You may qualify for penalty relief if you demonstrate that you exercised ordinary care and prudence and were nevertheless unable to file your return or pay your taxes on time.
Examples of valid reasons for failing to file or pay on time may include:
- Fires, natural disasters or civil disturbances
- Inability to get records
- Death, serious illness or unavoidable absence of the taxpayer or immediate family
- System issues that delayed a timely electronic filing or payment
The IRS may reduce or remove some penalties over the phone. Call the toll-free number at the top right corner of your notice that you received assessing the penalty to request penalty relief for reasonable cause and have supporting documentation.
Have this information when you call:
- The notice we sent you
- The penalty you want relieved
- The reasons you think we should remove it
If you don't qualify for relief over the phone, you can request relief in writing with Form 843 Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement
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