Question 1

How much can I realistically expect to save through Fresh Start?

Accepted Answer

Results depend on your financial situation, but the savings can be substantial. Offers in Compromise routinely settle debts for 10-20% of what you owe—we've seen $75,000 debts settled for $8,000. Penalty Abatement alone often cuts your debt in half since penalties and interest frequently exceed the original tax owed. Even if you can't get debt reduction, installment agreements make crushing debt manageable with payments as low as $50-100 per month. The key is qualifying for the right program and presenting your case properly. Our experience means we know exactly how to structure your application for maximum relief while meeting IRS requirements.

Question 2

What if I owe more than the $50,000 Fresh Start limit?

Accepted Answer

You still have powerful options with larger debts. You can make a partial payment to reduce your balance below $50,000 and qualify for streamlined processing, or we can negotiate Partial Payment Installment Agreements for any debt amount. With Partial Payment Agreements, your monthly payment is based on what you can actually afford after necessary living expenses—not the total amount owed. Clients with $150,000+ debts sometimes pay just $300-400 per month. Offers in Compromise have no debt limits whatsoever. If you qualify based on financial hardship or doubt as to collectibility, you could settle a six-figure debt for a few thousand dollars.

Question 3

How quickly can I get protection from IRS collection actions?

Accepted Answer

Protection starts as soon as we file your application. The IRS must suspend levy actions while reviewing installment agreement requests, Offers in Compromise, or Currently Not Collectible applications. Currently Not Collectible status can be approved within weeks when financial hardship is clear and well-documented. Streamlined installment agreements for debts under $50,000 typically get approved within 30-45 days. Even complex Offers in Compromise provide immediate protection. While the review process takes 6-12 months, collection activities stop the moment we submit your properly prepared application to the IRS.

Question 4

Will the Fresh Start Program damage my credit score?

Accepted Answer

Fresh Start actually protects and often improves your credit. The program raised the tax lien threshold from $5,000 to $10,000, meaning fewer taxpayers face credit-damaging liens. If you already have a tax lien, Direct Debit Installment Agreements can get liens withdrawn after just three consecutive payments. This completely removes the lien from your credit report. Without Fresh Start relief, unpaid taxes lead to liens, levies, and wage garnishments—all devastating to your credit. Taking action now protects your financial future while resolving your tax debt permanently.

Question 5

Can I qualify for Fresh Start if I haven't filed recent returns?

Accepted Answer

You must be current on all required filings before applying for Fresh Start relief. This is an absolute requirement—the IRS won't negotiate with non-compliant taxpayers under any circumstances. However, we can quickly prepare and file missing returns as part of your case. Often, filing those missing returns reduces your total debt because withholdings and estimated payments create refunds that offset what you owe. Once we get you current on filings, you immediately become eligible for all Fresh Start programs. We handle everything from preparing missing returns to negotiating your final settlement with the IRS.

Question 6

What happens if my Fresh Start application gets rejected?

Accepted Answer

Rejection doesn't end your options. Most rejections occur because applications are incomplete, poorly prepared, or don't present the taxpayer's situation effectively. Professional representation makes the crucial difference here. You have full appeal rights for IRS decisions. We can request reconsideration with additional documentation, appeal to the Independent Office of Appeals, or pivot to alternative Fresh Start programs that better fit your situation. If an Offer in Compromise gets rejected, you might qualify for Currently Not Collectible status or a Partial Payment Agreement. We don't stop fighting until we find a solution that works for your specific circumstances. Would you go to court without a lawyer? Of course not! Then why would you go before the IRS without a trusted tax professional? End the sleepless nights. Call 570-630-0201 or book online today. We will stand between you and the IRS, negotiate the lowest legal settlement, and give you the fresh start you deserve.

IRS Fresh Start Program Liberty, PA