The IRS may provide administrative relief from a penalty that would otherwise be applicable under its First Time Penalty Abatement policy.
You may qualify for administrative relief from penalties for failing to file a tax return, pay on time, and/or to deposit taxes when due under the Service's First Time Penalty Abatement policy if the following are true:
- You didn’t previously have to file a return or you have no penalties for the 3 tax years prior to the tax year in which you received a penalty.
- You filed all currently required returns or filed an extension of time to file.
- You have paid, or arranged to pay, any tax due.
The failure-to-pay penalty will continue to accrue, until the tax is paid in full. It may be to your advantage to wait until you fully pay the tax due prior to requesting penalty relief under the Service's first time penalty abatement policy.
Other administrative relief: If you received incorrect oral advice from the IRS, you may qualify for administrative relief.
Call the Toll-free Number on Your Notice
Is the information on your notice correct? If there is an issue you can resolve with your notice, a penalty might not be applicable. Call the toll-free number on your notice either to resolve the issue with your notice or to determine if you are eligible for First Time Penalty Abatement or other administrative waiver.
Is Interest Relief Available?
Interest charged on a penalty will be reduced or removed when that penalty is reduced or removed. If an unpaid balance remains on your account, interest will continue to accrue until the account is full paid. See our Interest Overview page for additional interest information.
Can't Pay Now?
- Meet your tax obligation in monthly installments by applying for a payment plan (including installment agreement).
- Find out if you qualify for an offer in compromise -- a way to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount
- Request that we temporarily delay collection until your financial situation improves
