Question 1

Do I qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Program in Ross Common?

Accepted Answer

Most taxpayers qualify for some form of Fresh Start relief if they owe $50,000 or less in combined taxes, penalties, and interest, are current on tax filings, and can demonstrate financial hardship. Self-employed individuals need to show at least a 25% income decline to qualify for certain benefits. The beauty of Fresh Start is that it's not one program - it's multiple options. You might not qualify for an Offer in Compromise but could get a streamlined installment agreement. Or you might not qualify for penalty abatement but could get Currently Not Collectible status. Ross Common residents affected by recent storm damage may have additional qualification pathways due to disaster relief provisions. We evaluate every possible option to find what works for your specific situation.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Debt reduction depends entirely on which Fresh Start option you qualify for and your specific financial circumstances. Penalty abatement can eliminate thousands in fees - sometimes 30-50% of your total debt if penalties have accumulated over years. Offers in Compromise can settle your entire debt for 10-20% of what you owe, but only if you truly cannot pay the full amount. Installment agreements don't reduce the total debt but make it manageable with payments as low as $25-50 monthly for qualifying taxpayers. Currently Not Collectible status doesn't reduce debt but stops all collection actions until your financial situation improves. The key is matching your situation with the right option. A $45,000 debt might become a $150 monthly payment, a $8,000 settlement, or temporary suspension depending on your circumstances.

Question 3

Will Fresh Start stop wage garnishment and bank levies immediately?

Accepted Answer

Fresh Start programs typically stop most IRS collection actions once you're approved and compliant with your agreement terms. Installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, and Currently Not Collectible status all provide protection from wage garnishments, bank levies, and asset seizures during the agreement period. However, the IRS doesn't automatically stop collection just because you applied - you need approval first. That's why professional representation matters. We know how to expedite applications and request collection holds during processing. We also ensure you meet all compliance requirements so your protection continues. Missing payments or failing to file future returns can restart collection actions, but we provide ongoing support to prevent that from happening.

Question 4

How long does Fresh Start processing take for Pennsylvania residents?

Accepted Answer

Processing times vary significantly by program type and IRS workload. Streamlined installment agreements typically process within 30-60 days since they require minimal financial review. Offers in Compromise take 6-12 months because the IRS conducts thorough financial analysis and asset verification. Currently Not Collectible determinations can happen quickly - sometimes within weeks - if your hardship is clear and well-documented. Pennsylvania residents may experience slightly longer processing due to recent storm damage affecting regional IRS offices, but disaster relief provisions can also expedite certain applications. Once we submit your complete application, you're generally protected from new collection actions during the review period. We track your case daily and provide regular updates throughout the process.

Question 5

What if the IRS denies my Fresh Start application?

Accepted Answer

Denial of one Fresh Start option doesn't end your relief possibilities. We can appeal the decision with additional documentation, modify your application based on the denial reasons, or pivot to alternative Fresh Start programs that better fit your situation. Many initial denials result from choosing the wrong option or incomplete financial disclosure - both preventable with professional representation. We also pursue non-Fresh Start alternatives when appropriate. Traditional installment agreements with different terms, hardship deferrals, innocent spouse relief, or even bankruptcy consultation if your situation warrants it. The IRS has dozens of relief programs beyond Fresh Start. Our job is finding the one that actually works for your specific circumstances. One denial doesn't mean you're out of options - it means we need to try a different approach.

Question 6

Should I handle Fresh Start myself or hire 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's own statistics show that taxpayers with professional representation are significantly more likely to get their applications approved and receive better settlement terms. We know exactly what documentation the IRS requires, how to present your financial situation for maximum benefit, and which Fresh Start option gives you the best outcome. We also handle all IRS communications so you can't accidentally say something that hurts your case. More importantly, we know when the IRS is offering you a bad deal and how to negotiate better terms. The cost of professional representation is almost always less than what you save through better negotiations and avoiding costly mistakes.

IRS Fresh Start Program Ross Common, PA