Seniors on Social Security Claim Tax Debt Forgiveness at Record Rates

The IRS has already forgiven an estimated $250M in tax debt in 2025. Check your eligibility for tax forgiveness here.


WASHINGTON—Thousands of seniors are rushing to apply for tax forgiveness amid major market turmoil and attacks on the Social Security Administration (SSA) by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Mass layoffs and budget cuts at the SSA and IRS are fueling widespread speculation that social security benefit payments and tax forgiveness programs may soon be cut.

Shrinking 401(k)s caused by stock market turmoil, due in large part to new tariffs, are also forcing seniors to take a deeper look at their finances and resolve any debts to the IRS.

These factors have led a record number of Americans to apply for the Fresh Start Program, which helps reduce or even completely erase tax debts.

When taxpayers fill out our Tax Relief Survey, they are able to see if they qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Program and begin their journey toward tax resolution in minutes.

Older Americans often incur tax debt through early distributions, pulling money from retirement accounts before reaching their eligibility age.

Tax professionals across the country report being overwhelmed with calls from elderly clients anxious to resolve their tax situations before potential program cuts take effect.

"We've seen a 250% increase in inquiries from seniors about tax forgiveness in the first quarter alone," said Eleanor Winters, a tax attorney specializing in elder finances. "Many are terrified that safety nets they've counted on will disappear."

Consumer advocacy groups are urging seniors to act quickly while current programs remain intact, warning that pending legislation could severely limit access to tax relief within months.

Meanwhile, DOGE officials have defended the proposed cutbacks, claiming they will eliminate "wasteful spending" while promising that "deserving Americans" will still receive necessary assistance.

For many seniors living on fixed incomes, the uncertainty has created a perfect storm of financial anxiety as they race to secure their financial futures in an increasingly unstable economic landscape.

If you owe significant tax debt, the IRS can garnish up to 15% of your Social Security income until the debt is paid in full. In extreme cases, they can even seize your property, including bank accounts, vehicles, and homes.

Take this 60-second Quiz to See if You Qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Program.

Tax debt affects thousands of Americans; however, few seek assistance to resolve their debts with the IRS. It’s not that the resources are unavailable, but that the IRS bureaucracy often gets too complicated for the average American to handle.

In truth, fighting the IRS is a full-time job, so Americans are turning to reputable tax relief firms to ensure that they receive the most relief possible.

Remember, it is 100% free to see if you qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Program, and a few minutes could help you save thousands.

Take the Next Step

Every day, your tax debt grows larger due to penalties and fees. It is vital to act now and partner with a tax relief expert to receive the best resolution possible.

You’re our first priority. Every time.

At FreshStartInfo, we believe everyone deserves to be able to make tax decisions with confidence. We have dedicated, hard-working tax professionals and volunteers who ensure that the information on this site is current and as accurate as possible. While we always recommend you consult a tax professional for your specific situation, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.