WASHINGTON—Thousands of Americans are rushing to resolve their tax debts following the President's executive order to freeze employee hiring at the IRS.

The IRS is receiving a record number of applicants for 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 has been able to approve more applications than ever before.

But the President's hiring freeze could severely limit the IRS's ability to continue its streak of Fresh Start approvals. The IRS typically expands its operations each tax season by hiring thousands of temporary employees. This year, that won't be possible.

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.

In addition to the hiring freeze, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is ordering the IRS to immediately lay off 7,000 employees, with plans to lay off a staggering 50% of its workforce. Tax professionals believe this will likely lead to processing backlogs, delayed refunds, and a potential suspension of tax forgiveness programs.

To avoid getting stuck in the backlog, Americans are applying for tax forgiveness at record rates. But sweeping changes at the IRS could cripple the Fresh Start Program—or even kill it altogether.

For years, Republican lawmakers have quietly discussed weakening or ending the Fresh Start Program. With Republicans now controlling both houses of Congress, this could become a reality in 2025, which would spell 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, the Fresh Start Program may be your financial lifeline.

However, federal programs that help reduce or eliminate your tax debt may look completely different in the coming months. Qualifying for tax forgiveness before the President ends it is crucial.

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.