Our attorneys are experts in criminal law and will examine your case to determine the best way to help you. We will request a copy of the California Department of Justice Criminal History Report as well as other court records to help you make informed decisions about your record relief options. For more information about the Fresh Start process, click here

Fresh Start has made it possible. It's all here.

The Fresh Start Program allows taxpayers with back taxes to enter an agreement that stretches out payment over months, though no more than 5-6 years. To qualify, you’ll’ need to provide direct debit payments and:

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.

One of the most common problems with taxes is being unable to pay a tax bill in one lump sum. The IRS Fresh Start initiative offers an option.

The tax code is REALLY complicated. So many Americans end up in a situation where we owe more to the IRS than we can afford to pay. Lots of people end up with big debts to the IRS. Now we’re in a really tough situation – because the IRS is the world’s most powerful collection agency. They can do some scary things like seize your home or bank accounts, garnish your wages, and a bunch of other things that no other collection agency can do. Your options often look something like this: pay the amount in full, or, pay it back over time with interest and penalties.

If you wait longer or significantly change the offer, fill out a new Form 656. To appeal the rejection, file Form 13711 within 30 days of the rejection letter, identifying what parts of the rejection you dispute and providing your reasons.

Resubmit your offer after you have found out why it was rejected. You might be able to find a solution with the special procedures officer or revenue officer.

Penalty Abatement is the term the IRS uses for wiping out or reducing a penalty. Penalty Abatement can be considered a form of Fresh Start tax relief. However, the IRS will only apply Penalty Abatement for a reasonable cause.You can request Penalty Abatement at any level of IRS collections: by visiting a federal IRS campus, through an automated collection system, or by speaking to personnel at local IRS offices. Keep in mind that a local IRS office can only grant a Penalty Abatement of up to $100. Requesting Penalty Abatement is free.

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 answer is yes. Both the IRS as well as taxpayers will benefit from the Fresh Start initiative. The IRS wins as they will receive some form payment, rather than being ghosted by taxpayers. The IRS wins because the taxpayer will be in good standing, meaning they won't be hit with levies or liens, wage garnishments, fines, criminal penalties, or other penalties.

The total combined net assets of the applicant and spouse may not exceed $75,000 as of December 31 of the preceding year for which relief is sought.