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

WASHINGTON—A record number of Americans failed to file their tax returns by the April deadline this year – and most are now facing thousands of dollars in tax debt.

Some 11.23 million Americans owe the IRS a total of $125 billion in back taxes. This number will likely grow as the IRS processes cases of new non-filers.

For Americans already struggling with economic pressures, IRS penalties and interest charges can add significant financial strain.

However, the IRS offers multiple tax forgiveness options to help taxpayers who owe, including the Fresh Start Program, which helps reduce or even completely erase tax debts. Thanks to last year’s budget increase from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the IRS is approving 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.

If you skip tax filing, the IRS will first create a substitute return, without any deductions or credits that would have reduced your tax liability. Next, they assess penalties and interest, and eventually file property liens, wage garnishments, and, in extreme cases, criminal charges.

"When the IRS files for you, they're not looking out for your financial interests," explained Chicago-based Tax Attorney Sarah Johnson. "They calculate what you owe without applying the standard deduction all Americans are entitled to." 

Tax professionals emphasize that even late filers should submit returns as quickly as possible. "The longer you wait, the worse the financial impact becomes," noted CPA Robert Williams. "Filing—even if you can't pay the full amount immediately—opens up payment plan options and minimizes additional penalties."

Many Americans remain unaware of IRS tax forgiveness programs like Offer in Compromise and Currently Not Collectible, which allow taxpayers to pause collection actions or settle their tax debts for a fraction of the full amount owed. 

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 out 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 take on.

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.

Next Steps

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.

Every day, your tax debt grows larger and 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.