Reasonable Cause Relief

Get penalty relief when circumstances beyond your control prevented timely filing or payment. A proven alternative when First Time Abatement isn't available.

Why Choose Reasonable Cause Relief?

Good
Success Rate

Strong approval rate when properly documented

No Limit
Usage Restrictions

Can be used multiple times if you qualify

8-16
Weeks

Typical processing time

What Qualifies as Reasonable Cause?

Circumstances beyond your control that would cause an ordinary businessperson to fail to comply

Medical & Family

  • Serious illness of taxpayer or immediate family member
  • Death of immediate family member
  • Hospitalization or medical emergency
  • Mental health conditions affecting ability to file

Natural Disasters

  • Federally declared disaster areas
  • Fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes
  • Other catastrophic events beyond your control
  • Records destroyed by natural disaster

Professional Advice

  • Relied on incorrect advice from tax professional
  • CPA or attorney provided wrong guidance
  • IRS employee gave incorrect information
  • Software error or malfunction

Other Circumstances

  • Postal service delays or errors
  • Inability to obtain necessary records
  • Serious financial hardship
  • Military deployment or service

Documentation Requirements

Strong documentation is key to reasonable cause success

You Must Prove:

  • The circumstance was beyond your control
  • You exercised ordinary business care
  • The timing of the circumstance prevented compliance
  • You remedied the situation as soon as possible

Supporting Documents:

  • Medical records or death certificates
  • Disaster declarations or insurance claims
  • Professional correspondence or advice
  • Timeline of events and remedial actions

Check Your Reasonable Cause Eligibility

Answer a few questions to see if you qualify for reasonable cause relief

Failure to File Penalties

Get reasonable cause relief for unfiled tax returns

Failure to Pay Penalties

Get reasonable cause relief for unpaid tax liabilities

Important Considerations

Timing Matters:

  • • File your request as soon as possible
  • • The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove
  • • Contemporaneous documentation is strongest
  • • Don't wait for IRS contact to request relief

Not Automatic:

  • • Each case is reviewed individually
  • • IRS has discretion in decisions
  • • Strong documentation significantly improves odds
  • • Professional help can improve success rates

Start Your Reasonable Cause Request

If circumstances beyond your control prevented compliance, you may qualify for penalty relief.