The short answer
First Time Abate removes failure to file, failure to pay or failure to deposit penalties if you filed and paid on time the 3 years before. You ask by phone or in writing. Starting summer 2026, it moves to Automatic Exemption from Penalty for 2025 returns and later, with no request needed.
Words to know
- Automatic Exemption from Penalty (AEP)
- New IRS relief starting summer 2026. With a clean 3 year record, some penalties are not charged at all.
- First Time Abate (FTA)
- IRS relief from some penalties if you filed and paid on time for the 3 years before.