Can the IRS put you in jail for not filing taxes
The IRS will work with consumers who are behind in their taxes. However, you must first prove that you are eligible. Learn more about the eligibility criteria for the "offer-in-compromise" program.
People who are unable to pay their tax bill or don't meet the OIC eligibility criteria have other options. There are two options for collection: the currently not collectible status (CNC), and installment agreements, which include the partial-pay installment arrangement. CNC status is when you don't have any monthly income available to pay the IRS. Partial-pay installment agreements allow you to pay the IRS monthly but your total payment won't be enough to cover the entire tax bill until the collection statute expires.
The Fresh Start Program was expanded in 2012, just a few months after its creation. This allowed more taxpayers to qualify for tax relief. The most important change to the program was that when an IRS examines a taxpayer for an offer in compromise, they reduce their calculation for the taxpayer’s future income. There have not been any major changes to the program since 2012. The rate at which IRS examiners are able to qualify taxpayers has fluctuated over the years. In 2020, the Fresh Start Tax Program received record numbers of qualification. The COVID-19 pandemic caused financial hardship for millions in America and led to a large increase in Fresh Start tax relief requests. In 2021, many taxpayers still face financial hardship, particularly students, parents, as well as small-business owners. Although the IRS Fresh Start Program qualification criteria could be looser for a while longer, tax experts believe that it is unlikely that they will ease their stringent application requirements for an extended time. You can find out your eligibility for tax debt relief by applying as soon as you can for the 2021 IRS Fresh Start Initiative Program.