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.

Ideal Tax is committed to providing a safe and secure site that you can trust. We take your privacy seriously and will not share your information.

An IRS Fresh Start Program in Compromise (or OIC) is an agreement that allows taxpayers to reduce their tax debt by paying less than what they owe. This is the best Fresh Start tax relief through the Fresh Start Initiative. An Offer in Compromise can be the best way to reduce your tax debt via the Fresh Start Program. However, there are some conditions. This option is only available to taxpayers in difficult economic circumstances who do not have the financial resources necessary to fully pay their federal tax debt. An OIC is a strict requirement. This means that not all taxpayers who owe thousands to the IRS are eligible for the program. If you have a tax relief company certified, your chances of getting an Offer in Compromise are greatly increased. The IRS will not bully or manipulate tax experts into making a less than optimal solution. To ensure you avoid scams in tax relief, please refer to the "How to Avoid Tax Relief Scams". These companies promise an OIC without having examined your tax situation and prepared the required forms for the IRS. Only the IRS can approve an Offer in Compromise. The best tax relief company will communicate their process clearly, be experienced in negotiations with the IRS, get results for their clients, as well as center their strategies around your financial needs.

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.

While you can file on your behalf, Professor Stearns strongly advises against doing so. A Low Income Taxpayer clinic will help you with an OIC, free of charge, if your income qualifies. There are 135 federally-funded clinics across the United States. At least one is located in every state except North Dakota.

Fresh Start Program allows taxpayers who owe back taxes to enter into an agreement that spreads out the payment over several months but not more than 5-6 years. You will need to make direct debit payments.

In general, the IRS only accepts offers that are equal to the maximum amount you’d be able to pay within a reasonable time period.

See this IRS news release for more information on individual tax provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed into law on March 11, 2021. The legislation also made changes to tax relief for employers. Continue to check back for updates.

Falling behind on tax payments to the IRS is something that millions of Americans have dealt with at one time or another. Owing money to the IRS can be very intimidating, but don’t worry and definitely don’t lose hope – there is tax relief available. A reputable tax relief company can help you reach a tax relief agreement with the IRS. Using proven strategies, our knowledgeable experts can assist you through tax audits, help reduce your tax debt, and stop wage garnishments and bank levies from happening. In some cases, you may be able to settle tax debts for much less than was originally owed.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

Unintentionally violating tax laws can happen to anyone. The IRS has created the Fresh Start program. The IRS's nonserial offender policies may be the right solution for you if you are eligible.

If you are an individual taxpayer happy to repay the debts you owe in a series of installments with a direct payment structure, you could benefit from the IRS Fresh Start Program. This agreement allows qualified individuals to pay off their taxes in smaller, more manageable amounts over some time, with limited penalties on tax liability.