IRS Fresh Start is a program that helps people who owe back taxes. IRS Fresh Start is for individuals who are experiencing financial hardship because of their tax debt.
Taxpayers who qualify for the Fresh Start initiative will be provided a waiver of interest and penalties on all or a portion of their past-due taxes. The IRS will also agree not to collect any additional money from the taxpayer until they have paid what they owe under this program.
The Fresh Start initiative was created by Congress in March 2000 to help taxpayers resolve their delinquent tax accounts and get back on track with filing returns and paying taxes. It offers a fresh start for those who are unable or unwilling to pay their taxes, but want to work out an arrangement with the IRS that allows them to avoid penalties, wage garnishment and other collection actions while they resolve their delinquent tax issues.
IRS Fresh Start provides an opportunity for taxpayers who owe $50,000 or less in combined tax liabilities from the past three years to request relief from collection actions against them if:
The taxpayer has filed all required returns (including estimated payments) for the prior three years.
The taxpayer does not owe additional tax after credits claimed on prior returns are allowed.
The IRS Fresh Start program is not an amnesty program, so it does not protect you from criminal prosecution or civil enforcement.