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Penalty Abatement · Updated May 2026

File Your 2019/2020 Tax Returns By September 30 To Receive Penalty Relief

File Your 2019/2020 Tax Returns By September 30 To Receive Penalty Relief
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Fresh Start Initiative
Fresh Start Initiative
America’s Tax Relief Network
Home Fresh Start Program IRS Notices Taxpayer Problems Articles About Check Your Eligibility
Call us directly (888) 665-4416
✓ Editorially independent Reviewed by licensed CPAs Read by 2M+ taxpayers in 2025 Updated monthly $1.2B+ in tax debt resolved 100,000+ Americans served Partner firms are BBB A+ rated only Licensed in all 50 states ✓ Editorially independent Reviewed by licensed CPAs Read by 2M+ taxpayers in 2025 Updated monthly $1.2B+ in tax debt resolved 100,000+ Americans served Partner firms are BBB A+ rated only Licensed in all 50 states
Tax Guide · Updated September 2022
File Your 2019/2020 Tax Returns By September 30 To Receive Penalty Relief

TL;DR: The IRS reminds struggling individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to file their 2019 and 2020 tax returns by September 30, 2022; doing so can possibly help out taxpayers and businesses qualify for late-filing penalty relief. This guide explains who qualifies, the rules that apply, and how to apply them to your situation.

The IRS reminds struggling individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to file their 2019 and 2020 tax returns by September 30, 2022; doing so can possibly help out taxpayers and businesses qualify for late-filing penalty relief.

 

For any taxpayer who fell behind their taxes due to the pandemic, this is the perfect opportunity to catch up and qualify for penalty relief. As stated above, please make sure to have any qualifying federal income tax returns filed on or before September 30, 2022, in order to be eligible for COVID penalty relief. Penalties are typically assessed at a rate of 5% per month, up to a maximum of 25% of the unpaid tax when an income tax return is filed late.

What If I Miss The Filing Deadline?

Those who file several months following the deadline of September 30 are still eligible for penalty relief but it’ll be partial instead of the full amount of the relief. It is encouraged for taxpayers and businesses to file sooner than later so charges won’t apply. Based on each month or part of a month that a return is filed late, the penalty accrues. The interest rate is set to rise to 6% on October 1st.

Overview

If you end up filing late and missing the deadline, penalties start to accrue which will eventually lead to tax debt and we don’t want that right? No taxpayer in their right mind wants to owe money to the IRS especially if it becomes a struggle to pay off. It is very important for taxpayers to remain tax compliant because it will save you interest and penalties on the current year and prevent you from a continuous circle of always owing tax.

The IRS Fresh Start Program consists of 4 main programs that are accessible to taxpayers who owe much more than they can reasonably afford to pay. The four major programs are as follows: Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Offer In Compromise (OIC), Installment Agreement (IA), and Penalty Abatement (PA). These relief programs allow qualified taxpayers the option to reduce or even eliminate their tax liabilities. These tax experts will help you qualify for the program and help you figure out which options will give you the most suitable outcome.

Resolve Your Tax Bills

If you’ve found yourself in a nasty mess with the IRS, take a deep breath. For taxpayers who may have difficulty paying off an excessive amount of tax debt, there’s a new and improved relief program that consolidates many major relief programs into a one-size-fits-all assistance program. Any issues regarding back taxes, unfiled years, or any other tax-related problems may be solved through one program; the IRS Fresh Start Program!

See If You Qualify For The Fresh Start Program Today!

Resolve your tax debt before the IRS surprises you with late fees and penalties!

  1. Answer a few questions
  2. Qualify and be presented with a resolution – click here
  3. Enroll in Fresh Start

You can click here or call us at 888-665-4416 to be connected with a verified partner of IRS Fresh Start Initiative

Need Help With Back Taxes?

Contact a tax specialist today to explore how to reduce, resolve, or eliminate your back taxes with the IRS Fresh Start Program.

Call us directly at (888) 665-4416 or click the link below.

Check Your Eligibility →
Fresh Start Initiative is an independent editorial resource covering IRS tax debt relief. We do not provide tax advice or representation and are not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency. When you request a consultation, we connect you with a licensed, A+ BBB-rated tax relief firm from our vetted network — matched to your situation. Individual results vary.
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