Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The reduction depends on your financial situation and which Fresh Start option you qualify for. Through an Offer in Compromise, eligible taxpayers can reduce their debt by 90% or more—some even qualify for 100% debt forgiveness.If you owe $50,000 but can only afford $200 monthly payments based on your income and expenses, an Offer in Compromise might settle the entire debt for $5,000 or less. The IRS calculates what you can realistically pay based on your assets, income, and necessary living expenses.Penalty Abatement alone can save thousands by removing penalties and interest charges. Combined with other Fresh Start options, many taxpayers end up paying a fraction of their original debt.

Question 2

What's the difference between doing this myself versus hiring a professional?

Accepted Answer

Would you go to court without a lawyer? Of course not. Then why would you go before the IRS without a trusted tax professional? The IRS has trained agents whose job is protecting the government's interests—not yours.Professional representation means someone who speaks the IRS's language handles your case. We know which forms to file, what documentation the IRS requires, and how to present your financial information in the best possible light. One mistake on your Offer in Compromise can result in rejection and wasted time.Tax professionals also protect you from saying something that hurts your case. IRS agents are skilled at getting taxpayers to make statements that work against them. With professional representation, you avoid these pitfalls entirely.

Question 3

How long does the Fresh Start Program process typically take?

Accepted Answer

Timeline varies by which Fresh Start option you pursue and how complex your case is. Streamlined installment agreements for amounts under $50,000 often get approved within 30-60 days since they require minimal documentation.Offers in Compromise take longer—typically 6-12 months from submission to final decision. The IRS needs time to review your financial information, verify your ability to pay, and determine if the offer amount is reasonable. Currently-Not-Collectible status can be processed more quickly, often within 60-90 days.The key is getting your application right the first time. Incomplete or incorrect submissions get rejected, forcing you to start over. Professional preparation significantly reduces delays and increases your chances of approval.

Question 4

Will the IRS stop collection actions once I apply for Fresh Start?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases. Once you submit a properly prepared Fresh Start application, IRS collection activities typically stop while they review your case. This includes wage garnishments, bank levies, and asset seizures.However, the protection isn't automatic—your application must be complete and submitted correctly. Incomplete applications don't trigger collection protection, leaving you vulnerable to continued IRS enforcement actions.That's why professional preparation matters. We ensure your application meets all IRS requirements from day one, triggering immediate collection protection. We also monitor your case to ensure the IRS follows proper procedures throughout the review process.

Question 5

What happens if my Fresh Start application gets rejected?

Accepted Answer

Rejection doesn't mean you're out of options. Most rejections happen because of incomplete documentation, mathematical errors, or choosing the wrong Fresh Start option for your situation. These issues can often be corrected and resubmitted.Professional representation becomes crucial here. We understand why applications get rejected and how to address IRS concerns. We can appeal rejections, provide additional documentation, or pivot to a different Fresh Start option that better fits your circumstances.The worst thing you can do is give up after one rejection. The Fresh Start Program offers multiple solutions, and what doesn't work initially might work with proper preparation or timing. Persistence and professional guidance often turn rejections into approvals.

Question 6

How much does professional Fresh Start Program help cost?

Accepted Answer

Professional fees vary based on your case complexity and which Fresh Start options you pursue. All County Tax Resolution offers transparent pricing with payment plans to make professional help affordable, even when you're already struggling financially.Consider this: if professional help gets you a $40,000 debt reduced to $4,000 through an Offer in Compromise, the professional fees pay for themselves many times over. The same applies to stopping wage garnishments that could take hundreds from each paycheck.We accept Mastercard and Visa with a 4% convenience fee, and offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case without any upfront commitment. Most clients find that professional representation costs far less than continuing to deal with IRS problems on their own.

IRS Fresh Start Program Greenfield, PA