IRS Fresh Start
IRS Fresh Start Program & Licensed CPA Representation
Facing compounding penalties, tax liens, or unfiled returns? Qualifying for the official Fresh Start initiative allows taxpayers and small businesses to resolve liabilities under formal statutory guidelines with licensed CPA advocacy.
Statutory Settlement Rules
Evaluate your true Reasonable Collection Potential (RCP) using official IRS financial formulas to determine Offer in Compromise feasibility.
Lien Threshold Protections
Take advantage of expanded lien thresholds and direct-debit withdrawal provisions to safeguard your credit and property records.
Streamlined Agreements
Establish up to 72-month installment payment plans for eligible balances without invasive, complete financial disclosure statements.
Key Relief Options Under the IRS Fresh Start Program
The Fresh Start initiative provides distinct legal relief mechanisms depending on your verified income, asset equity, and compliance history:
Offer in Compromise (OIC)
Allows eligible taxpayers to resolve tax liabilities for an amount approved by the IRS based on verified asset equity, future income calculations, and ability to pay.
Streamlined Installment Agreements
Enables individuals owing up to $50,000 to set up structured monthly payment plans for up to 72 months without submitting complex financial disclosure forms.
Federal Tax Lien Relief
Significantly higher thresholds before a Notice of Federal Tax Lien is filed, along with formal provisions to request lien withdrawals after entering a direct debit agreement.
Penalty Abatement Relief
Removal of failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties under reasonable cause criteria or the administrative First-Time Penalty Abatement waiver.
Mandatory IRS Qualification Criteria
1. Complete Filing Compliance: All prior years’ unfiled returns must be prepared and officially submitted to the IRS.
2. Current Estimated Payments: Self-employed individuals and business owners must be current with quarterly estimated taxes or federal payroll deposits.
3. No Active Bankruptcy: Taxpayers must not be currently in open, active bankruptcy proceedings at the time of petition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fresh Start Relief
Will entering a Fresh Start program harm my credit?
No. Setting up an installment agreement or qualifying for relief does not appear on your credit report. In fact, utilizing direct-debit provisions to withdraw a public tax lien actively restores your financial standing.
Can small businesses qualify for Fresh Start relief?
Yes. The IRS offers In-Business Trust Fund installment agreements and simplified settlement parameters for qualifying operating entities to maintain business continuity.
Evaluate Your Fresh Start Eligibility
Speak directly with a licensed tax CPA to evaluate your IRS transcripts and structure your petition.
Total Tax Solutions is a private, independent tax professional firm and is not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency. Official tax forms and program requirements are available directly from the IRS website for free.