Back tax relief refers to the process of resolving unpaid taxes from previous years. This can include methods such as setting up a payment plan, negotiating a settlement for a reduced amount, or applying for hardship status if the taxpayer is unable to pay the full amount owed.

To help struggling taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS issued Notice 2022-36 PDF, which provides penalty relief to most people and businesses who file certain 2019 or 2020 returns late. The IRS is also taking an additional step to help those who paid these penalties already.