💸 Tax Relief Programs: What They Are and How to Access Them

Tax relief programs are essential tools designed to help individuals and businesses manage their tax burdens. Whether you're unable to pay your full tax bill or seeking ways to reduce what you owe, these programs offer various forms of assistance—ranging from deductions to professional negotiation with the IRS.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the different types of tax relief, how they work, and trusted companies that can help you navigate the system.

💡 Quick Tip: Tax relief isn’t just for those in deep trouble. It can benefit anyone looking to optimize their tax situation or avoid penalties.

🧾 Types of Tax Relief Programs

📉 Tax Deductions

Tax deductions reduce your taxable income, making them a common first step toward relief.

There are two types:

Standard Deductions: Automatically available to most taxpayers. The amount depends on your age, income level, filing status (single, married, head of household), and whether you are blind or over 65.

Itemized Deductions: Instead of taking the standard deduction, you can list specific expenses such as mortgage interest, medical bills, or charitable donations. You can only choose one method—standard or itemized—not both.

🛠️ Fresh Start Program

The IRS Fresh Start Initiative was developed to help taxpayers get back on track without overwhelming penalties. It’s especially helpful for those dealing with large tax debts.

It includes options like:

Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status – Temporarily halts IRS collections

Installment Agreements – Allows structured monthly payments

Offer in Compromise (OIC) – Settle for less than you owe

Penalty Abatement – Reduce or eliminate penalties

🚫 Tax Exclusions

Tax exclusions remove certain income from being taxed at all, not just from your taxable income.

Some common exclusions include:

Employer-sponsored health insurance

Child support payments

Life insurance death benefits

These are completely non-taxable and can significantly reduce your overall liability.

💳 Tax Credits

Tax credits subtract directly from the total tax you owe, not just your taxable income—making them more powerful than deductions.

Notable tax credits include:

Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) – For continuing education

American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) – For college students

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – For low-to-moderate income workers

Child Tax Credit

Saver’s Credit – For low-income individuals contributing to retirement

🧑‍💼 Where to Get Help: Top Tax Relief Companies

Navigating IRS programs or state-specific procedures can be tricky. These companies offer professional services to guide you through.

✅ TaxRise (Min. Debt: $5,000)

Offers help for state and federal back taxes, CNC status, and business/personal tax relief.

Requires a retainer but offers flexible payment plans and a money-back guarantee.

Ideal for people with at least $5,000 in tax debt.

✅ TaxSlayer

A tax preparation platform—not a relief service per se.

Helps you file your taxes accurately and avoid ending up in trouble with the IRS.

Offers three tiers: Free, $24.95 (Standard), and $44.95 (Premium) for federal returns. State filings are $39.95.

✅ Republic Tax Relief

Connects you with a dedicated consultant for personalized support.

Offers free consultations and helps with both IRS and state tax relief programs.

Fees depend on your individual case complexity.

✅ Civic Tax Relief

Offers professional-only services with a money-back guarantee.

Does not cover state taxes or CNC status cases.

Requires a retainer and no specific minimum debt threshold.

✅ ClearOne Advantage (Min. Debt: $10,000)

Focuses only on unsecured back taxes.

Offers performance-based fees and operates in 22 states.

No help with secured debts or state-specific back taxes.

✅ Fortress Tax Relief (Min. Debt: $15,000)

Handles state back taxes, CNC cases, and both personal/business tax debt.

Fees start at $500 and increase with case complexity.

Offers a money-back guarantee and professional representation.

✅ US Tax Shield (Min. Debt: $10,000)

Deals with both personal and business taxes, including CNC and penalty relief.

Offers a money-back guarantee and flexible payments.

Average service fee is around $4,000.

✅ StopIRS (Min. Debt: $20,000)

Provides relief for agreement installments, business/personal taxes, and CNC cases.

No retainer required and offers a money-back guarantee.

Flexible payment options; average fee: ~$3,000.

✅ Better Tax Relief (Min. Debt: $10,000)

Specializes in customized IRS solutions like penalty abatement and offers in compromise.

Offers free consultation and transparent pricing.

Well-reviewed for handling complex IRS cases.

✅ Tax Relief Advocates (TRA) (Min. Debt: $10,000)

Based in Southern California, TRA handles Fresh Start enrollments, wage garnishment releases, and lien removals.

Provides flexible payments but may not always handle state tax cases.

✅ Guardian Tax Relief (Min. Debt: $7,500)

Founded in 2009, handles IRS and state representation.

Known for strong customer protection policies and a money-back guarantee.

✅ Jackson Hewitt

Primarily a tax preparation service with wide physical availability across the U.S.

Doesn’t provide in-depth relief services but can help you avoid mistakes that lead to debt.

✅ Ovation Tax Group (Min. Debt: $10,000)

Helps with IRS audits, wage garnishments, liens, and more.

Offers tailored solutions based on your financial situation and a flexible payment plan.

✅ Global Gate Tax Relief (Min. Debt: $7,500)

Newer firm offering personalized relief strategies.

Competitive fees, free consultation, and full coverage for federal/state issues.

Known for customer satisfaction and custom payment options.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Your Path to Tax Relief

Tax relief programs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you're filing taxes, reducing what you owe, or negotiating with the IRS, the key is knowing:

Which program fits your situation

When to seek professional help

How much debt you have

Don’t wait for penalties or wage garnishments to kick in. Take control of your tax situation by leveraging these programs and services.