IRS Fresh Start Program: Orange County's Guide to Tax Debt Relief with Boulanger CPA
What Is the IRS Fresh Start Program?
What Is the IRS Fresh Start Program?
The IRS Fresh Start Program is a tax relief initiative that helps taxpayers reduce or eliminate back taxes through structured options like installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, and penalty relief. It provides a legal way to resolve IRS debt without facing aggressive collection actions.
Originally launched in 2011, the program offers multiple tax resolution tools for individuals and businesses burdened by unpaid taxes. At Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, we specialize in helping Orange County residents navigate the IRS Fresh Start Program and achieve long-term tax relief.
Why Orange County Taxpayers Should Act Now
Orange County, California is home to a wide range of taxpayers: business owners, freelancers, investors, and high earners. With elevated costs of living and complex tax profiles, many locals fall behind on federal and state tax obligations. IRS collections—wage garnishments, bank levies, and tax liens—can create financial chaos.
The Fresh Start Program offers solutions—but success depends on expert navigation. Knowing how to qualify for an Offer in Compromise, selecting the right type of installment plan, or proving eligibility for penalty relief requires professional precision.
Key Components of the IRS Fresh Start Program
1. Streamlined Installment Agreements
For those who owe $50,000 or less, the IRS offers simplified payment plans. These allow you to resolve your debt over time—usually up to 72 months—without providing detailed financials.
Benefits:
- No financial disclosure required under $50K
- Easy monthly payments
- Avoids liens and levies
But beware: defaulting on an IRS installment agreement can trigger renewed collections, often worse than before.
2. Offer in Compromise (OIC)
Settle your IRS debt for less than you owe. OIC is available to taxpayers who demonstrate inability to pay due to financial hardship.
Key OIC factors we help with:
- Eligibility assessment
- Financial disclosure preparation (Form 433-A/B)
- Negotiation and appeals
We’ve helped countless Orange County taxpayers succeed—even after setbacks. If you’ve experienced when the IRS rejects an Offer in Compromise, you may still have a path forward with corrections, appeals, or new filings.
3. Penalty Abatement
You may qualify to eliminate IRS penalties if you:
- Are a first-time offender
- Have reasonable cause (e.g., illness, disaster, hardship)
Boulanger CPA builds strong legal arguments for relief, often combining this with other programs for maximum benefit.
4. Lien Withdrawal
If you’ve entered a Direct Debit Installment Agreement and remain compliant, the IRS may agree to withdraw filed tax liens. We handle the full lien removal process, including filing Form 12277 and communicating with the IRS Collections division.
Who Qualifies for the Fresh Start Program?
We’ve helped Orange County clients from all walks of life qualify for IRS Fresh Start relief, including:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Owe $50,000 or less (or can pay down to that level)
- Filed all required tax returns
- Up to date on estimated tax payments (if self-employed)
- Not currently in bankruptcy
Common clients include:
- Self-employed consultants
- Real estate investors
- Tech professionals with 1099 income
- Restaurant and retail owners
Why Orange County Trusts Boulanger CPA
Local Expertise, National-Level Representation
We understand the local economic landscape—whether you're in Irvine, Anaheim, Newport Beach, or Santa Ana—and how IRS policies interact with California’s own tax regulations.
We Are CPAs, Not Sales people
Unlike national tax resolution chains, we are licensed CPAs who bring real accounting, tax law, and financial strategy to the table.
Virtual First, Local Always
We offer Zoom consultations for convenience and discretion, and in-person appointments at our Orange County office by request.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Going it alone can backfire. Here’s what we help clients avoid:
- Submitting incomplete or inaccurate IRS forms (e.g., 433-A, 656)
- Ignoring California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) issues
- Defaulting on installment agreements due to poor planning
- Over-promising and under-delivering in DIY OICs
Boulanger CPA handles the paperwork, strategy, and negotiations—so you don’t have to.
Real Orange County Case Study
A Santa Ana construction subcontractor owed over $70,000 in IRS back taxes and was facing levy notices. We submitted a financial disclosure, negotiated an affordable installment plan, and successfully secured lien withdrawal within 5 months. Total savings: $18,000 in penalties and interest.
Our Proven 4-Step Process
- Free Consultation – We review your IRS records, transcripts, and liabilities.
- Tax Resolution Roadmap – You receive a custom action plan.
- IRS Communication – We handle all phone calls, forms, and deadlines.
- Relief + Ongoing Compliance – We keep you tax-compliant to prevent future issues.
If you’re searching for IRS tax relief near you, we combine local understanding with trusted IRS resolution experience.
Get Started Today with a Free Tax Relief Consultation
Don’t wait until the IRS escalates. Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC is here to protect your income and assets. To explore more in Defend What’s Yours, contact us today for a free consultation.
📍 Serving Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, and all of Orange County
Don’t wait for the IRS to escalate—take control of your tax future today with Orange County’s trusted tax resolution experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IRS Fresh Start Program?
The IRS Fresh Start Program is a set of initiatives designed to help struggling taxpayers resolve their tax debt with easier payment terms, penalty relief, and access to settlement programs.
Who qualifies for the Fresh Start Program?
Eligibility generally requires being current with tax filings, owing less than $50,000 in tax debt, and demonstrating an inability to pay in full immediately.
Does the Fresh Start Program eliminate tax debt?
Not directly. Instead, it makes it easier to qualify for programs like Offer in Compromise or penalty abatement, which can reduce your overall debt burden.
What benefits does the Fresh Start Program provide?
Benefits include expanded eligibility for installment agreements, more flexible Offer in Compromise criteria, and access to penalty relief for qualifying taxpayers.
Does Fresh Start stop IRS collections?
While applying for relief through the program, IRS collections may be suspended. However, you must stay compliant to maintain protection.
How does the Fresh Start Program affect liens?
The program increased the threshold for IRS tax liens, meaning fewer taxpayers are subject to automatic liens for smaller balances.
Can business owners qualify for Fresh Start?
Yes. Some small businesses with payroll tax issues may qualify, though eligibility rules are stricter than for individuals.
Should I hire a CPA to apply for the Fresh Start Program?
Yes. Professional representation ensures your application is complete, your financials are accurate, and your chances of approval are maximized.
📣 About the Author
Marc Boulanger, CPA is the founder of Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, a boutique tax resolution firm based in Orange County, California and trusted by high-income individuals and business owners across Southern California.
He is the author of Defend What’s Yours: A California Taxpayer’s Guide to Beating the IRS and FTB at Their Own Game, available now on Amazon. The book offers a step-by-step plan for resolving IRS and FTB tax debt without losing your business, your home, or your peace of mind.
With over a decade of experience resolving high-stakes IRS and State tax matters, Marc brings strategic insight to complex cases involving wage garnishments, bank levies, unfiled returns, and six-figure tax debts. He is known for helping clients reduce or eliminate tax liabilities through expertly negotiated settlements and compliance plans.
Marc is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in California and Oklahoma and holds the designation of Certified Tax Representation Consultant. He is a member of the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS) — the national organization founded by the educators and practitioners who have trained thousands of CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys in IRS representation strategy.
Every case is handled with discretion, proven methodology, and direct CPA-led representation — not call center scripts.
📍 Learn more at www.orangecounty.cpa or call (657) 218-5700.
Marc The CPA's Tax Blog
