First Time Penalty Abatement: The IRS Break Most Taxpayers Don’t Know About

Hit With IRS Penalties for Filing or Paying Late?

You might be able to wipe them away — no hardship required.

It’s called the First-Time Penalty Abatement (FTA), and it’s one of the easiest — and most overlooked — forms of IRS relief available.

❓ What Is First-Time Penalty Abatement?

FTA is a one-time courtesy the IRS offers to taxpayers with a clean compliance history. If you qualify, the IRS may remove penalties for:

1. Failure to File

2. Failure to Pay

3. Failure to Deposit Taxes

⚠️ Note: FTA doesn’t apply to interest charges or estimated tax penalties.

✅ Do You Qualify?

You may be eligible if:

• You’ve filed all required returns (or filed extensions on time)

• You haven’t had any penalties in the prior 3 years

• You’ve either paid your tax in full or set up an installment agreement

Here’s the best part: you don’t need a "reasonable cause" — just a good record.

📝 How Do You Request It?

1. Call the IRS directly and ask for First-Time Penalty Abatement.

2. Or, submit a written request using Form 843 (Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement).

✅ Be polite, clear, and persistent — or let a tax pro handle it for you.

💰 Real Impact: Save Hundreds — or Thousands

IRS penalties can snowball fast, especially for small business owners or those who file late. FTA can instantly reduce your balance, often with just one phone call.

Final Thoughts

The IRS won’t offer this automatically — you have to ask for it.
If you’ve generally stayed compliant but hit a rough patch, this little-known tool could give you the breathing room you need.

💬 Have More Questions?

📅 Schedule a Free Consultation:  www.assistancetaxrelief.com/appointments
📧 Email: adam@assistancetaxrelief.com
📞 Phone: (720) 383-6160
🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri: 9AM–5PM | Sat by Appointment | Closed Sundays

Don’t wait for the IRS to make the first move. Get ahead of it — I’ve got your back.