Organize a penalty relief request
Prepare facts, documents, and a draft explanation before asking for penalty relief.
Work through this list
Identify the penalty type and tax year
Write a factual timeline
Gather illness, disaster, records, or other support
Explain what prevented timely compliance
Explain what changed and when compliance was restored
Questions to answer
What you will have when you finish
How to use this safely
Use the notes on this page to organize facts before you contact the IRS, review an official IRS tool, or speak with a qualified tax professional. Keep the original notice, envelope, and every page of supporting records together.
Do not enter Social Security numbers, full bank account numbers, IRS account passwords, or complete tax returns here. If a deadline is close, a levy is active, payroll taxes are involved, or you are unsure about appeal rights, get individual review before acting.