WASHINGTON—Thousands of Americans are scrambling to resolve their tax debts as the ongoing government shutdown slows IRS processing, making it harder than ever to reach a live agent.
With the IRS backlog growing and customer service scarce, taxpayers report weeks-long waits for responses—yet penalties and interest continue to rack up every day the balance goes unpaid. For many, that math is alarming: tax debt grows even when the phone lines don’t work.
Tax professionals say that’s why more Americans are rushing to apply for the Fresh Start Initiative while the program remains active.
When taxpayers fill out our Tax Relief Survey, they are able to see if they qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Program and begin their journey toward tax resolution in minutes.
The last federal shutdown became the longest in U.S. history, and no one knows how long this one will last. If the IRS remains underfunded and understaffed for an extended period, tax experts and political analysts warn that vital tax forgiveness programs could become inoperable, closing a critical window for relief.
“We are seeing a surge of interest in tax forgiveness programs as the government shutdown drags on,” says Virginia-based tax attorney George Miller. “In reality, now is always the best time to get compliant with the IRS. But the shutdown is pushing people to finally apply.”
Adding to the urgency, the IRS continues to lay off thousands of employees, and the Treasury plans to keep only half of the IRS workforce on the job by 2026. That’s why thousands are seeking representation now to help mitigate IRS penalties and apply for tax forgiveness programs before it’s too late.
Take this 60-second Quiz to See if You Qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Program.
Seasoned tax professionals can call the IRS through a direct hotline that the general public cannot access, helping clients cut through red tape, keep cases moving, and pursue Fresh Start relief before administrative slowdowns grow worse.
Tax debt affects thousands of Americans; however, few seek assistance to resolve their debts with the IRS. It’s not that the resources are unavailable, but that the IRS bureaucracy often gets too complicated for the average American to handle.
Remember, it is 100% free to see if you qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Program, and a few minutes could help you save thousands.
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Every day, your tax debt grows larger due to penalties and fees. It is vital to act now and partner with a tax relief expert to receive the best resolution possible.