Key Takeaways Fast Track Settlement (FTS) uses an Appeals Officer as a neutral mediator during an active IRS examination Cases can be resolved in as little as 60 days — far faster than traditional appeals or the formal tax dispute process FTS does not waive your right to pursue traditional appeals or the formal tax dispute process if mediation fails Both the taxpayer and the IRS examination team must agree to participate The program is available for most types of IRS examinations What Is IRS Fast Track Settlement? IRS Fast Track Settlement (FTS) is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program that allows taxpayers to resolve disagreements with the IRS examination division quickly and efficiently. Unlike the traditional IRS appeals process , which requires the examination to be completed before a case goes to Appeals, FTS brings an Appeals Officer into the process while the examination is still ongoing. The Appeals Officer acts as a neutral mediator between the taxpayer and the IRS examiner, facilitating discussions and helping both parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution. The process is designed to be completed within approximately 60 days, though more complex cases may take longer. FTS was originally developed for large business taxpayers (Revenue Procedure 2003-40) and was later expanded to small business and individual taxpayers (Revenue Procedure 2017-25). Today, the program is available to virtually all taxpayers involved in IRS examinations. How FTS Differs from Traditional Appeals Understanding the differences between FTS and traditional appeals helps you decide which path is right for your situation: Timing: FTS occurs during the examination; traditional appeals occur after the examination is complete Role of Appeals: In FTS, the Appeals Officer is a mediator; in traditional appeals, the Appeals Officer is a decision-maker Speed: FTS targets 60-day resolution; traditional appeals can take 6-18 months Participation: FTS...