IRS Fresh Start Initiative: Simple Help for Tax Debt

Owe the IRS? Fresh Start may help. It is a set of IRS changes that can make it easier to pay or settle tax debt. We explain your options in plain English and handle the steps for you.

Fresh Start raised the general threshold for filing a lien. It also provides more ways to withdraw a lien, for example, after certain direct debit agreements or full payment. We evaluate your eligibility and submit the requests.

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What Is the IRS Fresh Start Initiative?

The Fresh Start Initiative is not a single form. It is a set of IRS policy changes that can make it easier to set up payment plans, expand eligibility for an Offer in Compromise, and increase the dollar threshold for when the IRS files a federal tax lien.

For more details, see our guides: Everything You Need to Know About the IRS Fresh Start Program and IRS Fresh Start Initiative: Taxpayers’ Guide.

How It Works (Your Options Under Fresh Start)

You may use one or more options. After we review your IRS transcripts and financials, we recommend the fit and implement it for you:

Payment plans (installment agreements): Predictable monthly payments. Fresh Start allows streamlined approval up to certain balances and often accepts direct debit for quicker setup. We confirm your balance, CSEDs, and compliance, propose terms the IRS will accept, and finalize the agreement. Learn more: IRS Payment Plans and Installment Agreements.

Offer in Compromise (OIC): Settle for less if you qualify. Fresh Start adjusted how reasonable collection potential is calculated, which can help eligible taxpayers. We test your eligibility, prepare the required financials and documentation, submit the offer, and handle IRS follow-up. Read our Offer in Compromise page.

Tax lien relief: Fresh Start raised the general threshold for filing a lien and provides paths to prevent, release, or withdraw a lien when requirements are met, including certain direct debit agreements and full pay. We request the appropriate relief and file the paperwork. See When Does the IRS File a Tax Lien? and How to Prevent and Remove a Federal Tax Lien.

If you are facing a levy or wage garnishment, we move to protect you. After engagement and authorization, we contact the IRS to request a hold where appropriate, explain Notice LT11 (Letter 1058), and position you for a Fresh Start option.

Who Qualifies?

Eligibility depends on what you owe, your verified income and expenses, and your filing and payment history. We pull your IRS transcripts, review balances, penalties, and any filing gaps, and then give you a clear plan. No guaranteed outcomes. Results depend on eligibility, documentation, and agency review.

Our Process (Fast + Clear)

Free review and transcript pull

With your authorization, we request your IRS transcripts and typically complete the initial review within 1 business day. Work is performed or overseen by Attorneys, CPAs, and Enrolled Agents.

After engagement and authorization

We contact the IRS or state quickly to address enforcement and request appropriate relief.

Written scope

We outline the steps, required documents, and estimated timelines in plain English.

Resolution

We prepare filings, submit your payment plan, OIC, or lien relief request, manage IRS calls and letters, and keep you informed until a decision.

Tax Liens, Levies, and Garnishments: What Changes Under Fresh Start

Tax liens

Fresh Start raised the general threshold for filing a lien. It also provides more ways to withdraw a lien, for example, after certain direct debit agreements or full payment. We evaluate your eligibility and submit the requests.

Levies and garnishments

After engagement and authorization, we request a hold or release where appropriate, then move you into the Fresh Start option that fits. For urgent letters, see Understanding IRS Notice LT11 (Letter 1058).

Penalties

Use our IRS Penalty Calculator to see potential amounts, and we will discuss penalty relief options if you qualify.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

What is the IRS Fresh Start Initiative?

It is a set of IRS policy changes that can make payment plans easier, expand eligibility for an Offer in Compromise, and provide paths for lien relief.

How Does the IRS Fresh Start Initiative Work?

Our licensed team reviews your transcripts and financials, recommends a payment plan, OIC, or lien relief, and handles the filings and follow-up. Results depend on eligibility and agency review.

How Do You Qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Initiative?

It depends on what you owe, verified income and expenses, and your filing and payment compliance. We review transcripts and documents, then guide the next steps.

How Can the IRS Fresh Start Initiative Help Me?

It may lower your monthly payments, help you settle for less if you qualify, or resolve lien issues, so you can move forward.

Where Can I Read More?

See our guides: Everything You Need to Know About the IRS Fresh Start Program and Taxpayers’ Guide to the IRS Fresh Start Initiative.

Why Choose Rush Tax Resolution

Licensed team: work performed or overseen by Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and Attorneys.
Nationwide service. A+ BBB rating.
Free consultation and free IRS transcript review, typically within 1 business day after authorization. Fast IRS or state contact after engagement.
Plain-English approach. No guaranteed outcomes. Private firm, not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency.

Get Help Now

Talk to a licensed tax professional

Or start with documents. Request your free IRS transcript review, typically completed within 1 business day after authorization, and we will check your Fresh Start options together.

Disclaimer. Rush Tax Resolution is a private firm, not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency. No guaranteed outcomes. Results depend on eligibility, documentation, and agency review.