3 Signs It's Time to Resolve Your Tax Debt With the IRS

Tax debt affects millions of Americans, and too many avoid the problem until the IRS adds thousands of dollars on top of the debt.

If you’re facing tax problems, here are three critical signs it's time to resolve it proactively – before the IRS comes to collect it:

1. You've Received an IRS Notice

That envelope with the IRS logo isn't junk mail – it's a serious warning. If you ignore these notices, they'll escalate to private debt collectors who can place liens on your property or even garnish your paychecks.

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.

2. You've Missed Tax Deadlines

Whether you missed the latest tax deadline or haven't filed for years, the IRS won’t simply forget about your unfiled returns. Instead, they'll file a substitute return on your behalf – without including valuable deductions or credits, resulting in a much higher tax bill than necessary.

3. Your Tax Debt is Growing

Is your tax debt larger than it was last month?

That’s because the IRS charges a 5% monthly penalty and 8% interest that compounds daily. That means if you owe $5,000 in tax debt, the IRS will add over $100 in interest every single day – plus another $250 in penalties at the end of the month.

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

If your tax debt feels insurmountable, you may be able to reduce or even completely erase it through the Fresh Start Program.

"Many taxpayers don't realize that relief options exist," says Tax Attorney Sarah Martinez. "The Fresh Start Program can provide significant relief, but navigating the process without professional help can be overwhelming."

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

Resolving your tax problems is possible – and today, it’s easier than ever.

The IRS provides a framework for quickly checking your eligibility for tax forgiveness. Simply fill out this online form to discover if you qualify to have your tax debt reduced or even eliminated.

Start your journey towards a brighter financial future today.

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.