Submitted by Vclare on Wed, 11/19/2025 - 14:47

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First-Time Penalty Abatement: How Proactive Representation Saved a Business From a $2,820 IRS Penalty

In today’s regulatory landscape, even the most diligent businesses can find themselves facing unexpected penalties. For partnerships and other business entities, a missed filing deadline can trigger substantial Failure to File penalties, creating both financial and administrative burdens. Fortunately, the IRS provides relief mechanisms for eligible taxpayers, including the First-Time Penalty Abatement (FTA) program. With the right guidance, these penalties can often be abated.

Read below for a real-world example of how our case team helped a business owner avoid a $2,820 penalty from the IRS through the FTA program.

First-Time Penalty Abatement

Our case team recently assisted a tax professional whose client had received an IRS Notice assessing a $2,820 Failure to File penalty related to its 2024 Form 1065 return.

Upon review of the IRS Notice and the partnership’s filing history, our team determined that the client was eligible for the IRS First-Time Penalty Abatement program. We prepared a detailed Case Assessment Package, outlining the FTA eligibility requirements and specifying the supporting documentation necessary for a successful request.

In just a few weeks, we received a favorable response from the IRS. The First-Time Penalty Abatement was approved, and the client’s balance was reduced to zero. The client avoided the $2,820 penalty, and their account was brought back into good standing with the IRS.

This case demonstrates the value of rapid response, thorough documentation, and expert knowledge of IRS relief programs. By acting quickly and following established procedures, we were able to secure a complete recovery for the client, reinforcing the importance of proactive tax representation and client advocacy.

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Katie Lasko

Tax Protection Plus

November 2025

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