Does the IRS help with tax relief?

IRS tax relief starts inside the IRS. The agency runs the main programs people mean by the term, and each one has its own rules. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Penalty relief

The IRS penalty relief page says you may qualify if you tried to comply with tax laws but couldn't because of things beyond your control. The IRS is moving some first-time penalty relief to an automatic program, which automatic IRS penalty relief in 2026 explains.

Payment plans

The IRS says you can pay your tax debt over time with a payment plan. IRS payment plan fees covers the kinds of plans.

Settling for less

The IRS offer in compromise page says an offer may let you settle your tax debt for less than the full amount if you can't pay in full or paying would cause financial hardship. It also says the IRS generally won't accept an offer if you can pay in full through a payment plan or the equity in what you own. How long does an offer in compromise take? covers the timing.

A pause when you cannot pay

The IRS says that if you can't pay because of financial hardship, it may temporarily delay collection until your finances improve. It is clear that you still owe the full amount. The debt is not forgiven or cancelled.

Help from the Taxpayer Advocate

The Taxpayer Advocate Service says it is an independent organization within the IRS. It says its advocates can help if you have tax problems you can't resolve on your own.

What to do when you owe the IRS and can't pay puts these options in order. Owing federal tax in Spokane adds the local notes.