Get clarity on what truly qualifies as financial hardship from someone who used to review these cases inside the IRS. With 40+ years of experience on both sides, thousands of taxpayers have already stopped collections, avoided wage levies, and finally gained the break the IRS doesn’t make easy to find.
Thousands have found relief through Michael D. Sullivan’s help.
You might be one of them, if…
✅ You can’t pay taxes without sacrificing basic living needs.
✅ You’ve recently lost your job or are unemployed with no stable income.
✅ You rely solely on Social Security and are overwhelmed by medical bills.
✅ You’re unable to work due to a medical condition or disability.
✅ Your fixed income is fully spent caring for dependents.
✅ You have assets but can’t access or borrow against them.
✅ You’re dealing with extraordinary costs or a natural disaster.
✅ Your family has been impacted by a catastrophe or an act of God.
Each situation calls for a sharp, detailed review; no two hardship cases are ever the same. Most people don’t even know the IRS hardship program, but it exists, and qualifying depends entirely on how your case is presented. Get clarity, confidence, and personalized guidance from someone who used to review these cases from the inside. Michael D. Sullivan knows exactly what the IRS looks for, and that means no guesswork, no missed chances.
You’ll get end-to-end support every step of the way
- We listen first.
No forms, no assumptions. Just a clear conversation about your situation and what’s at stake. - We review your full financial picture.
Income, expenses, debts, and obligations. Everything the IRS evaluates is thoroughly assessed to identify where you stand. - We prepare and handle all paperwork and documentation.
From Form 433-A or 433-F to supporting evidence, we prepare everything for you, accurately, completely, and in a way the IRS understands. - We build and present your case the IRS way.
Your case isn’t just submitted; it’s positioned. We prepare your case based on how IRS agents are trained to assess financial hardship, because we’ve sat in their seat. - We stay with you through every update.
If the IRS requests more information or your circumstances shift, we’re here to respond, revise, and represent you every step of the way.
Don’t go to the IRS unprepared. It could cost you more than you think. Everything you say to them can be used to collect from you. Let a Former IRS Agent review your eligibility, prepare your case, and protect your position before anything is submitted. We’ll make sure your tax returns are current, your hardship is documented, and your case is strong before the IRS even sees it.
Why Choose Michael D. Sullivan Over Anyone Else?
Former IRS Agent with firsthand insight into how hardship cases are reviewed
Michael D. Sullivan worked inside the IRS for years, where he personally reviewed and enforced cases just like yours. He understands how agents evaluate financial hardship and uses that knowledge to help you avoid common mistakes and missed opportunities.
A powerhouse team of professionals, not a one-man operation
You’re supported by a team that includes Former IRS Agents, CPAs, Tax Attorneys, and Enrolled Agents. Every angle of your case is covered, from compliance to strategy, to give you the strongest possible position.
Over 40 years of experience resolving complex IRS issues
Michael has helped thousands of taxpayers protect their income, stop collections, and resolve disputes with the IRS. His decades of experience mean you get tried and tested solutions, not trial-and-error guesses.
Based in South Florida, serving clients in all 50 states
No matter where you live, you’ll receive direct, end-to-end support from a team that handles IRS matters nationwide.
Support beyond hardship relief when your situation changes
If hardship relief isn’t the end of your IRS troubles, Michael’s team is ready to step in with help for audits, unfiled returns, wage garnishments, liens, or full tax resolution strategies. All of it is handled under one roof.
Even with Relief, the IRS Still Watches and Waits!
Even when the IRS hardship program status is granted, the IRS may still take actions to protect its interest in the debt. Relief from collections doesn’t mean the problem disappears. Here’s what the IRS can still do:
- File a federal tax lien against you.
- Continue charging interest and penalties.
- Reassess your case periodically for any income or asset changes.
- Resume collection efforts if your financial situation improves.
That’s why it matters who helps you through this.
With a team that includes Former IRS Agents, CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and Tax Attorneys, you’re not just applying; you’re building a strong, defensible case. One that minimizes future risk, protects your position, and keeps the IRS from getting the upper hand.
Ready to find out where you stand? Fill out the form below, and let’s take it from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may qualify if paying your tax debt would leave you unable to cover basic living expenses. The IRS looks at your full financial picture, not just income. We help you determine if you qualify by reviewing:
Your income vs. essential expenses like housing, food, and healthcare.
Your job status or any medical conditions affecting your ability to work.
Whether you have assets or access to credit.
Any major financial burdens, like caregiving or medical bills.
Our team prepares all the required forms and documentation so the IRS clearly sees why your case qualifies.
If approved for hardship status (also called Currently Not Collectible or CNC status), you get:
Immediate relief from IRS collections.
No wage garnishments or bank levies while the status is active.
Time to get back on your feet financially without pressure.
A pause on monthly payments if you're in a tough situation.
Keep in mind, interest and penalties may still grow, and the IRS may file a tax lien, but collections stop while you're in hardship status.
Not directly. The IRS does not offer a one-click hardship application online. You’ll need to:
File all past-due tax returns.
Complete and submit IRS Form 433-A or 433-F.
Provide full financial documentation.
This is where most people make costly mistakes. Our team handles the full process for you, from preparing your forms to making sure everything is presented in a way the IRS expects.
It depends on the complexity of your case and the IRS’s response time. On average, it can take: 2 to 8 weeks for standard cases. Longer if your financials need extra documentation or follow-up. We stay in touch with the IRS on your behalf and respond to any additional requests to keep your case moving forward.
Hardship status doesn’t reduce what you owe; it pauses collections. If you're unable to pay your full debt, even long-term, you may qualify for other programs like:
Offer in Compromise (settles your debt for less).
Partial Payment Installment Agreement.
Penalty abatement or other resolution options.
Our team can help you explore these if hardship status is only a temporary step.
