDF.
Undue economic hardship is when you cannot pay basic living expenses. Your family's basic living expenses include those that cover your health, welfare, production of income, and other essential needs. To help us determine the allowable minimum living expenses, we look at the IRS Collection Financial Standards.
The number of months over which disposable income must be calculated into the offer amount is based on the smaller of the number of months remaining until the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED) for the tax debt OR either 6 or 24 months, depending on the payment option for the OIC which the applicant is selecting.
Find forms for applying and step by step instructions in Form 652-B, Offer in Compromise BookletPDF.
This document explains what IRS can do to recover taxes that are owed. Read Publication 594: IRS Collection ProcessPDF
But the IRS offers tax relief solutions for taxpayers at every level of the financial spectrum. That means you likely qualify for some type of relief, depending on your specific financial situation. To learn more about which relief options you qualify for, consider reaching out to a tax professional for more help.
An Installment Agreement can be a payment plan provided by the Fresh Start Program. It allows taxpayers the ability to pay a fixed monthly amount to the IRS. These payments directly go to the taxpayer’s overall tax debt and are continued until the debt is fully paid. An installment plan will stop you from being subject to IRS collection letters and penalties. This plan is a great option to show the IRS that you are serious about resolving your debt. Unfortunately, the IRS may continue to charge interest on your total debt regardless of whether the amount you are required by the Fresh Start Program has changed. Due to the IRS's ability to include interest in your outstanding balance amount, you could end up paying much more than you originally owed. Installment Agreements are a valid form for Fresh Start tax relief. But, it's difficult to negotiate with the IRS for reasonable monthly payments. A professional tax relief company can help you make smaller monthly payments.
Academic Fresh Start allows Texas residents to enroll in college without any previous academic failures.
Academic Fresh Start is a program designed to give Texas residents an opportunity to enroll in college courses, without previous poor academic performance negatively impacting current enrollment, GPA, or academic standing.
If the applicant wishes to take advantage of the Academic Fresh Start Program's provisions, he or she must comply with all LSC admissions or re-admission requirements. He or she must also submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended before the Academic Fresh Start Program is granted. This provision excludes courses that may not count toward a degree. They also may not be included in GPA calculations or academic standing.
Because of its flexibility, The IRS Fresh Start Program offers excellent options for unintentional tax evaders. Despite its many advantages, there have been misconceptions about its capabilities.