First Time Penalty Abatement (FTA)

by | Jul 15, 2025

If you’ve been hit with IRS penalties for failing to file, pay, or deposit taxes on time, the charges can add up fast. But if this is your first time in tax trouble, there’s a little-known program that might help: First Time Penalty Abatement (FTA).

At M.A. Rubin CPA, PLLC, we help individuals and businesses navigate the FTA process and advocate for penalty relief—so you can move forward with peace of mind.

What Is First Time Penalty Abatement?

The IRS’s First Time Penalty Abatement is a one-time administrative waiver that allows qualifying taxpayers to remove certain penalties related to:

  • Failure to file a tax return

  • Failure to pay taxes on time

  • Failure to deposit certain required taxes

FTA does not eliminate interest or the original tax balance—it only applies to the penalties.

Do You Qualify for FTA?

You may be eligible for FTA if:

✅ All required tax returns have been filed (or an extension was filed)
✅ You’ve paid or arranged to pay any taxes owed
✅ You haven’t had any significant penalties (excluding estimated tax penalties) in the last three years

FTA is available to both individuals and businesses, but it applies only to one tax period.

Case Study: How We Could Help a Client

Mark, a small business owner, missed the deadline to file his corporate return and was hit with $7,500 in penalties for failure to file and pay. He had already paid the taxes owed, but the penalties were a major burden.

Here’s how we could help:

  • We confirm Mark met all FTA eligibility requirements

  • We prepar a strong penalty abatement request

  • We handle all communication with the IRS

  • We secure full removal of the $7,500 in penalties

Mark walked away relieved and back on track financially—with no more IRS stress hanging over him.

Why Work With M.A. Rubin CPA, PLLC?

While FTA is technically an “administrative” process, getting it approved isn’t always simple. At M.A. Rubin CPA, PLLC, we bring years of tax resolution experience and licensed CPA representation to every case.

We will:

  • Verify your eligibility for FTA or other relief programs

  • Craft a professional, effective abatement request

  • Communicate directly with the IRS on your behalf

  • Explore backup strategies if FTA isn’t available

No salespeople—just direct service from a trusted tax expert who understands the IRS inside and out.

Ready to See if You Qualify?

If you or your business has been penalized by the IRS, don’t leave potential relief on the table. Contact M.A. Rubin CPA, PLLC today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, determine if First Time Penalty Abatement is an option, and help you take the first step toward a clean financial slate.

Schedule an Appointment Below!

M.A. Rubin CPA, PLLC

Tel: 833-MA-Rubin (627-8246)

Email: Blog@RubinTaxRelief.com

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult with a qualified professional for specific advice regarding your business.

 

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