Question 1

How Much Of My Tax Debt Can The Fresh Start Program Eliminate?

Accepted Answer

The amount depends on your financial situation and which relief option you qualify for through tax resolution services. Through an Offer in Compromise, eligible taxpayers can reduce their debt by 90% or more if they can prove genuine financial hardship and inability to pay the full amount. For example, if you owe $50,000 but your income and assets show you can realistically only afford $5,000, the IRS may accept that lower amount as payment in full. The key is demonstrating your true ability to pay based on current financial circumstances, not what you owed years ago. Not everyone qualifies for massive debt reduction, but most taxpayers can get meaningful relief through installment plans, penalty removal, or temporary collection delays that make their situation manageable.

Question 2

What's The Difference Between Fresh Start And Regular IRS Payment Plans?

Accepted Answer

Regular IRS payment plans just spread out what you owe with full interest and penalties continuing to accrue indefinitely. Fresh Start streamlined agreements offer much better terms with reduced penalties and faster approval for debts up to $50,000, plus protection from collection actions. More importantly, Fresh Start includes options like Offers in Compromise that can actually eliminate debt permanently, not just restructure it over more years. You also get lien withdrawal once balances drop below $25,000, which protects your credit rating and removes public records that affect your financial life. Think of regular payment plans as the IRS doing you a small favor while keeping you trapped in debt. Fresh Start is Congress telling the IRS to actually help taxpayers who are struggling financially get a real second chance.

Question 3

Do I Need To File All My Back Tax Returns Before Applying?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you must be current with all required tax filings before the IRS will consider any Fresh Start relief through their tax forgiveness programs. This typically includes returns for the past six years, even if you can't pay what you owe when you file them. We help clients prepare and file missing returns as part of the Fresh Start process, often discovering that you owe less than expected once we calculate your actual liability with proper deductions and credits you missed. Many Arlington Heights taxpayers are surprised to find their debt is significantly lower after professional preparation. The IRS won't negotiate until they know your complete tax situation, but filing those returns is usually the first step toward qualifying for significant debt relief. Think of it as clearing the decks so we can focus on getting you the best possible outcome.

Question 4

How Long Does The Fresh Start Application Process Take?

Accepted Answer

Simple installment agreements through tax relief services can be approved within 30-60 days once we submit complete documentation. More complex relief like Offers in Compromise typically take 6-12 months for the IRS to review and approve, depending on their current backlog. The timeline depends on how quickly we can gather your financial documentation and how busy the IRS is with applications. We handle all communication with the IRS during this period, so collection actions are typically suspended while your case is under review. Most clients experience immediate relief just from having professional representation and a clear plan in motion. The stress reduction starts right away, even months before final approval, because you know someone competent is handling your case.

Question 5

What If The IRS Rejects My Fresh Start Application?

Accepted Answer

If your first application gets rejected, we review the IRS decision letter and determine whether to appeal their decision or reapply with different terms. Many rejections happen because of incomplete financial information or applying for the wrong type of relief initially. We also explore alternative options like Currently-Not-Collectible status or penalty abatement if you don't qualify for debt reduction through the tax forgiveness program. The goal is finding some form of meaningful relief that works for your specific financial situation. The worst-case scenario is usually going back to a standard payment plan, which is still much better than facing collection actions without professional representation. At least you'll know you explored every possible option for relief.

Question 6

How Much Do Tax Resolution Services Cost In Arlington Heights?

Accepted Answer

Our fees depend on the complexity of your case and which Fresh Start options you're pursuing. We provide completely transparent pricing during your free consultation, with flexible payment plans available to fit your current budget constraints. Most clients save far more in reduced tax debt and eliminated penalties than they pay in professional fees. If we can eliminate $30,000 in tax debt through an Offer in Compromise, our fee represents a small fraction of those savings—it's an investment that pays for itself many times over. We accept Visa and Mastercard with a 4% convenience fee for your convenience. End the sleepless nights by calling 570-630-0201 or texting 570-470-5228 to book online today. All County Tax Resolution will stand between you and the IRS, negotiate the lowest legal settlement, and give you the fresh start you deserve.

IRS Fresh Start Program Arlington Heights, PA