Question 1

How do I know if I qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Program?

Accepted Answer

You potentially qualify if you owe back taxes and can demonstrate financial hardship or inability to pay the full amount. The program covers various situations—from individuals owing under $50,000 who can make monthly payments to those facing severe financial hardship who might qualify for significant debt reduction.The key factors include your total tax debt amount, current income, necessary living expenses, and asset values. For installment agreements, you generally need to owe $50,000 or less. For Offers in Compromise, the IRS looks at your ability to pay based on income and assets.We evaluate your specific situation during our free consultation. Many Austin Heights residents are surprised to learn they qualify for relief options they didn't know existed. The worst thing you can do is assume you don't qualify without getting a professional assessment.

Question 2

How long does the Fresh Start Program process typically take?

Accepted Answer

The timeline varies significantly based on which relief option you pursue and the complexity of your case. Installment agreements often get approved within 30-60 days if all paperwork is complete and accurate.Offers in Compromise take longer—typically 6-12 months because the IRS conducts thorough financial analysis. However, once you submit an OIC, collection activities generally stop while it's under review, giving you immediate breathing room.Penalty abatement requests usually process within 2-4 months. Currently-Not-Collectible status can be granted relatively quickly if you clearly demonstrate financial hardship. Throughout any process, we keep you updated on progress and handle all IRS communications, so you're not left wondering what's happening with your case.

Question 3

Will the IRS Fresh Start Program stop wage garnishments and bank levies?

Accepted Answer

Yes, entering certain Fresh Start programs can halt or prevent IRS enforcement actions. Once you're in an approved installment agreement, the IRS typically releases wage garnishments and stops levy actions as long as you make payments as agreed.If you submit an Offer in Compromise, collection activities generally stop while the IRS reviews your offer. This provides immediate relief from the pressure and financial strain of ongoing garnishments.For Currently-Not-Collectible status, the IRS suspends collection activities entirely, though interest and penalties may continue to accrue. The key is acting quickly—it's much easier to prevent enforcement actions than to reverse them after they start. That's why we recommend contacting us as soon as you receive IRS notices threatening collection activities.

Question 4

Can I apply for the Fresh Start Program if I haven't filed recent tax returns?

Accepted Answer

You must be current on all required tax filings before the IRS will consider most Fresh Start relief options. This is non-negotiable—they won't negotiate payment arrangements or debt reduction if you have unfiled returns.The good news is we handle the entire filing process as part of our service. We gather your tax documents, prepare accurate returns, and file everything properly. Often, clients discover their actual debt is lower than they feared once we file missing returns and apply all available deductions and credits.For Austin Heights residents who've fallen behind on filings due to business challenges or life circumstances, we streamline this process. We can often prepare multiple years of returns quickly, getting you compliant so we can immediately pursue Fresh Start relief options. Don't let unfiled returns prevent you from getting the help you need.

Question 5

What happens if the IRS rejects my Fresh Start Program application?

Accepted Answer

Rejection doesn't mean you're out of options. Often, initial rejections happen because of incomplete documentation, calculation errors, or choosing the wrong relief program for your situation. This is why professional representation matters—we know how to prepare applications properly the first time.If an Offer in Compromise gets rejected, we can appeal the decision or resubmit with additional documentation. Sometimes we discover that a different Fresh Start option would be more appropriate for your circumstances.For installment agreement rejections, we can often negotiate modified terms or address the IRS's specific concerns. The key is having someone who understands IRS procedures and can navigate their requirements effectively. We've successfully helped many Austin Heights residents get approved after initial rejections by addressing the IRS's concerns and presenting stronger cases.

Question 6

How much does it cost to get help with the Fresh Start Program?

Accepted Answer

Our fees depend on the complexity of your case and which Fresh Start options we pursue. We provide transparent pricing during your free consultation—no surprises or hidden costs. We accept Mastercard and Visa with a 4% convenience fee.Many clients find our fees are a fraction of what they save through successful debt reduction. For example, if we help you qualify for an Offer in Compromise that reduces your $30,000 debt to $3,000, our fee represents significant savings compared to paying the full amount.We also offer payment plans because we understand you're already dealing with financial stress. The worst financial decision is trying to handle IRS problems alone and making costly mistakes. Would you go to court without a lawyer? Then why face the IRS without professional tax representation? Call 570-630-0201 or text 570-470-5228 to discuss your specific situation and get transparent pricing.

IRS Fresh Start Program Austin Heights, PA