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The IRS uses tax penalties to encourage taxpayer compliance, not to make money. This program gives tax offenders who are normally compliant an opportunity to reduce or eliminate IRS penalties. The most common situations resulting in reasonable cause relief are either Acts of God or health-related. At this time there is no way out of either one and the future doesn’t look bright as well. If you find yourself on the wrong side of the IRS you may be in luck, if you qualify for their IRS tax forgiveness program. This program falls under the Offer in Compromise part of the US Tax Code.
The IRS Debt Forgiveness program works by allowing taxpayers to have some or all of their tax debt forgiven. Depending on the amount owed, taxpayers may be able to obtain full or partial forgiveness. If they grant full forgiveness, the IRS will erase all outstanding tax liabilities and not require further payments. 20 Best Accounting Software for Nonprofits in 2023 You should also understand that those who use the forgiveness program may have their credit score affected, as the IRS will likely report the forgiven debt as a negative mark. If you wait too long to pay your taxes, it could also result in penalties and interest rates that make repaying them more difficult.
Who Might Need Tax-Debt Relief?
State revenue agencies all have different rules about penalties and tax forgiveness. To get the best resolution for your tax problems, you should find someone who has experience in your state. Yes, you can get one-time or first-time penalty forgiveness more than once.
If a fire destroys your home, business, or the records essential to your tax situation, you may qualify for reasonable cause forgiveness. Similarly, if you or a close family member were to pass away, the IRS would take into account the fatality in reference to your family’s tax situation. If you committed an error on your tax return which led to the penalty, notify the IRS and file an amended return to resolve the discrepancy. It will be the first of several documents you should keep track of while communicated with the IRS.
How Do I Apply?
Also, it is their own responsibility to obtain documentation from the IRS that the tax debt no longer exists. Once that is confirmed, a tax professional can assist the taxpayer in having the IRS issue an official Certificate of Release of Federal Tax Lien or a Lien Withdrawal. https://kelleysbookkeeping.com/law-firm-accounting-the-ultimate-guide/ Proof of a lien release or withdrawal is usually needed to present to institutions who determine credit-worthiness. It is a first step taxpayers can take to repair their financial profiles. The “waiting it out” strategy is not recommended for all tax debtors, however.
