Latest news with #FreshStart
NBC News
3 hours ago
- Health
- NBC News
Recovery home residents face impact of federal funding cuts
Fresh Start, a recovery program based out of Tennessee, is facing the impacts of state and federal budget cuts. NBC News' Kate Snow visits one of the recovery homes and talks to the women whose lives are being impacted.
Indianapolis Star
a day ago
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Filing Separately Could Cost You More on Back Taxes - Clear Start Tax Explains Smarter Options for Married Couples
Clear Start Tax shows married couples how to avoid costly filing mistakes and save more when back taxes are involved. IRVINE, CA / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Married taxpayers dealing with back taxes are often surprised to learn that filing separately to 'protect' one spouse from IRS collections can actually lead to higher tax bills, lost credits, and fewer resolution options. According to Clear Start Tax, understanding the pros and cons of married filing jointly vs. separately is critical for couples hoping to resolve tax debt while preserving as much income as possible. 'Filing separately might feel safer when one spouse has IRS issues – but it usually ends up being more expensive,' said the Head of Client Solutions at Clear Start Tax. 'In many cases, joint filing opens the door to relief programs, better deductions, and faster resolution.' Why Filing Separately Can Backfire for Couples With Tax Debt Some couples assume that filing separately shields one spouse's income or refunds from being seized. While separate filing may delay IRS collection on a refund, it doesn't always protect shared income or assets, especially in community property states. And in many cases, filing separately ultimately results in: Higher overall tax liability Loss of key deductions and credits (like the Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit) Reduced access to Fresh Start benefits or less favorable Offer in Compromise terms Longer resolution timelines and more paperwork How Filing Together Could Be the Smartest Move for Tax Relief Even when one spouse owes back taxes, joint filing can result in lower taxes and greater access to IRS relief programs. Clear Start Tax helps couples explore the advantages of working together, not separately. For situations where only one spouse is responsible for the debt, programs like Innocent Spouse Relief or Injured Spouse Allocation may protect the non-liable spouse, without sacrificing the benefits of joint filing. 'The IRS gives couples a way to protect the innocent spouse while still getting the best outcome,' said the Head of Client Solutions. 'We help clients understand their rights and design a strategy that keeps more money in their household.' The Fresh Start Program Can Help Couples Settle Tax Debt Together This IRS initiative allows struggling taxpayers – including married couples – to settle or restructure their tax debt based on what they can reasonably afford. Clear Start Tax walks couples through every step of the process. Settlements for less than the full amount owed Reduced penalties and halted interest Affordable payment plans based on household income By answering a few simple questions, taxpayers can find out if they're eligible for the IRS Fresh Start Program and take the first step toward resolving their tax debt. Joint Returns Come With Risk – But Also With Options While joint returns mean both spouses are legally responsible for the full tax bill, Clear Start Tax helps clients explore: Partial-pay agreements Spousal relief requests Asset protection strategies Custom IRS settlement negotiations These strategies can balance legal responsibility while still maximizing the couple's chances of saving money and moving forward. About Clear Start Tax Clear Start Tax is a full-service tax liability resolution firm that serves taxpayers throughout the United States. The company specializes in assisting individuals and businesses with a wide range of IRS and state tax issues, including back taxes, wage garnishment relief, IRS appeals, and offers in compromise. Clear Start Tax helps taxpayers apply for the IRS Fresh Start Program, providing expert guidance in tax resolution. Fully accredited and A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau, the firm's unique approach and commitment to long-term client success distinguish it as a leader in the tax resolution industry. Need Help With Back Taxes? Click the link below: (888) 710-3533 Contact Information Clear Start Tax Corporate Communications Department seo@ (949) 535-1627 SOURCE: Clear Start Tax View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Vancouver Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Greater Vancouver Food Bank hopes current home becomes permanent
After a nomadic past few years, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank is close to putting down permanent roots at its current east Vancouver location. The non-profit food distribution organization has called six locations home since 2020, but is less than $3 million away from the $15 million needed to buy the property. 'So, yeah, it's been a long journey of moving to lots of different locations for our Vancouver distribution site,' said Tor Smith , director of philanthropy with the food bank. 'We've had a really tough time of it.' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The food bank provides help to 15,000 people across Burnaby, New Westminster and the North Shore, but 60 per cent of its 15,000 clients are from Vancouver, so it was important to have a permanent Vancouver location, she said. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank was established in 1983 in response to a food-security crisis. Since COVID, the food bank has seen itself serving clients out of the Queen Elizabeth theatre , from the back of vehicles, or from tents. 'We were in facilities in which we couldn't get our rent or lease renewed,' Smith said. 'It was really difficult for our clients when we were moving so many times. There's so much disruption going on in their lives as it is, so to try to keep up with where we were was really tough.' They have been in their current building for two years and the owner, Beedie , has given the food bank first shot at ownership. The 16,000-square-foot space brings all the food bank's services under one roof, Smith said. There is also more than 19,000 cubic feet of refrigeration, enough to keep cold the nine million pounds of food the food bank delivered last year. The donation drive is the first capital campaign the food bank has ever done, Smith said. 'And I would say the response has been incredible,' she said. Since 2019, the food bank has been pursuing a ' Fresh Futures ' campaign, working with local producers and suppliers. 'We're able to have more refrigeration and freezer space than we've ever had for Vancouver,' Smith said. 'To know that we won't have to try and move and fit it into somewhere else where it might be too big or not fit, it's just been a huge relief to be investing in a permanent home to make sure we can give more fresh produce to local people.' The major donors are companies and foundations, but members of the public can also donate via the food bank's website. The Lougheed Highway location also has a full upstairs, allowing the food bank to start another program, called 'Fresh Start,' which works with other social-service providers such as the Immigrant Services Society of B.C. and the Canadian Mental health Association, to offer on-site extra support to clients who register. 'It means that clients can do all-in-one,' Smith said. 'They can come and pick up their food and have an appointment with those people that are based in our building for that introductory conversation. 'So it's things like that that this building is letting us do that we haven't been able to do in smaller spaces, or when we've been temporarily in spaces and having to find new homes. 'It's a sign of things to come that we can build our services and provide more support, now that we have this permanency and sustainability for our future.'
NBC News
4 days ago
- Health
- NBC News
'I won't have anywhere to go': Recovery home residents talk effects of federal cuts
Fresh Start, a recovery program based out of Tennessee, is facing the impacts of state and federal budget cuts. NBC News' Kate Snow visits one of the recovery homes and talks to the women whose lives are being impacted. July 8, 2025
Miami Herald
20-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Who Really Qualifies for IRS Fresh Start Program? Clear Start Tax Breaks Down the Fine Print in 2025
Clear Start Tax Explains Why Not Everyone Qualifies for IRS Fresh Start, and What It Really Takes to Settle Tax Debt for Less IRVINE, CA / ACCESS Newswire / June 20, 2025 / The IRS Fresh Start Program has helped many taxpayers resolve overwhelming tax debt, but according to Clear Start Tax, widespread myths continue to mislead the public about who actually qualifies. While many companies advertise Fresh Start as a guaranteed solution, the reality is that eligibility depends on strict financial guidelines that the IRS carefully evaluates. "Fresh Start can absolutely provide life-changing relief, but not everyone qualifies automatically," said the Head of Client Solutions at Clear Start Tax. "Too often, people are told they're eligible without anyone reviewing their full financial picture." The Biggest Myth: Everyone Qualifies Clear Start Tax says the most common misunderstanding is that Fresh Start is an open invitation for anyone who owes back taxes to settle for pennies on the dollar. In truth, Fresh Start is a collection of IRS programs - such as Offer in Compromise, Installment Agreements, and Currently Not Collectible status - each with its own eligibility rules. "The IRS doesn't approve Fresh Start offers based on how much you owe. They approve based on how much you can actually pay," the Head of Client Solutions at Clear Start Tax explains. What the IRS Looks at to Determine Eligibility The IRS reviews every applicant's financial situation in detail. Key factors include: Income: Wages, self-employment, retirement income, and household earningsAssets: Equity in real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement funds, and investmentsExpenses: Necessary living costs including housing, food, insurance, medical expenses, and dependentsHousehold Size: How many people rely on the taxpayer's incomeAge and Health: Retirement status or medical conditions may impact financial analysis The IRS calculates a taxpayer's "reasonable collection potential" based on these factors to decide whether full or partial settlement is allowed. By answering a few simple questions, taxpayers can find out if they're eligible for the IRS Fresh Start Program and take the first step toward resolving their tax debt. How Clear Start Tax Builds Strong Cases Because the IRS process is heavily document-driven, Clear Start Tax takes a hands-on approach to preparing each Fresh Start application. Their team: Conducts full financial reviews to uncover eligibilityCollects and organizes required documentationCalculates accurate offer amounts based on IRS formulasCommunicates directly with the IRS on the client's behalfProtects clients from submitting unrealistic or non-compliant offers "The goal isn't just to submit paperwork, but to submit a proposal the IRS will actually accept," the Head of Client Solutions added. "That's where professional preparation makes all the difference." Beware of Companies That Overpromise Clear Start Tax also warns taxpayers to be cautious of companies that promote guaranteed Fresh Start approvals or claim every debt can be settled for next to nothing. "If someone promises you guaranteed Fresh Start approval before reviewing your full financial profile, that's a red flag," said the Head of Client Solutions at Clear Start Tax. "The IRS does not accept every offer, and submitting weak or incomplete proposals can lead to unnecessary delays and additional financial consequences." About Clear Start Tax Clear Start Tax is a full-service tax liability resolution firm that serves taxpayers throughout the United States. The company specializes in assisting individuals and businesses with a wide range of IRS and state tax issues, including back taxes, wage garnishment relief, IRS appeals, and offers in compromise. Clear Start Tax helps taxpayers apply for the IRS Fresh Start Program, providing expert guidance in tax resolution. Fully accredited and A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau, the firm's unique approach and commitment to long-term client success distinguish it as a leader in the tax resolution industry. Need Help With Back Taxes? Click the link below: 710-3533 Contact Information Clear Start TaxCorporate Communications Departmentseo@ 535-1627 SOURCE: Clear Start Tax
