Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The amount depends on your specific financial situation and which Fresh Start option you qualify for. Some taxpayers get their debt reduced by 90% or more through an Offer in Compromise, while others benefit from penalty abatement that can eliminate thousands in penalties.If you qualify for Currently Not Collectible status, the IRS temporarily stops all collection activity while you're experiencing financial hardship. Installment agreements don't reduce what you owe but make payments manageable by spreading them over up to six years.The key is having someone who knows how to present your case properly. The IRS rejects most applications because people don't understand the complex requirements or submit incomplete documentation.

Question 2

What happens if I owe payroll taxes for my Milwaukee business?

Accepted Answer

Payroll tax debt is the most serious type of tax problem because the IRS can hold you personally liable even if your business is a corporation or LLC. They can pursue your personal assets through something called the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty.The Fresh Start Program does apply to business tax debt, but the rules are more complex than individual tax cases. You need someone who understands both the business and personal implications of your situation.We've helped many Milwaukee business owners resolve payroll tax problems without losing their businesses or personal assets. The key is acting quickly before the IRS starts seizing accounts or filing liens against your property.

Question 3

How long does the Fresh Start Program application process take?

Accepted Answer

The timeline varies depending on which type of relief you're applying for and how complex your case is. Simple installment agreements can often be set up within 30-60 days, while Offers in Compromise typically take 6-12 months for the IRS to review.Currently Not Collectible status can sometimes be obtained quickly if you're facing immediate financial hardship. Penalty abatement requests usually get resolved within 2-4 months.The most important thing is getting your application submitted correctly the first time. If the IRS rejects your application because of errors or missing information, you have to start the entire process over again.

Question 4

Do I qualify for the Fresh Start Program if I haven't filed tax returns?

Accepted Answer

You must be current on all required tax filings before you can apply for most Fresh Start Program benefits. This means getting all your missing returns filed first, which we handle as part of your case.Many people avoid filing because they can't pay what they owe, but this actually makes the problem worse. Unfiled returns generate additional penalties and prevent you from accessing relief programs that could dramatically reduce your debt.We prepare all your missing returns using the most favorable filing methods available. Sometimes we can reduce your tax liability significantly just by properly preparing returns that were never filed or were filed incorrectly.

Question 5

What if I can't afford to pay anything toward my tax debt right now?

Accepted Answer

Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status is specifically designed for taxpayers who genuinely cannot pay anything without causing financial hardship. If approved, the IRS stops all collection activity temporarily.To qualify for CNC status, you need to prove that paying your tax debt would prevent you from meeting basic living expenses like housing, food, and transportation. The application requires detailed financial documentation.Even with CNC status, interest continues to accrue on your debt, and the IRS will periodically review your case. We help you use this breathing room to create a long-term strategy for resolving your debt when your financial situation improves.

Question 6

Why shouldn't I just try to handle this myself with the IRS?

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 teams of trained agents whose job is to collect as much money as possible from you.The Fresh Start Program has complex qualification requirements and extensive paperwork. Most applications get rejected because people don't understand what the IRS is looking for or how to present their case properly.We know exactly how to prepare your application to maximize your chances of approval. We also handle all negotiations with the IRS, so you don't have to deal with aggressive collection agents who are trained to get you to agree to payments you can't afford.

IRS Fresh Start Program Milwaukee, PA