We have provided sample letters that you can use to request waivers of several different types of IRS penalties. Find out about the IRS First Time Penalty Abatement policy and if you qualify for administrative relief from a penalty.Learn the 5 steps that tax resolution specialists must use to craft and submit a successful IRS First Time Penalty Abatement letter. The IRS assesses different types of penalties and interest on unpaid back taxes. You can write up a letter requesting penalty abatement for reasonable cause. Taxpayers can request relief from penalties. For the failure to file or pay penalty, taxpayers can request that the IRS "abate" the penalties. However, there are several courses of action for seeking penalty abatement, which can often prove to be a worthy exercise for taxpayers. Use this template when a taxpayer meets the first-time penalty abatement criteria as outlined in IRM 20.1.1.3.3.2. 1, First Time Abate (FTA).