Penalties often exceed the tax itself

IRS Penalty Abatement

The tax was the original bill. The penalties are the insult. Let's go after them.

Alex Volkov, CPA

Attack the penalties, not just the tax

Ask anyone with old IRS debt: the penalties and interest often grow into the biggest part of the balance. But penalties aren't always final — the IRS offers relief paths, including first-time abatement for compliant taxpayers and reasonable-cause relief when life genuinely got in the way.

The key is matching your situation to the right argument and documenting it properly. That's where a CPA earns the fee.

Start with a free call — talk it through with a CPA at no charge. Engagements start at $2,000 — one flat fee, quoted in writing upfront, so the number never moves. Penalty abatement engagements typically run $2,000–$2,500; your exact quote comes after a free call.

We return every call within one business hour.

How it works

  1. Free call — we review your balances and spot which penalties are attackable.
  2. Eligibility check — first-time relief, reasonable cause, or both.
  3. Documentation — we build the case the way the IRS wants to see it.
  4. Filing & follow-up — the request goes in, and we track it to a decision.
  5. Result — penalties reduced or removed, and a plan for the remaining balance.

Common questions

What is first-time penalty abatement?

The IRS may remove certain penalties if you have a clean compliance history — generally meaning you filed and paid on time in prior years. It's a one-time-per-type relief, and many people who qualify never ask.

What counts as reasonable cause?

Serious illness, natural disaster, bad advice from a professional you relied on, and similar circumstances beyond your control. The IRS decides case by case — documentation is everything.

Can penalties really be bigger than the tax?

Yes. Failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties stack monthly, plus interest on top. On old debts, penalties routinely exceed the original tax.

Is it guaranteed?

No — and be wary of anyone who guarantees it. What we guarantee is an honest eligibility read before you spend a dollar, and a properly built case if you proceed.

Not sure where to start? IRS Transcript Review

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General information only — not tax, legal, or financial advice.A professional engagement is contingent upon the mutual execution of a formal Engagement Letter.© 2026 TAXCPA.COM • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. • Privacy Policy • Terms of Service