Our new website is optimized for the most current web browsing technology. If you are using an older web browser, part of our website may not function properly as designed. Please consider upgrading your browser for an error free experience.
At Solvable, we care about your financial well-being and are here to help. Our research, articles and ratings, and assessments are based strict editorial integrity. Our company gets compensated by partners who appear on our website. Here is how we get compensated.
At Solvable, we care about your financial well-being and are here to help. Our research, articles and ratings, and assessments are based strict editorial integrity. Our company gets compensated by partners who appear on our website. Here is
See More
The IRS Fresh Start Program is a group of initiatives that make it easier for taxpayers to qualify for back tax assistance.
You can apply for an installment agreement, an offer in compromise, or penalty abatement, as well as avoid a tax lien if you owe less than $10,000.
You must meet all requirements, including filing outstanding tax returns and making necessary payments.
The IRS Fresh Start Program is designed to provide back tax assistance help for individuals who owe up to $50,000 in past-due taxes. Fresh Start expands the availability of streamlined installment agreements and offer-in-compromise programs. It also increases the amount of back taxes that will result in a tax lien.
Streamlined Installment Agreements
With Fresh Start, taxpayers who owe less than $50,000 can automatically qualify for an installment agreement. You can make payments over 72 months without providing additional financial information. Previously, taxpayers who owed $25,000 or more had to fill out additional forms and provide documentation before an installment plan would be granted.
If you can’t pay your tax bill right away and have a balance below $50,000, complete IRS Form 9465 to apply for an installment agreement. You can also use the Online Payment Agreement tool.
Taxpayers who owe more than $50,000 or who can’t afford to pay their balance within six years can also complete IRS Form 9465. However, you also need to complete IRS Form 433, Collection Information Statement. This form asks for information about your assets, income, and expenses.
Short-term payment plans, those that are complete in 120 days or less, can be set up with no fee. A long-term payment plan of up to 72 months carries a fee of $31 if you opt for a Direct Debit Installment Agreement and higher fees for other payment methods. Taxpayers who have income of less than 250 percent of the federal poverty threshold can qualify for reduced or eliminated fees.
Penalties can make up a significant portion of your tax balance, often as much as 40 percent. You can accrue penalties for failure to file and/or failure to pay your taxes. Under the Fresh Start program, you may qualify for abatement of some of these penalties.
Increased Tax Lien Thresholds
Under Fresh Start, taxpayers are not subject to a tax lien until they owe at least $10,000 in back taxes. Previously, lower tax balances could result in liens. With a tax lien, the IRS has a claim on your assets. This means they can seize your savings, wages, and property to satisfy your back taxes.
Fresh Start also provides for the withdrawal of tax liens when arrangements are made to resolve the back taxes. When liens are withdrawn, they are removed from the public record and will no longer have a negative impact on your credit score. As long as you pay down your balance to under $10,000 and/or enter into a Direct Debit Installment Agreement, you can complete withdrawal by submitting IRS Form 12277, Application for Withdrawal.
If you default on your installment agreement or accrue more debt that increases your balance over $10,000, you will receive a new Notice of Federal Tax Lien.
Expanded Offer in Compromise Availability
An offer in compromise may be available to taxpayers who cannot afford to pay their taxes. With this program, you can negotiate to settle your taxes for less than you owe. You must prove to the IRS that making payments on your taxes would prevent you from meeting your basic living expenses.
The Fresh Start program introduced less complex paperwork to apply for an offer in compromise and made it easier for taxpayers to qualify. The IRS is now more flexible when determining the amount you can afford to pay over several years. This number, called reasonable collection potential, is the minimum offer amount the agency will accept.
Many taxpayers consult with tax professionals who can help them create an offer the IRS will accept. Your offer in compromise can consist of either a lump sum or payments over time as an installment agreement.
You can get an idea of whether your offer will be accepted by using the IRS Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool, which is available online.
Qualifying for Fresh Start Initiatives
Taxpayers must meet several qualifications before taking advantage of Fresh Start programs. Before applying, make sure that you:
File all outstanding tax returns. Not only will the IRS refuse to negotiate if you have outstanding returns, but you are subject to expensive failure-to-file penalties along with interest on these penalties.
Adjust tax withholding from your wages to ensure you won’t accrue more back taxes. You must leave these adjusted withholdings at the same level for six months. This shows the IRS that you are being honest about the amount of money you earn.
Gather the documentation needed to prove to the IRS that you are unable to pay your back taxes. This includes details about any assets you own and their value, current income and projected future income, and living expenses. Make sure you provide information about foreign income, assets, and bank accounts.
Pay all estimated taxes for the current year if you are self-employed or own a small business. An accountant can help you determine your estimated tax payments, which must be made quarterly.
Make all required federal tax deposits if you own a business that has employees. If you withhold taxes from employee wages but do not remit this money to the IRS, you will be subject to serious penalties.
If you have filed for bankruptcy, you are not eligible for Fresh Start programs because your back taxes will be restructured or eliminated by the bankruptcy court. The IRS will not attempt to collect past-due taxes while you have an open bankruptcy case.
Taxpayers who are seeking back tax assistance can contact Solvable for assistance. We’ll ask a few simple questions about your back taxes and match you will well-reviewed companies that can help. Get on the path to a better financial future.
Solvable is a for-profit company that connects consumers with third-party providers across a wide range of financial and home service categories, including tax resolution, personal loans, credit cards, student loan refinancing, home insurance, and home services. Our platform is free for consumers to use, and we may receive compensation from partners when users engage with their products or services.
We publish a mix of editorial content and partner-supported features. Some articles may include sponsored offers or affiliate links, which are clearly labeled. While compensation may influence which products are featured or where they appear, it does not affect our editorial opinions or reviews. We do not accept payment in exchange for favorable ratings or endorsements. Reviews and assessments reflect our own independent views and may not cover every option available.
How We Make Money
Solvable is compensated by some of the companies featured on our website. Most often, we receive fees when a user clicks on a link, fills out a form, applies for, or obtains a product or service from one of our partners. These may include providers of financial services (like loans and credit cards), tax assistance, home insurance, and home services.
We may also earn fees for:
Capturing consumer inquiries and stories
Writing articles that are relevant to a partner’s audience or offerings
Displaying advertisements
Sponsoring specific content, tools, or sections of our website
This compensation may affect where and how certain products or services appear on our site, including:
Article pages
Comparison tables
Matching results
The order or prominence of listings
Solvable has not reviewed or written about every product or service available in the marketplace. We do our best to provide helpful information, but our recommendations are based on available data and editorial judgment—not comprehensive analysis.
In addition, we may be compensated in the following ways:
Referrals to consumers who use online forms or tools that may connect them with experts;
Marketing services related to tax resolution, tax preparation, tax audit help, and general tax assistance;.
Referrals to providers in categories such as financial services, tax support, home insurance, and home services.
We encourage you to shop around, compare services and costs, and perform your own due diligence before making a decision—especially since individual experiences with providers can vary over time.
How We Share Information
When you submit a form or request on Solvable, the information you provide may be shared with one or more of our advertising partners. These partners may contact you directly with offers related to the product or service you inquired about, and they may also use your information for their own marketing, outreach, or business purposes.
In many cases, the partners you are matched with may retain ownership of the information you provide and may use it in accordance with their own privacy policies and practices. Once your information is shared, Solvable does not control how it is used.
We strongly encourage you to review the privacy policies, terms of service, and marketing practices of any provider you engage with to understand how your data may be used or stored.
For more information about how Solvable collects and handles your information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Free Solvable Services
The offers you’re matched with through Solvable are from companies, attorneys, or service providers with whom we may have a paid relationship. Based on our initial screening, we believe these providers may be a good fit for consumers, but we do not make guarantees about their services or results. We do not recommend providers solely because they pay us. However, we may prioritize or display offers from partners with whom we have an existing business relationship.
We encourage all users to:
Shop around and compare costs, services, and reviews
Conduct independent research before making a decision
Ask questions directly to the provider before signing any agreements
Solvable is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. If you’re working with an attorney or financial professional, we encourage you to speak with them about your specific situation, as they will be most familiar with your needs and the laws in your state.
Our goal is to make it easier for you to explore your options, but the decision is ultimately yours.
Personal Loans Advertiser Disclosure
The personal loan offers you see on Solvable are from companies or affiliates that may compensate us. This compensation may impact where offers appear on the site, including their order, prominence, or whether a lender is featured. Solvable does not include every personal loan provider or all available offers in the marketplace.
Loan approval and terms are determined solely by the lender. You should carefully review each provider’s terms and conditions to find the option that best fits your financial situation. We make reasonable efforts to keep information up to date, but rates, fees, and terms are not guaranteed and may change at the discretion of each provider. There is no guarantee you will be approved for credit or that you will qualify for the advertised rates or terms.
Be sure to:
Review actual loan terms directly with the lender
Ask about origination fees, which can typically be around 1%
Understand all costs, repayment terms, and requirements
Know that some lenders may require an existing account or specific credit profile for approval
Loan amounts typically range from $1,000 to $35,000, but the amount you qualify for, and the terms offered, will depend on your state, credit history, financial situation, and the lender’s underwriting criteria.
Credit Card Advertiser Disclosure
Some of the credit card offers featured on Solvable are from companies or affiliates that may compensate us. This compensation may influence how and where products appear on our site, including their order or whether they’re labeled as “featured.” Solvable does not include all credit card companies or offers available in the marketplace.
Credit card approval is determined by the individual issuer. We recommend reviewing each provider’s terms and conditions to ensure the card fits your financial needs.
We strive to provide accurate information, but rates, fees, and terms are not guaranteed and may change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Approval is not guaranteed, and advertised rates or rewards may not be available to all applicants.
Please keep in mind:
Information is provided by the card issuer and may not reflect real-time updates
Any opinions, reviews, or recommendations are those of the author and/or Solvable
They have not been reviewed or endorsed by any credit card issuer
You should always verify the final terms and disclosures on the issuer’s official site before applying
When you click “Apply Now,” you’ll be taken to the credit card provider’s website where you can review the full terms and submit your application.
Business Loans Advertiser Disclosure
Some of the business loan offers featured on Solvable are from companies or affiliates that may compensate us. This compensation may influence how and where products appear on our site, including their order or whether a lender is featured. Solvable does not include all business loan providers or offers available in the marketplace.
Business loans are intended strictly for commercial purposes. Any funds or assets obtained through these loans must be used for business-related activities—not for personal, family, or household use.
Most business funding partners in our network do not require collateral, but depending on your needs and the lender’s underwriting criteria, you may be offered other financial products. Traditional bank and SBA loans often require collateral and have more extensive approval processes.
It’s important to understand:
There is no one-size-fits-all business loan solution
Offers and terms will vary depending on your business’s financial profile
Underwriting criteria, approval, and terms are determined solely by each lender
Rates, fees, and availability are subject to change and are not guaranteed
Not all products are available in all states or for all types of businesses
We encourage you to review each provider’s terms and consult with a financial advisor or tax professional before accepting any loan offer.
Student Loan Refinancing Advertiser Disclosure
Student loan refinancing offers featured on Solvable are from companies or affiliates that may compensate us. This compensation may impact where and how offers appear on our site, including the order in which they appear or whether a lender is featured. Solvable does not include all student loan companies or all available refinancing options in the marketplace.
Pursuant to agreements with our partners and affiliates, Solvable may receive updates about the status of your application, including—when available—loan amounts, application status, or final decisions. Each partner’s use of your information is governed by their own privacy policy, which we encourage you to review directly.
Refinancing may help reduce your monthly payments or interest rate, but potential savings will vary depending on the interest rate, balance, and remaining repayment term of your existing loans. In some cases, refinancing may result in a longer repayment term and higher total repayment over the life of the loan—even if monthly payments are lower.
Please keep in mind:
Variable rates may fluctuate over time based on market indices like SOFR, Prime, or another benchmark rate, and may vary based on borrower qualifications and whether a co-signer is used.
Fixed interest rates may also depend on term length, credit profile, or presence of a co-signer.
All terms, rates, and product availability are subject to change at the lender’s discretion and may not be available in all states or for all types of loans.
Due to federal lending regulations, lenders are required to provide potential borrowers with certain disclosures, including an Application Disclosure and an Approval Disclosure, during the application process. Solvable is not a lender or creditor and does not originate or fund loans, nor can we alter or offer credit terms. Only the lender you apply with can provide specific loan details and required disclosures.
Please Note:
Certain federal and private loans may not be eligible for consolidation or refinancing.
Some refinancing options may eliminate borrower benefits (e.g., grace periods, income-driven repayment plans, or federal loan forgiveness eligibility).
Loans in default typically cannot be refinanced until you complete a qualifying repayment program.
Be wary of providers requesting upfront fees for student loan services.
Other financial options—like personal loans, debt relief, or consolidation—may also be worth exploring. Consult with a licensed financial or tax professional to determine what’s best for your situation.
Home Insurance Advertiser Disclosure
Home insurance offers featured on Solvable are from companies or affiliates that may compensate us. This compensation may impact how and where offers appear on our site, including whether a company is featured or the order in which it is listed. Solvable does not include all home insurance providers or all offers available in the marketplace.
Each provider sets its own underwriting criteria, and coverage availability may vary based on the age, condition, location, and value of the home. Policy terms, limits, exclusions, and pricing are determined by the insurer and may change at any time.
Solvable is not a licensed insurance agency and does not issue policies or offer insurance advice. We recommend that users:
Compare quotes from multiple home insurance providers
Review coverage options, exclusions, and deductibles carefully
Confirm all terms directly with the insurer
Speak with a licensed insurance agent if you have questions about your specific needs
Home Services Advertiser Disclosure
Home service offers featured on Solvable are from companies or affiliates that may compensate us. This compensation may affect how and where offers appear on our site, including their placement, order, or whether a provider is featured. Solvable does not include all home service companies or all available options in the marketplace.
Services may include HVAC repair, plumbing, electrical work, home cleaning, appliance maintenance, and other residential needs. Providers set their own pricing, availability, and service standards.
Solvable does not provide home services directly and does not guarantee the quality or reliability of any third-party service. We recommend that consumers:
Compare multiple providers and read recent customer reviews
Ask about service guarantees, pricing structures, and insurance or licensing where applicable
Confirm all details directly with the provider before scheduling any service
Important Notice About Solvable’s Role
Solvable is an online lead generation platform that allows consumers to compare rates, terms, and offers from a network of lenders and service providers. We do not offer, extend, or fund any loans. Instead, we connect users with lenders who may be able to help based on the information submitted through our forms.
Submitting an inquiry on Solvable is not a loan application. To move forward, you must speak directly with the lender, review their terms, and complete any application materials they require. Lenders in our network may not offer the lowest available rates, so we encourage you to compare quotes from multiple sources—including banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions—to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Solvable does not guarantee loan approval, interest rates, or potential savings. Any estimated savings or quotes are for informational purposes only and may not reflect your actual terms. Final rates, loan amounts, and eligibility are determined solely by the lender based on their underwriting criteria, which Solvable does not control or have access to.
Download Now!
Congrats! You're One Step Closer To Resolving Your Tax Debt.
Recommended
