WASHINGTON—Thousands of Americans are scrambling to resolve their tax debts as the ongoing government shutdown slows the IRS to a crawl and makes it harder than ever to reach a live agent.
With processing backlogs 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: the IRS meter keeps running even when the phone lines don’t.
Tax professionals say that’s why more taxpayers are turning to reputable tax relief firms to pursue Fresh Start options now.
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—like Offers in Compromise and streamlined installment agreements under Fresh Start—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.”
Compounding the urgency, a Treasury contingency plan indicates that only half of the IRS’ workforce will remain on the job to keep essential systems running for the upcoming filing season. Meanwhile, some IRS employees report receiving reduction in force (RIF) notices, with screenshots circulating that cite a last day of Dec. 9—signaling continued strain on the agency’s workforce and future capacity.
Take this 60-second Quiz to See if You Qualify for the IRS Fresh Start Program.
Against this backdrop, thousands are seeking representation now to help mitigate IRS penalties and interest and apply for tax forgiveness programs quickly.
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.