IRS Fresh Start

Find Your Path to Relief

Understand the most common Fresh Start options—what they are, who qualifies, and how they work. Golden Path guides you to the best fit for your situation.

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  • Soft Pull: No credit impact
  • Low-Stress: We handle the IRS for you
  • Transparent: Simple, upfront pricing

Offer in Compromise (OIC)

Settle for less than you owe

If you can’t afford your full balance, the IRS may accept a reduced lump sum or short-term plan based on your Reasonable Collection Potential.

  • Best when expenses leave little to no disposable income
  • Strong if assets are limited or inaccessible
  • Must be current on filing & estimated taxes

Timeframe: Typically 6–12+ months. Notes: Requires full financials; payments paused while pending.

Installment Agreement (IA)

Pay over time

Spread your balance into monthly payments. With Fresh Start thresholds, many taxpayers qualify for streamlined options without full financials.

  • Predictable monthly payments
  • Streamlined possible under certain balances
  • Penalties/interest continue until paid

Variants: Short-term (≤180 days), Long-term (36–72+ months). Tip: We optimize payment to protect cash flow.

Currently Not Collectible (CNC)

Temporary pause on collections

When paying would create hardship, the IRS can pause levies and garnishments. Interest accrues; the IRS may review your finances periodically.

  • Protects essential income & assets
  • Great for short-term hardship or low income
  • Tax liens can still apply

Proof: Form 433 financials. Next: We reassess later for OIC/IA if your situation changes.

Penalty Relief

Cut down extra charges

First-Time Abatement (FTA) and reasonable cause arguments can reduce failure-to-file or failure-to-pay penalties.

  • FTA if filed & paid on time for prior 3 years
  • Reasonable cause (e.g., serious illness, disaster)
  • Pairs well with IA or OIC

Impact: Lowers total due & plan length. Docs: Evidence to support cause increases success.

Lien Options

Protect credit & financing

Depending on status and payment plan, we may request withdrawal, release, subordination, or discharge of a tax lien.

  • Helps with home refi/sale or business loans
  • Often considered after compliance + plan
  • Case-by-case documentation

Strategy: Coordinate with lenders and IRS timing to open up financing options without losing protection.

Innocent Spouse Relief

Separate from a spouse’s tax issue

When a spouse/ex-spouse caused underreporting or underpayment without your knowledge, relief may remove your liability.

  • Several relief paths (traditional, separation, equitable)
  • Strict timelines may apply
  • Detailed story & documentation help

Consider: Filing history and evidence of knowledge/benefit. We draft a compelling, factual narrative.

OICPotentially settle for less
IAAffordable monthly plan
CNCPause collections for hardship
Penalty ReliefReduce extra charges
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