Does the IRS ever forgive interest and penalties?

Asked by: Lessie Labadie  |  Last update: October 17, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (39 votes)

We may be able to remove or reduce some penalties if you acted in good faith and can show reasonable cause for why you weren't able to meet your tax obligations. By law we cannot remove or reduce interest unless the penalty is removed or reduced.

Will the IRS forgive penalties and interest?

The IRS will automatically waive failure-to-pay penalties on unpaid taxes less than $100,000 for tax years 2020 or 2021. You're eligible for this relief if you meet all the following criteria: Filed a Form 1040 or 1041 tax return for years 2020 and/or 2021. Were assessed taxes of less than $100,000.

How do I get the IRS to remove penalties and interest?

How to request interest abatement. To request we reduce or waive interest due to an unreasonable error or IRS delay, you or your representative must submit: Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement PDF or. A signed letter requesting that we reduce or adjust the overcharged interest.

How much will the IRS usually settle for?

How much will the IRS settle for? The IRS will often settle for what it deems you can feasibly pay. To determine this, the agency will take into account your assets (home, car, etc.), your income, your monthly expenses (rent, utilities, child care, etc.), your savings, and more.

Under what circumstances will the IRS forgive tax debt?

The IRS has a limited window to collect unpaid taxes — which is generally 10 years from the date the tax debt was assessed. If the IRS cannot collect the full amount within this period, the remaining balance is forgiven. This is known as the "collection statute expiration date" (CSED).

How to Get the IRS to Forgive Your Penalties and Interest - Tax Hack

40 related questions found

What is the IRS 6 year rule?

6 years - If you don't report income that you should have reported, and it's more than 25% of the gross income shown on the return, or it's attributable to foreign financial assets and is more than $5,000, the time to assess tax is 6 years from the date you filed the return.

Does the IRS have a one-time forgiveness program?

First Time Abate relief and unpaid tax

You call us requesting penalty relief and we give you First Time Abate. We remove the penalty up to the date of your request. However, the penalty will continue to increase since the tax is not fully paid.

Is it possible to negotiate with the IRS?

How an offer in compromise works. This is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS that settles a tax debt for less than the full amount owed. The goal is a compromise that's in the best interest of both the taxpayer and the agency. The offer in compromise application includes a fee of $205 and an initial payment.

Who is the best company to help with IRS debt?

Best tax relief companies
  • Best for affordability: Community Tax.
  • Best for money-back guarantee: Alleviate Tax.
  • Best for nationwide availability: Anthem Tax Services.
  • Best for customer service: Precision Tax Relief.
  • Best for in-person assistance: Tax Defense Network.
  • Best for freelancers: Instant Tax Solutions.

What is the minimum payment the IRS will accept?

The IRS minimum monthly payment is typically your total tax debt divided by 72 unless you specify a different amount. Short-term and long-term payment plans are available, depending on your debt amount and eligibility. Setting up a direct debit payment plan online is the most cost-effective option.

Does IRS interest ever stop?

The IRS charges interest on unpaid taxes from the due date until the debt is fully paid. This interest is compounded daily. The IRS interest rate on underpayments for individuals is 8% for 2024 (7% for the first quarter of 2025).

Is the IRS waiving penalties in 2024?

In June 2024, the IRS waived the penalty for the installment due on or before August 15, 2024, for a tax year beginning in 2024 (see Tax Alert 2024-1179).

What happens if you are audited and found guilty?

The taxpayer's tax avoidance actions must go further to indicate criminal activity. If you face criminal charges, you could face jail time if found guilty. Tax fraud comes with a penalty of up to three years in jail. Tax evasion comes with a potential penalty of up to five years in jail.

How do I get the IRS to drop my penalties and interest?

If you disagree with the amount you owe, you may dispute the penalty. Call us at the toll-free number at the top right corner of your notice or letter or write us a letter stating why we should reconsider the penalty. Sign and send your letter along with any supporting documents to the address on your notice.

What is a reasonable cause to waive the IRS penalty?

Examples of valid reasons for failing to file or pay on time may include: Fires, natural disasters or civil disturbances. Inability to get records. Death, serious illness or unavoidable absence of the taxpayer or immediate family.

What is the statute of limitations on IRS penalties and interest?

The IRS generally has 10 years – from the date your tax was assessed – to collect the tax and any associated penalties and interest from you. This time period is called the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED). Your account can include multiple tax assessments, each with their own CSED.

Does the IRS forgive tax debt after 10 years?

The IRS generally has 10 years from the assessment date to collect unpaid taxes. The IRS can't extend this 10-year period unless the taxpayer agrees to extend the period as part of an installment agreement to pay tax debt or a court judgment allows the IRS to collect unpaid tax after the 10-year period.

Can you really settle with the IRS?

You can use your Online Account to make offer in compromise (OIC) payments or check if you're eligible to submit an OIC. We'll review your OIC and decide if you qualify. An offer in compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe.

How much should I offer in compromise to the IRS?

Figuring out the optimal amount to offer the IRS is not easy. It takes a lot of experience to know where the sweet spot lies for any given case. In general though, you can start off with an estimate of 1 year worth of your disposable income and add to that any valuable assets you can sell for additional cash.

What percentage will the IRS settle for?

The taxpayer has a right to specify the particular tax liability to which the IRS will apply the 20 percent payment. Periodic payment offer – An offer is called a "periodic payment offer" under the tax law if it's payable in 6 or more monthly installments and within 24 months after the offer is accepted.

Can you negotiate with the IRS to remove penalties and interest?

The IRS can provide administrative relief from a penalty under certain conditions. The most widely available administrative waiver is first-time penalty abatement (FTA).

Does the IRS have a forgiveness program?

There are four main forgiveness programs accessible to taxpayers: Installment agreement — The most common repayment period is 72 months. The IRS recommends this if you can't pay your tax debt in full, including penalties and interest. Offer in compromise (OIC) — You offer to pay the IRS a fraction of what you owe.

How to get tax penalty waived?

Respond to a penalty assessment by making a formal waiver request by writing to the IRS, explaining your situation, and including your supporting documents. If your initial waiver request is denied, you can appeal by providing additional information or clarification.

What is the downside to offer in compromise for the IRS?

For example, the requirements for accepting an OIC are stringent. Taxpayers are required to have low monthly income and practically no assets. You may end up wasting time and money on trying to settle when that effort could have been applied toward a better resolution.

What is the IRS hardship program?

Answer: The IRS Hardship Program, also known as the Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status, is a program that provides temporary relief to taxpayers who are experiencing financial hardship and cannot afford to pay their tax debt.