What if I told you the IRS might be sitting on a pile of your money right now… and they’re not planning to tell you about it?
Yep. Somewhere deep in the bureaucratic basement, there’s a dusty little “penalty relief” switch that most taxpayers never flip—because, shocker, the IRS doesn’t exactly advertise the fact that you can get thousands back just for asking.
And the best part? Recovering that cash doesn’t require wizard-level tax knowledge, a secret handshake, or sacrificing your weekend to decode IRS notices. It takes three simple steps, a little persistence, and maybe a cup of coffee to survive their phone tree.
At Calculated Moves, we do this all day because you’ve got better things to do than fight with Uncle Sam. Your time is better spent making money, growing your business, or doing literally anything else besides crunching IRS codes.
The IRS has a little-known program called first-time penalty relief—kind of like a “get-out-of-jail-free card,” except it actually works.
If you’ve been compliant for the past three years and this is your first slip-up, you’re likely eligible. This applies to things like:
Translation? If you’ve been a good taxpayer historically, the IRS is surprisingly willing to forgive that one moment when life (or a missed deadline) got messy.
Here’s the key: you must ask for it.
The IRS will not volunteer this information. Ever.
You need to call them directly and say the magic phrases:
“First-time penalty abatement” and “reasonable cause.”
This triggers their automated verification system—the same one that helped two of my clients recover over $8,000 in penalties just last month.
Before you call, gather:
Once the IRS approves your request, they’ll either credit your account or (more likely) mail you a check.
Most people never see this money because they don’t know it exists.
You have three years to request this relief—so don’t wait.
The usual timeframe?
Four to six weeks from your initial ask to check-in-hand.
Easy.
A few non-negotiables:
It’s not about loopholes—it’s about understanding the rules well enough to use them in your favor.
Keep records of:
If the IRS ever questions it, you’re ready. And trust me—they love documentation almost as much as they love penalties.
Most people simply assume they have to pay whatever the IRS sends them because “that’s just how it works.”
But smart taxpayers—and smart business owners—look for opportunities to reverse the damage and keep more of their money.
That’s where strategic planning comes in.
The difference between paying and recovering penalties comes down to knowing the system and taking (literally) Calculated Moves.
When you’re backed by pros who know the rules, the shortcuts, and the strategies, you avoid expensive mistakes and stay financially prepared for whatever comes your way.
Running a business already comes with enough ups and downs—you don’t need surprise penalties dragging you under.
With the right guidance, you can navigate the IRS with confidence, recover money you didn’t know you could claim, and steer your business toward smoother, more profitable waters.
Because at the end of the day, you’ve got better things to do than crunch numbers.
Let the pros handle the tax headaches—while you focus on what you love.
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Donna Bordeaux, CPA with Calculated Moves
Creativity and CPAs don’t generally go together. Most people think of CPAs as nerdy accountants who can’t talk with people. Well, it’s time to break that stereotype. Lively, friendly, and knowledgeable can be a part of your relationship with your CPA, as demonstrated by Donna and Chad Bordeaux. They have over 50 years of combined experience as entrepreneurial CPAs. They’ve owned businesses and helped business owners exceed their wildest dreams. They have been able to help businesses earn many times more profit than the average business in the same industry and are passionate about helping industries that help families build great memories.