First, check to see if the information in your notice is correct. If you can resolve an issue in your notice, there may be no penalty.
Reasonable Cause is based on all the facts and circumstances in your situation. We will consider any reason which establishes that you used all ordinary business care and prudence to meet your Federal tax obligations but were nevertheless unable to do so.
Typical Situations
The IRS will consider any sound reason for failing to file a tax return, make a deposit, or pay tax when due. Sound reasons, if established, include:
- Fire, casualty, natural disaster or other disturbances
- Inability to obtain records
- Death, serious illness, incapacitation or unavoidable absence of the taxpayer or a member of the taxpayer’s immediate family
- Other reason which establishes that you used all ordinary business care and prudence to meet your Federal tax obligations but were nevertheless unable to do so
Note: A lack of funds, in and of itself, is not reasonable cause for failure to file or pay on time. However, the reasons for the lack of funds may meet reasonable cause criteria for the failure-to-pay penalty.
Facts Establishing Reasonable Cause
Facts we need in order to determine Reasonable Cause:
- What happened and when did it happen?
- What facts and circumstances prevented you from filing your return or paying your tax during the period of time you did not file and/or pay your taxes timely?
- How did the facts and circumstances affect your ability to file and/or pay your taxes or perform your other day-to-day responsibilities?
- Once the facts and circumstances changed, what actions did you take to file and/or pay your taxes?
- In the case of a Corporation, Estate or Trust, did the affected person or a member of that individual’s immediate family have sole authority to execute the return or make the deposit or payment?
Documents You May Need
Most reasonable cause explanations require that you provide documentation to support your claim, such as:
- Hospital or court records or a letter from a physician to establish illness or incapacitation, with specific start and end dates
- Documentation of natural disasters or other events that prevented compliance
Call the Toll-free Number on Your Notice
Is the information on your notice correct? If there is an issue you can resolve with your notice, a penalty might not be applicable. Call the toll-free number on your notice either to resolve the issue with your notice or to request penalty relief due to reasonable cause, if you feel you qualify and have the necessary supporting documentation. We may ask you to mail or fax your written statements to us.
Is Interest Relief Available?
Interest cannot be abated for reasonable cause. Interest charged on a penalty will be reduced or removed when that penalty is reduced or removed. If an unpaid balance remains on your account, interest will continue to accrue until the account is full paid. See our Interest Overview page for additional interest information..