Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

You likely qualify if you owe $50,000 or less in back taxes and can demonstrate genuine financial hardship or inability to pay the full amount. The program significantly expanded eligibility requirements to help more taxpayers get relief. Key qualification factors include your current monthly income versus necessary living expenses, total asset value, and realistic ability to pay over time. If you're already facing wage garnishment, bank levies, or property seizure threats, you probably have multiple options under Fresh Start. We evaluate your specific financial situation during our free consultation and tell you exactly which programs you qualify for—no guesswork or false promises. Call 570-630-0201 or text 570-470-5228 to get started.

Question 2

Can the Fresh Start Program really eliminate 90% of my tax debt?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through Offers in Compromise, but it depends entirely on your financial circumstances and ability to pay. The IRS will accept a significantly reduced amount if they determine you can't realistically pay the full debt. The key is proving your current financial situation makes full payment impossible without creating genuine hardship. If you're living paycheck to paycheck, have significant medical expenses, or face unemployment in Pennsylvania's changing economy, you may qualify for substantial debt reduction. However, not everyone qualifies for maximum relief. Some clients receive manageable installment plans with reduced penalties, while others achieve near-total debt forgiveness. We'll give you honest, realistic expectations for your specific situation during your consultation—no inflated promises or false hope.

Question 3

What happens if the IRS rejects my Fresh Start application?

Accepted Answer

Rejection isn't the end of the road. We can appeal the decision with additional documentation, adjust the terms, or explore alternative relief options within the Fresh Start Program framework. Often the IRS needs more detailed financial information or stronger proof of hardship. Sometimes we need to modify the payment amount or terms of an installment agreement based on their feedback. Each rejection provides valuable insight into what the IRS wants to see. We also maintain backup strategies throughout the process. If an Offer in Compromise gets rejected, you might still qualify for Currently-Not-Collectible status, penalty abatement, or a more favorable installment agreement. Our job is finding the solution that works, even when the first approach doesn't succeed.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Timeline varies significantly by program type and case complexity. Streamlined installment agreements often process within 30-60 days once all paperwork is submitted. Offers in Compromise typically require 6-12 months for complete IRS review and final decision. Currently-Not-Collectible status can happen relatively quickly—sometimes within weeks—if your financial documentation clearly demonstrates hardship. Penalty abatement requests usually process within 2-4 months depending on the complexity of your reasonable cause argument. The critical factor is having all documentation properly prepared from the start. Missing paperwork, unfiled returns, or incomplete financial statements will delay everything significantly. We handle all preparation work upfront to avoid unnecessary delays and keep your case moving through the system efficiently.

Question 5

Will applying for Fresh Start stop IRS collection actions immediately?

Accepted Answer

Certain applications do trigger automatic collection holds, but not all. When we submit a properly prepared Offer in Compromise, the IRS typically suspends collection activity while they review your case—this can provide months of breathing room. Installment agreement requests also pause most collection actions if you're current on recent tax filings and meet basic requirements. Currently-Not-Collectible applications stop collections once approved, though the process takes time. However, wage garnishments and bank levies already in place may continue until we receive formal IRS approval. That's exactly why timing matters so much—the sooner we start your application, the sooner we can protect your assets and income from ongoing IRS collection actions.

Question 6

Should I try handling the Fresh Start Program myself or hire professionals?

Accepted Answer

While the IRS technically accepts applications directly from taxpayers, professional representation dramatically improves your approval odds and debt reduction results. DIY applications have significantly lower success rates. Tax professionals understand which programs you're most likely to qualify for, how to present financial information favorably, and exactly what documentation the IRS requires for approval. We also handle all IRS communication, protecting you from aggressive collection agents and potential mistakes. Most importantly, we know what successful applications look like from the IRS perspective. One error in financial calculations or missing document can mean automatic rejection and months of additional delays. Professional representation often pays for itself through better outcomes and faster resolution. Call 570-630-0201 or book online today—we accept Mastercard and Visa with a 4% convenience fee.

IRS Fresh Start Program Elkdale, PA