IRS Penalty Abatement Calculator

See If IRS Penalties Can Be Reduced or Removed Before You Pay Anything
Many taxpayers are surprised to learn that a large portion of their IRS balance is often made up of penalties, not tax. In many cases, these penalties may be reduced or removed if relief is requested correctly and at the right time.
IRS penalties are not automatically permanent
Penalty relief must be requested using IRS-approved standards
Timing and compliance directly affect eligibility
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IRS Penalty Abatement Eligibility Calculator

Check Your Eligibility Before You Pay, Negotiate, or Commit

Answer a few questions to estimate whether IRS penalty relief may apply based on your compliance history and penalty type.

Your results will indicate one of three outcomes:

Strong Eligibility — Your profile aligns with IRS standards for penalty removal based on compliance or administrative relief.
Possible Eligibility — Penalty relief may apply, but documentation, timing, or professional review may be required.
Low Likelihood — Penalty relief is unlikely under the current facts, and other resolution strategies may be more appropriate.

Nothing you enter is sent to the IRS. This is a private planning tool only.

Step 1 of 4

Step 1 — Eligibility

If you don’t have penalties, or returns aren’t filed, this tool stops per your rules.
Do you currently owe penalties on your IRS tax balance?
Please select an option.
Have you filed all required federal tax returns?
Please select an option.
Next

Step 2 — Reason(s) for Penalty

Select all that apply. Scoring adds points for each selection.
About how much do you currently owe the IRS?
Please select at least one option.
BackNext

Step 3 — Prior Compliance

Have you been compliant with IRS filings for the last 3 years?
Please select an option.
Have you previously requested penalty abatement for this issue?
Please select an option.
BackNext

Step 4 — Collection Pressure

Are you currently facing IRS collection pressure (levy, lien, garnishment threats)?
Please select an option.
BackSee Results

Not Applicable

This calculator is for people who have IRS penalties.
Restart
This is an estimate only and not legal or tax advice.

Not Eligible Yet

All required tax returns must be filed before penalty abatement can be requested.
BackRestart
This is an estimate only and not legal or tax advice.

Your IRS Penalty Abatement Eligibility

Risk tier, score, and confidence are based on your scoring rules (including the emergency override).

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— — Score: — “Not sure” answers: —
If any of this is inaccurate, go back and update your answers for a more reliable estimate.

What You Entered

Penalty abatement can reduce balances, but does not stop enforcement by itself.

This checklist explains which penalties may qualify, how to document eligibility, and how to sequence abatement requests alongside other actions safely.
Download Emergency Checklist
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This is an estimate only and not legal or tax advice.
Important Disclosure
This calculator provides general informational estimates only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Actual IRS decisions depend on documentation, compliance history, current rules, and your specific financial situation.
Take the Next Step
Use this calculator to understand your position before agreeing to any IRS action or payment arrangement. If results indicate risk, reviewing options early may help preserve flexibility.

Why IRS Penalties Matter More Than the Tax Itself

IRS penalties can dramatically increase both the size and urgency of a tax problem by inflating balances, raising monthly payment amounts, and increasing lien or levy risk. When penalties are removed, the total balance can drop immediately, payments often become more manageable, enforcement risk may decline, and long-term resolution options can improve. Evaluating penalty abatement early can materially change your overall tax strategy.

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IRS Penalties: This Calculator Reviews

This calculator focuses on penalties commonly eligible for administrative relief.

Failure-to-File Penalty, which can reach up to 25% of the unpaid tax.
Failure-to-Pay Penalty, which accrues monthly until resolved.
Failure-to-Deposit Penalties, commonly assessed on payroll tax deposits.
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How IRS Penalty Abatement Works

How the IRS Grants Penalty Relief

Relief based on defined standards
First-Time Penalty Abatement eligibility
Reasonable cause or statutory exception
Documentation required for approval
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Four illustrations: clipboard with error mark, chart with declining arrow and calculator; courthouse with speech bubble and magnifying glass on error mark; wooden target with arrow in bullseye; folder with question mark papers and error mark.

Why Penalty Abatement Requests Commonly Fail

Most denials result from avoidable mistakes.

Requests made before compliance
Explanations fail IRS standards
Incorrect penalties targeted
Missing or incomplete documentation
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How Penalty Abatement Impacts Other IRS Options

Payment Plans: Lower balances reduce required monthly payments.
Lien and Levy Risk: Reduced balances may prevent escalation.
Long-Term Resolution: Penalty removal improves sustainability and affordability.
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Use the Calculator — Then Act

If your results show meaningful wage garnishment exposure, delaying action usually benefits the IRS — not you.

Understanding your numbers early helps you make informed decisions before each paycheck is affected.

Call NowRequest a Review
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is penalty abatement, and how does it work?
Does requesting penalty relief stop IRS collections?
What types of penalties can be removed or reduced?
Is Form 843 required to request penalty abatement?
Can I request penalty abatement after receiving an IRS notice?
What happens if the IRS denies my penalty abatement request?
Does removing penalties also remove interest?
Should penalty abatement be reviewed before setting up a payment plan?
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