Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

You may qualify for the Fresh Start Program if you owe $50,000 or less in taxes, penalties, and interest, are current on all required tax filings, and can demonstrate financial hardship or inability to pay the debt in full. Self-employed individuals may qualify if they show a drop of 25% or more in income.The key is demonstrating genuine financial hardship. You must prove that paying your tax debt in full would cause significant financial strain by submitting financial records including income, expenses, and asset documentation for the IRS to assess your ability to pay.We evaluate your specific situation during a free consultation to determine which relief options you're most likely to qualify for and help you understand the application process before you commit to anything.

Question 2

What's the difference between an Offer in Compromise and installment agreement?

Accepted Answer

An Offer in Compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe, essentially forgiving a portion of your debt if approved. An installment agreement is a payment plan that allows you to pay an agreed-upon amount every month to the IRS, with payments going directly toward your overall tax debt until it's paid in full.The Offer in Compromise is harder to qualify for but can result in significant debt reduction. Fresh Start expanded and streamlined the OIC program, and for eligible taxpayers, it can significantly reduce the amount they owe the IRS, though not all taxpayers will qualify.With installment agreements, the IRS continues to apply interest to your total debt, so you'll end up paying more than you originally owed, but the monthly payments are manageable. We help determine which option gives you the best outcome based on your financial situation.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The duration depends on the relief option you choose. Installment agreements can extend over several years, while an Offer in Compromise might settle your debt more quickly. The program itself is an ongoing initiative by the IRS, available to eligible taxpayers at any time.For Offers in Compromise, your offer is automatically accepted if the IRS doesn't make a determination within two years of receipt. However, most cases are resolved much faster when properly prepared and submitted.The key to faster processing is submitting complete, accurate applications that meet all IRS requirements the first time. If you don't meet the requirements, your offer will be summarily rejected, but the right help in this situation can be a game changer. We ensure all documentation is properly prepared to avoid delays and rejections.

Question 4

Can I apply for the Fresh Start Program myself without professional help?

Accepted Answer

You can learn how to settle your debt with the IRS on your own, but the process is complex and mistakes are costly. The qualification process is long and difficult, requiring you to read and comprehend a 50-page description of the program qualification process, plus you must be able to skillfully negotiate with the IRS to gain approval.An inexperienced person can miss their chance for tax debt relief and possibly end up paying more than they owe. Accurately completing the offer paperwork and correctly reporting your assets and income can have a dramatic effect on the likelihood that your offer will be accepted.While you can attempt the process yourself, compromising with the IRS for reasonable monthly payments is difficult, and your chances of making smaller payments are more likely if you use a professional tax relief company to represent you. We offer free consultations to help you understand your options before you decide.

Question 5

What happens if my Fresh Start Program application is denied?

Accepted Answer

If your application is denied, you typically have appeal rights, but the specific options depend on which type of relief you applied for. For Offers in Compromise, you can appeal the decision or reapply with additional information if your financial situation changes.The difference between applications that qualify and those that don't is often the quality of the offer submitted, because the IRS has voluminous rules regarding acceptable offers, and if you don't meet these requirements, your offer will be summarily rejected.That's why proper preparation is crucial the first time. We review denied applications to identify what went wrong and determine the best path forward, whether that's appealing the decision, reapplying with corrections, or pursuing alternative relief options. A denial doesn't mean you're out of options - it usually means the application wasn't properly prepared or the wrong relief option was chosen.

Question 6

How much will it cost to get help with my tax debt?

Accepted Answer

We offer free initial consultations to evaluate your situation and explain your options before any costs are involved. Our fees depend on the complexity of your case and which relief options you qualify for, but we're transparent about costs upfront.Reputable tax relief companies should be able to tell you if you have a chance to qualify for tax debt relief during a free consultation, and should be willing to offer a payment plan for their fee with a clearly-stated refund policy. We accept major credit cards with a 4% convenience fee.The cost of professional representation is often far less than the money you'll save through proper tax debt resolution. Your financial security and peace of mind are worth it, and one of the greatest services a tax expert provides is reassurance coupled with the skills of tax debt resolution. Call 570-630-0201 or text 570-470-5228 to discuss your specific situation and get transparent pricing information.

IRS Fresh Start Program East Jermyn, PA