There are several different ways to file for penalty abatement with the IRS. With many options to choose from you should never pass this by if you feel that it can help you save money. Why pay penalties to the IRS when you can use the abatement process to have them wiped out? Before submitting your request it is important that you know what penalty abatement is, and whether or not you qualify.

Here are three ways that you can request to have your penalties abated from the IRS:

1. Written petition. If you think you qualify for tax abatement you can write the IRS a letter telling them why. This is the most common method, and most people find that it is very simple.
2. Verbal. If you cannot write to the IRS or do not feel that this is the best option, you can meet with an IRS official in person or speak with somebody over the phone. While this is not as common as writing a letter, it is an option to consider.
3. IRS Form 843. This form is known as "Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement." If you are looking for some kind of structure and a place to get started, this form may be right for you. That being said, it would be in your best interest to send a short written letter with this form.

Now that you know how to request penalty abatement you should be interested in ways to increase your chance of success:

1. Submit your request to the address listed on your assessment letter. You want to make sure that your penalty abatement request gets into the right hands without any delay.
2. Submit supporting documentation that shows the IRS why you think you should qualify for penalty abatement.
3. Do not overdo it. In your letter to the IRS you should supply the proper amount of information without getting into unnecessary details.

With this information you should now see how simple it is to file for penalty abatement. Use the tips above to better your chance of acceptance by the IRS.

Find more information on tax abatement and more details on writing a penalty abatement letter. Need help? We can help with that as well!