How to Qualify for IRS Penalty Abatement in Southern California

IRS Penalty Abatement

If you’ve fallen behind on your taxes, you may have noticed that penalties and interest can quickly double — or even triple — the amount you owe. The good news? The IRS offers penalty abatement programs that can reduce or eliminate these charges if you qualify. As a Southern California tax attorney, I help individuals and businesses successfully request penalty relief so they can focus on resolving the underlying tax debt.

What Is IRS Penalty Abatement?

Penalty abatement is the IRS’s way of granting relief from certain penalties when there’s a valid reason for noncompliance. This can include:

• Failure-to-file penalties

• Failure-to-pay penalties

• Certain accuracy-related penalties

  
  

By reducing these extra charges, taxpayers can save thousands of dollars and make it easier to get back on track with their tax obligations.

Who Qualifies for Penalty Abatement?

You may qualify for IRS penalty abatement if you can show reasonable cause for falling behind, such as:

• Serious illness or medical emergencies

• Natural disasters, fires, or other unforeseen events

• Death in the family

• Inability to obtain tax records

• Other circumstances outside your control

  
  

Additionally, you may qualify for First Time Penalty Abatement (FTA) if:

1. You have filed and paid on time for the last three years, and

2. You’ve resolved the tax balance due or made arrangements to pay.

   
   

Why Work With a Tax Attorney?

The IRS does not automatically grant penalty relief. Your request must be backed by a well-documented, persuasive case. An experienced Southern California tax resolution attorney can:

• Identify which penalties can be removed

• Gather the right evidence and documentation

• Draft a compelling penalty abatement request

• Negotiate directly with the IRS on your behalf

  
  

Local Insight Matters

If you’re in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, or San Diego County, working with a local attorney who understands both IRS procedures and California-specific tax issues gives you an advantage.

Take the First Step Toward Penalty Relief

Don’t let IRS penalties keep piling up. The sooner you act, the better your chances of success. Contact Rona Law Firm, a Southern California tax resolution law firm, to see if you qualify for penalty abatement and start reducing your tax burden today.

📞 Call 818.964.1829 or request a free consultation through our contact form.