Question: I received a notice from the IRS because I did not have the funds to pay the tax I owed on my 2017 income tax return. I also was late in filing my tax return. Not only is the IRS demanding the tax I owe, but they have slapped on these huge amounts for penalties and interest. I had extenuating circumstances that caused all of this. This isn’t fair…what can I do?
Answer: A Tax Resolution Specialist can request a removal (abatement) of penalties 2 ways: 1) “First Time” Penalty Abatement and 2) a Reasonable Cause Argument. The IRS writes off billions of dollars in penalties each and every year, but you must know how to do it correctly.
A First Time Penalty Abatement (FTA) can be requested if you have a “clean” compliance record, meaning you have not incurred a Failure to File or Failure to Pay penalty for the 3 years preceding the year you are requesting abatement on.
If you don’t qualify for FTA, there are another 9 “Reasonable Cause” arguments to get your penalties removed. They are: 1) Death, Serious Illness or Unavoidable Absence 2) Fire, Casualty or Natural Disaster 3) Unable to Obtain Records (common issue with couples going through a divorce) 4) Mistake was made by the taxpayer or tax preparer 5) Erroneous Advice or Reliance on a tax preparer 6) Written/Oral Advice from the IRS 7) Ignorance of Tax Laws 8) Reasonable Cause/Ordinary Business Care and Prudence 9) Undue Economic Hardship.
If you think your reason(s) or excuse falls within one of the above, let us know so we can guide you through the process and see to it that the IRS reduces or removes these penalties in full once and for all. Our clients generally NEVER meet or speak with the IRS. We handle everything for you so you don’t have to take time away from your job or business to deal with all of the IRS’s paperwork. We know the law. We know your rights. We can help!
