Question 1

How much does the IRS Fresh Start Program cost to apply for in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

The IRS Fresh Start Program itself has no application fee for most relief options. Installment Agreements and Currently Not Collectible status are completely free to apply for through the IRS. Offers in Compromise do have a $205 IRS application fee, but this can be waived if you qualify as a low-income taxpayer. The real cost comes from waiting - every month you delay, penalties and interest continue adding hundreds or thousands to your debt. Most clients tell us the money they save in the first month alone more than covers any professional fees involved. When you're facing wage garnishments taking 25% of your paycheck or bank levies draining your accounts, getting expert help becomes an investment in your financial freedom, not just another expense.

Question 2

Can I qualify for Fresh Start if I haven't filed recent tax returns in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

You must be current with all required tax filings to qualify for any Fresh Start Program benefits. This means filing at least the past six years of returns and making any required estimated tax payments if you're self-employed. The good news is we help you get caught up on unfiled returns as part of our service. We can often prepare multiple years of returns quickly using IRS wage and income transcripts and other documentation. Once you're compliant with filings, then we can pursue Fresh Start relief options. Don't let unfiled returns keep you from getting the relief you deserve. The IRS is much more willing to work with taxpayers who demonstrate good faith by getting current with their filings. We handle this compliance process regularly and can usually get you caught up within a few weeks.

Question 3

Will the Fresh Start Program stop IRS wage garnishments immediately in Clarks Green?

Accepted Answer

Yes, once we submit your Fresh Start application and establish formal representation, IRS collection actions typically stop immediately. This includes wage garnishments, bank levies, and asset seizures while your application is being reviewed. The IRS is required by law to halt most collection activities while they review your application for installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, or hardship status. This gives you immediate breathing room to get back on your feet financially. However, time is absolutely critical. The longer you wait, the more likely the IRS is to take aggressive collection action. Once a wage garnishment starts, it can take weeks to stop even after we get involved. That's why we always recommend calling the moment you receive any IRS collection notices.

Question 4

How long does Fresh Start Program approval take for Pennsylvania residents?

Accepted Answer

Timeline varies significantly depending on which Fresh Start option you pursue. Streamlined Installment Agreements for debts under $50,000 can often be approved within 30-60 days since they require minimal financial disclosure from you. Offers in Compromise take much longer - typically 6-12 months for a final decision since the IRS must thoroughly review your complete financial situation. Currently Not Collectible status can often be approved within 60-90 days with proper hardship documentation. The key is starting the process immediately. Even while your application is pending review, you're protected from most IRS collection actions. And every day you wait is another day of penalties and interest adding to your total debt. We've seen clients' debt grow by thousands of dollars just from delaying the process a few months.

Question 5

What happens if I miss payments on my Fresh Start installment agreement?

Accepted Answer

Missing payments can default your entire agreement and restart aggressive IRS collection actions including wage garnishments and bank levies. However, the IRS usually allows you to reinstate your agreement if you can catch up on missed payments and explain the reason for default. This is why we strongly recommend setting up automatic direct debit payments from your bank account. It eliminates the risk of forgetting a payment date and shows the IRS you're committed to compliance. Most of our clients prefer this approach because it removes the monthly stress of remembering due dates. If you do run into financial problems that make payments difficult, contact us immediately. We can often negotiate a modification to your existing agreement or explore other relief options before you default. The worst thing you can do is just stop paying and hope the IRS doesn't notice - they always do.

Question 6

Can Clarks Green small business owners use Fresh Start for unpaid payroll taxes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but payroll tax cases require special handling and immediate attention. The IRS treats unpaid payroll taxes extremely seriously since these are funds withheld from employees that should have been forwarded to the government. Business owners may face Trust Fund Recovery Penalty assessments that make them personally liable for 100% of unpaid payroll taxes, even if the business closes or files bankruptcy. However, Fresh Start options like Installment Agreements and Offers in Compromise are still available for qualifying businesses and individuals. We see this situation frequently with Clarks Green small business owners who struggled during economic downturns or seasonal slowdowns. The key is acting quickly before the IRS assesses personal liability against business owners and officers. Once we establish representation, we can often negotiate favorable terms that keep your business operating while resolving the debt.

IRS Fresh Start Program Clarks Green, PA