Question 1

How much can the IRS Fresh Start Program actually reduce my tax debt?

Accepted Answer

The reduction depends on your specific financial situation and which program you qualify for. Offers in Compromise can reduce debt by 90% or more—we've seen clients settle $40,000 tax bills for $4,000.Penalty abatement typically eliminates 25-50% of your total balance by removing failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties. Currently-Not-Collectible status doesn't reduce the debt but stops all collection activity, and the debt may become uncollectible after the statute of limitations expires.The key is qualifying for the right program. That requires accurate financial documentation and understanding IRS acceptance criteria. Most taxpayers who try to navigate this alone get denied because they miss critical requirements or submit incomplete applications.

Question 2

What's the difference between legitimate tax relief and scam companies?

Accepted Answer

Legitimate companies never guarantee specific outcomes or promise to eliminate your debt before reviewing your case. We offer free consultations to evaluate your situation honestly—no upfront fees for assessment.Scam companies make impossible promises like "eliminate all tax debt for pennies" or demand large payments before doing any work. They often disappear once they have your money, leaving you worse off than before.Real tax professionals are licensed, provide transparent fee structures, and explain exactly which programs you qualify for based on IRS guidelines. We show you the specific forms and requirements needed for each option. You'll always know exactly what we're doing and why.

Question 3

How long does the IRS Fresh Start Program application process take?

Accepted Answer

Timeline varies by program type and case complexity. Simple installment agreements often get approved within 30-45 days. Offers in Compromise typically take 6-12 months because the IRS conducts thorough financial analysis.Penalty abatement requests usually process within 2-3 months. Currently-Not-Collectible status can be granted quickly—sometimes within weeks—if your hardship documentation is complete.The biggest delays happen when applications are incomplete or incorrect. That's why professional preparation matters. We ensure all forms are accurate and complete before submission, include required supporting documentation, and handle any IRS follow-up requests immediately.

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 Program applications. This means filing all missing returns first, even if you can't pay the additional taxes owed.We help clients catch up on unfiled returns as part of the resolution process. Often, preparing these returns reveals refunds or smaller balances than expected, which improves your Fresh Start Program qualification chances.The IRS typically requires three years of current filings for Offer in Compromise applications. For installment agreements, they usually want current year compliance plus any missing returns from the past six years. We handle all the preparation and filing to get you compliant quickly.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Rejection doesn't end your options. We can appeal the decision, submit additional documentation, or reapply with a different approach. Many initial rejections happen due to incomplete financial information or miscalculated offer amounts.If an Offer in Compromise gets rejected, we might pursue an installment agreement instead. If penalty abatement is denied, we can request Currently-Not-Collectible status while building a stronger case for future relief.The IRS often provides specific reasons for rejection, which gives us a roadmap for resubmission. We've successfully gotten approvals on second and third attempts by addressing their concerns and providing additional supporting evidence. Persistence and proper preparation usually win.

Question 6

How much do tax resolution services cost compared to paying the IRS directly?

Accepted Answer

Our fees are typically a fraction of what you'd save through successful debt reduction. If we help you settle a $30,000 tax debt for $5,000, our professional fees represent significant savings compared to paying the full amount.We offer transparent pricing with payment plans available. You can pay with Mastercard or Visa (4% convenience fee applies). Most clients find our fees easily justified by the stress relief alone—no more IRS phone calls, no more sleepless nights.Consider the cost of mistakes. DIY applications have high rejection rates, and failed attempts can actually hurt your negotiating position. Professional representation often means the difference between getting meaningful relief and remaining stuck with the full debt burden.

IRS Fresh Start Program Coveville, PA