Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The amount varies based on your financial situation, but many clients see reductions of 90% or more through Offer in Compromise. The IRS accepts offers when they believe it's the most they'll realistically collect from you. Your income, expenses, assets, and ability to pay all factor into the calculation. If you owe $50,000 but can only afford $5,000 based on your financial situation, the IRS may accept that amount as payment in full. We analyze your complete financial picture to determine the lowest amount the IRS will likely accept. Some clients qualify for 100% debt forgiveness if they meet specific hardship criteria. Others get significant penalty reductions that can cut their total debt in half. The key is having professional representation that knows exactly how to present your case.

Question 2

Do I qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Program in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Most taxpayers with back taxes qualify for some form of Fresh Start relief. The program expanded eligibility requirements to help more people resolve their tax problems. If you owe less than $50,000, you automatically qualify for streamlined installment agreements. Offer in Compromise eligibility depends on your income, expenses, and asset value. The IRS uses a formula to determine your "reasonable collection potential." If this amount is less than what you owe, you likely qualify for debt reduction. Currently Not Collectible status is available if paying would create financial hardship. Penalty abatement works for taxpayers who had reasonable cause for not paying on time. We evaluate your specific situation during your free consultation to determine which options work best for you.

Question 3

How long does the IRS Fresh Start Program process take?

Accepted Answer

Timeline varies by the type of relief you're seeking. Installment agreements typically get approved within 30-60 days once we submit complete paperwork. Currently Not Collectible status can be processed in 2-4 weeks. Offers in Compromise take longer - usually 6-12 months for the IRS to review and respond. However, collection activity stops while your offer is being considered. This means no more wage garnishments or bank levies during the review process. Penalty abatement requests often get resolved within 30-90 days. Lien withdrawals happen relatively quickly once you meet the requirements. The key is having all your documentation prepared correctly from the start. Incomplete applications cause delays and potential rejections.

Question 4

What happens if the IRS rejects my Fresh Start application?

Accepted Answer

Rejection doesn't mean you're out of options. We can appeal the decision, submit additional documentation, or explore alternative relief programs. Many initial rejections happen because of missing paperwork or incorrect calculations. If an Offer in Compromise gets rejected, we can submit a new offer with updated financial information. Sometimes waiting a few months and reapplying with different terms leads to approval. We also explore installment agreements or Currently Not Collectible status as backup options. The worst thing you can do is give up and ignore the IRS. Collection activities resume if your application gets rejected and you don't pursue alternatives. Having professional representation means we're already preparing backup strategies while your primary application is being reviewed.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

You must be current on all tax filings before the IRS will consider Fresh Start applications. This is a strict requirement - no exceptions. If you're missing returns from recent years, we file those first before submitting any relief requests. Filing back returns often reveals you owe less than you thought. Sometimes you're entitled to refunds that reduce your total debt. Other times, the actual amount owed is lower than IRS estimates, which improves your chances for debt reduction. We handle the entire process of getting you compliant and then applying for relief. Many East Stroudsburg clients are surprised to learn their situation isn't as bad as they feared once we file missing returns and calculate the real numbers.

Question 6

How much does professional IRS Fresh Start Program help cost?

Accepted Answer

Our fees depend on the complexity of your case and the type of relief you're seeking. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Most clients save far more in tax debt reduction than they pay in professional fees. We accept Mastercard and Visa with a 4% convenience fee. Payment plans are available to make our services affordable. Many clients use their tax refunds or the money they save from stopped collection activities to cover our fees. The cost of not getting professional help is usually much higher. DIY applications often get rejected due to paperwork errors or incorrect calculations. You also miss opportunities for maximum debt reduction that experienced tax professionals know how to pursue. Call 570-630-0201 or text 570-470-5228 for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and our fees.

IRS Fresh Start Program East Stroudsburg, PA