IRS/State Tax Penalty
Abatement Requests

Timing

Usually 6–12 weeks

If You Do It Yourself

Mailing costs $10–$25

Delivery

Preparation of written penalty abatement requests and supporting statements

Eligibility

Available to U.S. taxpayers and business entities who meet compliance requirements and can demonstrate prior good behavior or valid reasonable cause.

Unexpected penalties from the IRS or state tax agencies can rapidly increase the cost of a tax balance. Penalty abatement is a formal request to reduce or remove tax penalties — including failure-to-file, failure-to-pay, and accuracy-related penalties — based on qualifying circumstances and taxpayer history.

‍Typical IRS Response Timing:
‍● Phone request for First-Time Abatement: Immediate to 2 weeks
‍● Written penalty abatement request: 6–12 weeks
‍● Form 843 submission: 8–16 weeks
● If IRS asks for more info: 30–60 days
‍● Appeal if denied: 2–6 months

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How to File
Without an Agent or Attorney

Determine Eligibility

Choose one method:

First-Time Penalty Abatement (FTA):
● Filed all required returns
● No penalties in prior three years
● Any outstanding taxes paid or in arrangement

Reasonable Cause:
● Must provide documentary proof of circumstances

IRS FTA Overview
https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalty-relief-due-to-first-time-penalty-abatement

‍Reasonable Cause Standards
https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalty-relief

Gather Supporting Evidence

Examples

Hospital or medical documentation

Court orders or major personal events

Insurance claims or disaster declarations

Death certificates or care documentation

Professional letters (if relying on tax advisor error)

Submit Your Request to the IRS

Ways to file

Write a penalty abatement letter

Call the IRS to request FTA (for single-year issues)

File Form 843 (Claim for Refund & Request for Abatement)
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-843

IRS Mailing Addresses by Form
‍https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment

Respond to IRS Follow-Up

The IRS may request

Additional documents

Clarifications

Explanation timeline

Keep copies of everything submitted!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Requesting abatement without justification or documentation

Ignoring notices and allowing penalties/interest to compound

Filing abatement before you are current with tax filings

Misunderstanding the difference between IRS First-Time Abatement and Reasonable Cause criteria

Using generic explanations that the IRS frequently denies (“I forgot,” “I was busy”)

Silence does not equal denial — IRS must issue a formal decision.

Documents & Information Needed

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