Why Americans Are Rushing to Eliminate Their Tax Debts Before the Holidays

WASHINGTON – Thousands of Americans are rushing to settle their tax debts this holiday season, as a whirlwind of political and economic factors has created the perfect storm for tax debt forgiveness.

Americans want to enter the new year with a clean slate, and the holiday season offers extra time away from work to resolve tax debts before the IRS begins adding penalties and interest charges in 2025.

Adding to this urgency, President-elect Trump promised to immediately cut the IRS budget, which could significantly change tax forgiveness programs – or even kill them altogether.

All of these factors have pushed thousands to apply for the Fresh Start Program before the holiday season, which helps reduce or even completely erase tax debts. Thanks to last year’s budget increase from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the IRS has been able to approve more applications than ever before.

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.

This week, Trump announced his pick for a new IRS Commissioner: former Republican Congressman Billy Long, an early indication of his plan to make broad and sweeping changes at the IRS.

For years, Republican lawmakers have discussed weakening or ending the Fresh Start Program. With Republicans taking control of the Senate and House of Reps, this could quickly become a reality, spelling disaster for thousands of Americans who desperately need relief from tax debt.

If you owe federal back taxes and can’t afford to pay them in full, qualifying for tax relief this holiday season is critical. Programs that reduce or eliminate your tax debt, such as Offer in Compromise, may not be available by early 2025.

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.

Many Americans do not realize they qualify for tax relief because they never took the time to check their eligibility for tax relief programs.

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.