Choosing the Right IRS Relief Program for Your Situation: A Complete Comparison

Finding yourself in tax debt can feel like being lost in a maze. The IRS offers several relief programs, but how do you know which one fits your specific situation? This comprehensive IRS relief program comparison will help you navigate your options without the confusion. Whether you're facing temporary financial hardship or long-term challenges, there's likely a program designed for your circumstances.

Every year, millions of Americans qualify for tax relief but don't know where to start. The right program can save you thousands of dollars and help you regain financial stability. The wrong choice might leave money on the table or, worse, create more problems down the road.

In this guide, we'll walk through each IRS relief option, compare their benefits and requirements side by side, and provide a decision framework to help you choose. You'll learn exactly what the IRS looks for in applications, common mistakes to avoid, and how to take immediate action toward resolving your tax debt.

Let's cut through the complexity and find your path to tax relief.

What Are the Main IRS Relief Programs Available?

The IRS offers several primary relief options, each designed to address different financial situations. Understanding these programs is your first step toward making an informed decision about which tax relief option best suits your needs.

Offer in Compromise (OIC)

The Offer in Compromise is often considered the "home run" of IRS relief programs, allowing you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed. According to the IRS, they accepted 14,809 OICs in 2022, representing more than $127 million in resolved tax debt.

This program is ideal if you can prove that:

You cannot pay your full tax liability through assets or installments

Paying your full tax debt would create economic hardship

There's doubt about whether you actually owe the assessed amount

To apply, you'll need to submit Form 656, along with detailed financial information using Form 433-A (individuals) or Form 433-B (businesses).

Installment Agreement

An Installment Agreement allows you to pay your tax debt over time through monthly payments. This is the most common relief option, with over 2.5 million agreements in place.

There are several types:

Guaranteed Installment Agreements: For debts under $10,000 that can be paid within three years

Streamlined Installment Agreements: For debts up to $50,000 that can be paid within 72 months

Non-Streamlined Agreements: For larger debts requiring detailed financial analysis

Partial Payment Installment Agreements: When you can make payments but not enough to fully pay the debt before the collection statute expires

You can apply online through the IRS payment plan portal or by submitting Form 9465.

Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status

If paying your tax debt would leave you unable to afford basic living expenses, you may qualify for Currently Not Collectible status. This temporarily pauses all collection actions while maintaining your debt (including ongoing penalties and interest).

The IRS placed approximately 780,000 accounts into CNC status in 2022. This isn't forgiveness—it's a breathing space while you improve your financial situation.

To request CNC status, you'll need to prove financial hardship through Form 433-A or Form 433-F and typically speak with an IRS representative at 800-829-1040.

Penalty Abatement

While not eliminating the core tax debt, Penalty Abatement can significantly reduce what you owe by removing penalties, which sometimes account for 25% or more of the total balance.

The most accessible form is First-Time Penalty Abatement, available to taxpayers with clean compliance history for the three years before the penalty. Other forms include Reasonable Cause Abatement and Statutory Exception Abatement.

Request penalty abatement by calling the IRS directly or submitting Form 843 with a detailed explanation of your qualifying reasons.

How Do You Determine Which Program You're Eligible For?

Determining eligibility for each IRS relief program requires understanding specific financial thresholds and compliance requirements. Here's how to assess which programs might be available to you:

Financial Analysis: The Foundation of Eligibility

The IRS uses a standardized financial analysis to determine your ability to pay. This analysis considers:

Your monthly income - All sources, including wages, self-employment, investments, and retirement

Allowable expenses - Based on IRS Collection Financial Standards, which set maximum amounts for necessities

Available assets - Bank accounts, investments, property, vehicles, and other items of value

Your remaining collection timeframe - The IRS generally has 10 years to collect from the assessment date

Your "collection potential" equals your monthly disposable income (income minus allowable expenses) multiplied by the number of months remaining in the collection statute, plus the value of your non-essential assets.

Eligibility Matrix by Program

| Program | Income Requirements | Asset Requirements | Compliance Requirements | Best For | |---------|---------------------|--------------------|-----------------------|----------| | Offer in Compromise | Monthly disposable income must be low relative to debt | Limited equity in assets | Must be current on all filings | Those who can't pay in full, even over time | | Installment Agreement | No specific limit, but affects payment amount | No specific limit, but may require asset liquidation for larger debts | Must be current on all filings | Those who need time to pay | | Currently Not Collectible | Expenses must equal or exceed income | No specific requirement | No filing requirement | Those facing severe hardship | | Penalty Abatement | No income requirement | No asset requirement | Clean compliance history for First-Time Abatement | Those with reasonable cause for non-compliance |

Self-Assessment Questions

Ask yourself these questions to begin narrowing down your options:

Is your financial hardship temporary or long-term?

Could you afford small monthly payments, or would any payment create hardship?

Do you have significant equity in assets that could be liquidated?

Are all your tax returns filed for the past six years?

How much time remains on the 10-year collection statute?

Your answers will point you toward the most appropriate programs. For a personalized analysis, check your status to see which programs you're likely to qualify for based on your specific situation.

How Do the OIC and Installment Agreement Compare?

The Offer in Compromise and Installment Agreement represent the two most common paths to resolving tax debt, but they serve very different situations. Understanding the OIC vs installment agreement differences is crucial to making the right choice.

Settlement Amount and Long-Term Costs

An Offer in Compromise typically results in significant savings:

The average accepted OIC settles for approximately 20% of the original tax debt

A $50,000 tax debt might be resolved for $10,000 or less if you qualify

Once accepted and paid, your debt is considered fully resolved

In contrast, an Installment Agreement requires eventual payment of:

The full tax principal (unless it expires under the 10-year statute of limitations)

Continued accrual of penalties (0.25% per month during the agreement)

Ongoing interest (currently 7% annually, compounded daily)

A $50,000 tax debt on a six-year Installment Agreement could end up costing over $65,000 with penalties and interest included.

Application Process Comparison

The application processes differ significantly in complexity and timing:

Offer in Compromise:

Requires extensive financial documentation (Form 433-A/B plus supporting documents)

Application fee of $205 (waivable with low-income certification)

Initial payment required with application (20% for lump sum offers)

Processing time: 6-12 months (sometimes longer)

Acceptance rate: Approximately 30-40%

Installment Agreement:

Streamlined options require minimal documentation for debts under $50,000

Setup fees range from $31 (online, direct debit, low income) to $225 (paper form without direct debit)

Can often be established in a single phone call or online session

Processing time: Immediate to 30 days for most agreements

Acceptance rate: Over 90% for qualifying taxpayers

Impact on Credit and Daily Life

Both programs affect your financial life differently:

Offer in Compromise:

Federal tax lien usually remains until offer is paid

Cannot obtain new credit during application process (6-12 months)

Must maintain perfect compliance for 5 years after acceptance

Financial information becomes public record (the offer amount)

Installment Agreement:

Lien may be withdrawn for debts under $25,000 with direct debit

Can obtain new credit while paying (though tax debt may affect approval)

Must remain current on all tax obligations during agreement

Financial details remain private

For most taxpayers, an Installment Agreement provides the path of least resistance, while an Offer in Compromise offers the greatest savings but with more stringent qualification requirements. For a detailed analysis of which might work for your specific situation, get your compliance report to see personalized recommendations.

What Relief Options Work Best for Small Business Owners?

Small business owners face unique challenges when dealing with tax debt, often involving both personal and business tax liabilities. The best tax relief option for business owners depends on the business structure, financial situation, and types of taxes owed.

Trust Fund Recovery Penalty Considerations

If you have employment tax debt (Form 941/940 taxes), the stakes are particularly high. The IRS aggressively pursues these "trust fund" taxes—money you've withheld from employee paychecks—through the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP).

Under TFRP, the IRS can hold business owners, officers, and certain employees personally responsible for unpaid employment taxes, even if your business operates as a corporation or LLC. This personal liability makes resolving these debts particularly urgent.

Options for employment tax issues include:

Installment Agreement for Business and Individual: Allows simultaneous payment of business and personal tax debts

In-Business Trust Fund Express Installment Agreement: For businesses owing less than $25,000 in employment taxes

Offer in Compromise: Can sometimes settle both business and personal liabilities

According to IRS data, businesses with employment tax issues face collection action significantly faster than those with income tax debts alone—typically within 60 days of assessment versus 6+ months.

Entity-Specific Relief Programs

Different business structures qualify for different relief options:

Sole Proprietors:

All business tax debt appears on your personal tax return

Qualify for the full range of individual relief programs

Can use Form 433-A for financial analysis

Partnerships, S-Corps, and Multi-Member LLCs:

Both the business entity and individual partners/shareholders may have separate tax debts

Business must use Form 433-B for financial analysis

May require coordination between business and personal relief strategies

C-Corporations:

Corporate tax debt remains separate from personal liability (except for trust fund taxes)

Business-specific Installment Agreements available

Partial Payment Installment Agreements often work well for struggling businesses

Industry-Specific Considerations

Your industry may influence which relief option works best:

Seasonal Businesses: Often benefit from a Streamlined Installment Agreement with seasonally adjusted payments that increase during peak periods and decrease during off-seasons.

Cash-Intensive Businesses: Face additional scrutiny in OIC applications due to income verification challenges. Detailed financial records are crucial for successful applications.

Professional Service Providers: Those with licenses (doctors, lawyers, etc.) may prioritize resolving tax issues quickly to avoid professional license complications, making Installment Agreements preferable despite the higher cost.

To determine the optimal approach for your business situation, consider working with a tax professional who specializes in your industry. For an initial assessment, check your status to see which business relief options align with your circumstances.

How Do Relief Programs Impact Your Credit and Financial Future?

Understanding how each IRS relief program affects your long-term financial health is crucial when comparing tax relief options. The impact varies significantly between programs and can influence everything from your credit score to future loan applications.

Federal Tax Liens and Credit Reporting

A Notice of Federal Tax Lien is the IRS's public claim against your property when you don't pay tax debt. Here's how liens interact with each relief program:

Offer in Compromise:

Lien typically remains during the application process (6-12 months)

Lien is released within 30 days of completing your offer payment

Can severely impact credit scores (often 50-100 point reduction)

Installment Agreement:

For debts under $25,000: Lien may be avoided or withdrawn if you use direct debit

For debts over $25,000: Lien typically filed and remains until debt is paid

Lien withdrawal request possible after three consecutive direct debit payments using Form 12277

Currently Not Collectible:

Existing liens typically remain in place

New liens may still be filed while in CNC status

Liens expire with the collection statute (generally 10 years)

Credit bureaus display tax liens for seven years from the filing date, even if they're subsequently released. However, recent changes to credit reporting policies have reduced the impact of tax liens on credit scores.

Impact on Future Tax Refunds

Each program treats future tax refunds differently:

Offer in Compromise:

Forfeiture of current-year refund (included in offer amount)

No offset of future refunds once offer is completed

Installment Agreement:

All refunds offset (applied to tax debt) until agreement is paid in full

Can opt out of refund offset in certain hardship situations

Currently Not Collectible:

All refunds offset while in CNC status

May continue for the full 10-year collection period

For many taxpayers, this refund offset represents a significant "hidden cost" of certain relief programs. If you typically receive large refunds, factor this into your decision-making process.

Post-Resolution Compliance Requirements

Each program comes with specific compliance obligations after resolution:

Offer in Compromise:

Must file and pay all required returns for 5 years after acceptance

Any default voids the agreement and reinstates full debt

Success rate for maintaining 5-year compliance: approximately 80%

Installment Agreement:

Must file and pay all returns while agreement is active

Three missed payments or a new tax debt can default the agreement

Can be reinstated after default (usually limited to one reinstatement)

Penalty Abatement:

No ongoing compliance requirements

Future penalties not automatically waived

The Internal Revenue Manual (IRM 5.8.7) states that OIC defaults are closely monitored and can result in immediate collection action without additional notice. This makes understanding the post-resolution requirements particularly important for long-term financial planning.

For personalized guidance on how these programs might impact your specific financial situation, get your compliance report for a detailed analysis of your options.

What Happens During the Application Process for Each Program?

Each IRS relief program has its own application process, timeline, and requirements. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare properly and increase your chances of approval.

Offer in Compromise Application Process

The OIC process is the most complex and time-consuming of all relief options:

Pre-qualification check: Complete the Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier Tool to assess basic eligibility

Application preparation: Complete Form 656 (Offer in Compromise) and Form 433-A/B (Collection Information Statement)

Supporting documentation gathering:

- Bank statements (3-6 months) - Pay stubs or profit/loss statements - Investment account statements - Vehicle registration and loan statements - Mortgage statements or rental agreements - Medical bills (if claiming high expenses)

Submission with initial payment:

- $205 application fee (unless low-income certification) - 20% of offer amount for lump-sum offers OR - First monthly payment for periodic payment offers

IRS verification process:

- Initial processing (4-6 weeks) - Assignment to an Offer Examiner (1-3 months) - Possible requests for additional documentation - Field visit or interview (sometimes)

Decision and follow-up:

- Average processing time: 6-12 months - If accepted: Payment according to offered terms - If rejected: Appeal rights within 30 days

During this process, the IRS suspends collection activities but continues charging penalties and interest. The 10-year collection statute also pauses during the application period plus 30 days.

Installment Agreement Application Process

The Installment Agreement process is significantly more streamlined:

Determine agreement type based on debt amount:

- Under $10,000: Guaranteed agreement - $10,000-$50,000: Streamlined agreement - Over $50,000: Non-streamlined (requires financial statements)

Choose application method:

- Online: Online Payment Agreement tool - Phone: 800-829-1040 - Mail: Form 9465 (Installment Agreement Request) - In-person: Local Taxpayer Assistance Center

Provide required information:

- Basic identification and contact details - Proposed monthly payment amount - Financial information (for debts over $50,000)

Set up payment method:

- Direct debit (lowest fees and interest rate) - Payroll deduction (Form 2159) - Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) - Check/money order/credit card payments

Receive confirmation:

- Usually within 30 days - Immediate approval possible for online applications under $50,000

The setup fee varies based on application method and income, ranging from $31 (online with direct debit for low-income) to $225 (paper application without direct debit).

Currently Not Collectible Process

Requesting CNC status involves proving financial hardship:

Contact the IRS:

- Call the number on your notice or 800-829-1040 - Explain your financial hardship

Complete financial statement:

- Form 433-F (shorter form for most individuals) - Form 433-A (more detailed financial statement)

Provide supporting documentation:

- Proof of income and expenses - Medical bills or other hardship evidence

IRS hardship determination:

- Analysis of income versus allowable expenses - Assessment of ability to pay anything toward debt

Status determination:

- Typically made during phone call or within 30 days - Regular reviews of financial status (usually every 12-24 months)

The IRS reports that approximately 16-17% of all individual tax debt cases are placed in CNC status, making this a common solution for those experiencing genuine financial hardship.

For help navigating these application processes and determining which is best suited for your situation, Proof.tax offers guidance on how to respond to an IRS notice and preparing effective relief applications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Tax Relief

When seeking IRS relief, certain errors can derail your application or result in a less favorable outcome than you might otherwise qualify for. Awareness of these pitfalls can significantly improve your chances of success.

Program Selection Errors

One of the most costly mistakes is choosing the wrong program for your situation:

Pursuing an OIC when you don't qualify: The IRS rejects approximately 60% of OIC applications, often because applicants have sufficient income or assets to pay more than offered. This wastes months of time and application fees.

Defaulting to an Installment Agreement without exploring OIC: Many taxpayers who could qualify for an OIC automatically choose payment plans instead, potentially paying thousands more than necessary.

Requesting CNC status when you could afford payments: While tempting to pause collections, this allows penalties and interest to continue accumulating, potentially increasing your total debt by 10-15% annually.

Overlooking Penalty Abatement: Even when pursuing other relief options, many taxpayers fail to request penalty abatement, missing potential savings of 10-25% of their total debt.

The IRS's own Taxpayer Advocate Service reports that taxpayers frequently choose suboptimal relief options due to lack of information or improper guidance.

Documentation and Disclosure Failures

The IRS carefully scrutinizes financial information in relief applications:

Incomplete financial disclosure: Omitting accounts, assets, or income sources almost guarantees rejection and may trigger fraud investigations.

Inflated expense claims: The IRS uses standardized expense allowances in many cases; claiming significantly higher amounts without substantial documentation raises red flags.

Inconsistent information across forms: Discrepancies between tax returns, financial statements, and relief applications create credibility problems.

Outdated information: Using old pay stubs or bank statements when your financial situation has recently changed can lead to inaccurate determinations.

According to IRS data, documentation issues account for approximately 30% of OIC rejections and Installment Agreement denials.

Procedural and Timing Missteps

Technical errors in the application process can derail even otherwise qualifying applications:

Missing application deadlines: Particularly for appeals and responses to IRS notices, which often have strict 30-day response windows.

Paying the wrong application fee: Using incorrect payment amounts or methods can delay processing by weeks or months.

Applying during pending litigation: Attempting relief while simultaneously challenging the underlying tax assessment often results in automatic denial.

Failing to respond to information requests: Not providing additional documentation requested by IRS examiners within their timeframes (typically 14-30 days) often results in automatic rejection.

The IRS's Internal Revenue Manual (IRM 5.8.7) specifically identifies "failure to provide requested financial information" as one of the top reasons for OIC rejection.

For guidance on avoiding these common pitfalls and understanding IRS payment plans, consider getting a professional review of your situation before submitting applications. This investment can save thousands in the long run by ensuring you pursue the most advantageous program with proper documentation.

What the IRS Wants You to Know

"The IRS is generally willing to work with taxpayers who cannot pay their tax debts in full. Our collection policies are designed to facilitate resolution while ensuring fair treatment of all taxpayers. We encourage anyone facing tax debt to contact us before collection actions escalate." - IRS Publication 594, The IRS Collection Process

The IRS has become increasingly transparent about their collection alternatives in recent years. Their official position includes several important points that can help inform your decision:

Early intervention is preferred: The IRS wants taxpayers to address tax issues promptly, preferably before liens or levies are issued. This provides more options and often results in better outcomes.

Financial transparency is non-negotiable: The agency expects complete financial disclosure for most relief programs. Attempts to conceal assets or income will likely result in rejection and possible penalties.

Collection alternatives exist for a reason: The IRS acknowledges that collecting the full amount isn't always possible or in the government's best interest. Their policy is to accept reasonable compromises when they represent the maximum collection potential.

Voluntary compliance is the goal: All relief programs aim to bring taxpayers back into the tax system as compliant filers and payers. This is why most programs require future compliance as a condition of relief.

The IRS publishes detailed guidance in Publication 594 and on their website regarding collection alternatives and taxpayer rights during the collection process.

Action Steps Checklist

Ready to move forward with resolving your tax debt? Here's a step-by-step action plan:

Gather your tax notices to determine exact amounts owed, tax years, and deadlines

Complete a personal financial inventory:

- List all income sources and monthly amounts - Document necessary living expenses - Catalog all assets and their current values - List all debts and monthly payment obligations

Ensure compliance with all filing requirements by submitting any missing tax returns

Use the IRS pre-qualifier tools for initial program assessment:

- Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier - Payment Plan Eligibility

Request your free tax account transcripts via IRS.gov to verify assessments

Compare program requirements to your financial situation using the eligibility matrix in this guide

Prepare financial statements appropriate for your chosen program (Form 433-A, 433-B, or 433-F)

Gather supporting documentation (bank statements, pay stubs, expense receipts)

Apply for your chosen program through the appropriate channel (online, phone, or mail)

Set calendar reminders for follow-up deadlines and document submission requirements

For personalized guidance on which program best fits your situation, check your status for a customized analysis of your relief options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for tax relief?

Approval timeframes vary by program:

Installment Agreements: 1 day to 30 days (faster for online applications under $50,000)

Currently Not Collectible Status: 14 to 30 days after financial verification

Offer in Compromise: 6 to 12 months from application to decision

Penalty Abatement: 30 to 90 days for written requests; sometimes immediate for phone requests

Will tax relief stop an IRS levy or garnishment?

Yes, but timing matters. Approved relief programs will stop active collection actions, but the application process affects this differently:

Installment Agreement: Stops levies upon approval; existing levies released within 30 days

OIC Application: Stops new levies during consideration; existing levies usually remain until acceptance

CNC Status: Stops all collection actions upon approval

For immediate levy release due to hardship, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or the number on your levy notice.

Can I apply for tax relief if I haven't filed all my tax returns?

Generally, no. The IRS requires full filing compliance before considering most relief options. However, they may help you address unfiled returns first:

The IRS can prepare Substitute for Return (SFR) assessments

You can request tax transcripts to help prepare late returns

Some local Taxpayer Assistance Centers offer filing help

In rare hardship cases, the IRS may temporarily place you in Currently Not Collectible status while you complete past-due filings.

Do I need a tax professional to apply for relief programs?

Not necessarily, but it may help. Success rates vary:

Simple Installment Agreements (under $50,000): High success rate without professional help

Offer in Compromise: Significantly higher acceptance rates with professional representation (44% vs. 32% according to IRS data)

Complex cases: Professional guidance usually results in better terms and fewer rejections

For simple situations, understanding IRS payment plans may be sufficient to handle it yourself.

Can I qualify for multiple relief programs simultaneously?

Partially. While you can't have an active OIC and Installment Agreement simultaneously, you can combine:

Penalty Abatement with any other program

Installment Agreement with certain tax credits and hardship provisions

Currently Not Collectible status with simultaneous Offer in Compromise application

The IRS evaluates each tax period separately, so you might have different resolution methods for different years.

What happens if my financial situation changes after I'm in a relief program?

Each program has different modification options:

Installment Agreements: Request modification using Form 433-D or by calling 800-829-1040

Offer in Compromise: No modifications after acceptance; must comply with original terms

Currently Not Collectible: Report significant income increases; the IRS also conducts periodic reviews

Failure to report positive financial changes could result in default and renewed collection activity.

Does tax relief affect my spouse's tax liability?

It depends on the filing status and relief program:

Joint filers: Relief generally applies to both spouses unless Innocent Spouse Relief has been granted

Separate filers: Relief only applies to the applicant's individual tax debt

Injured Spouse situations: May require separate relief applications

For complex marital tax situations, the IRS provides guidance in Publication 971, Innocent Spouse Relief.

How do I know if I'm getting the best possible relief option?

The best way to ensure optimal relief is to:

Understand all available programs (as outlined in this guide)

Accurately assess your financial situation against program requirements

Consider consulting with a tax professional for complex situations

Request clarification directly from the IRS regarding specific program terms

Get your compliance report for a personalized analysis

Remember that what's "best" depends on your priorities: lowest overall payment, fastest resolution, or minimizing immediate financial strain.

Related Resources

To further explore your tax relief options, consider these additional resources:

Understanding IRS Payment Plans: Detailed explanation of all Installment Agreement types and requirements

What Happens If You Ignore IRS Notices: Timeline of escalating collection actions and consequences

How to Respond to an IRS Notice: Step-by-step guidance for addressing tax notices properly

IRS Fresh Start Program Explained: Details on the IRS initiative designed to help struggling taxpayers

IRS Offer in Compromise Guide: Complete walkthrough of the OIC process and requirements

Currently Not Collectible Status Requirements: Eligibility and application process for hardship status

Penalty and Interest Abatement Options: How to request removal of penalties and associated interest

For official IRS resources, visit:

IRS Paying Your Taxes

IRS Tax Topic 202: Tax Payment Options

IRS Publication 594: The IRS Collection Process

Choosing the Right IRS Relief Program for Your Situation: A Complete Comparison

What Are the Main IRS Relief Programs Available?

Offer in Compromise (OIC)

Installment Agreement

Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status

Penalty Abatement

How Do You Determine Which Program You're Eligible For?

Financial Analysis: The Foundation of Eligibility

Eligibility Matrix by Program

Self-Assessment Questions

How Do the OIC and Installment Agreement Compare?

Settlement Amount and Long-Term Costs

Application Process Comparison

Impact on Credit and Daily Life

What Relief Options Work Best for Small Business Owners?

Trust Fund Recovery Penalty Considerations

Entity-Specific Relief Programs

Industry-Specific Considerations

How Do Relief Programs Impact Your Credit and Financial Future?

Federal Tax Liens and Credit Reporting

Impact on Future Tax Refunds

Post-Resolution Compliance Requirements

What Happens During the Application Process for Each Program?

Offer in Compromise Application Process

Installment Agreement Application Process

Currently Not Collectible Process

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Tax Relief

Program Selection Errors

Documentation and Disclosure Failures

Procedural and Timing Missteps

What the IRS Wants You to Know

Action Steps Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for tax relief?

Will tax relief stop an IRS levy or garnishment?

Can I apply for tax relief if I haven't filed all my tax returns?

Do I need a tax professional to apply for relief programs?

Can I qualify for multiple relief programs simultaneously?

What happens if my financial situation changes after I'm in a relief program?

Does tax relief affect my spouse's tax liability?

How do I know if I'm getting the best possible relief option?

Related Resources

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