Eligibility for the Fresh Start program requires meeting specific criteria. Generally, taxpayers must have a debt of less than $50,000, demonstrate financial hardship, and maintain compliance with ...

February 7, 2025 / 1:35 PM EST / CBS News The Fresh Start program offers big benefits to taxpayers who owe money to the IRS — but there are downsides to consider, too. Getty Images/iStockphoto ...

Another advantage of the Fresh Start program is the increased tax lien threshold. Under this initiative, the IRS generally refrains from filing a tax lien unless the debt exceeds $10,000, a ...