The War on the IRS and What It Means for Americans With Tax Debt

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


WASHINGTON—The President and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are waging war on the IRS, which could spell disaster for Americans with federal tax debt.

Within days of taking office, the president implemented a federal hiring freeze that left the IRS severely understaffed throughout tax season. DOGE has already laid off 7,000 IRS employees and plans to cut 50% of the agency's 90,000-person workforce before the end of the year.

Tax relief programs that millions of Americans rely on are now at risk as the IRS faces unprecedented staffing shortages and budget constraints.

Finance experts across the country are urging taxpayers with outstanding liabilities to resolve their tax issues immediately, as access to forgiveness programs could vanish in the coming months.

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.

Tax experts warn that this unprecedented reduction in IRS staffing will create a backlog of tax relief applications, potentially leaving thousands of Americans in financial limbo.

"We're seeing a surge of clients eager to resolve their tax debts," says Melissa Richardson, a tax attorney specializing in IRS settlements. "With each passing week, the chances of successfully claiming tax forgiveness are diminishing."

The IRS Fresh Start Program has helped millions of Americans reduce or eliminate their tax debts. But it appears to be particularly vulnerable under this administration's cost-cutting measures.

Congressional sources indicate that key Republican lawmakers have been pushing to scale back or completely dismantle these programs, viewing them as unnecessary government handouts rather than vital financial lifelines for struggling taxpayers.

For those with outstanding tax debt, financial advisors recommend acting immediately to submit applications before further cuts take effect. They suggest working with tax professionals who understand the increasingly complex landscape of IRS relief programs in this rapidly changing environment.

"Don't wait for the situation to worsen," advises Richardson. "The window of opportunity is closing fast, and Americans with tax debt need to use these programs while they still exist."

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.