---
title: What Counts as Reasonable Cause? 2026 Guide | TaxTruce
url: https://taxtruce.com/answers/what-counts-as-reasonable-cause
updated: 2026-10-29
---

# What counts as reasonable cause?

Updated October 8, 20261 sourceTaxTruce team[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

The short answer

Fires, natural disasters, not being able to get records, or a death, serious illness or unavoidable absence in your family may count. You must show you used ordinary care. Relying on a tax pro, not knowing the rules, simple mistakes and lack of money alone usually don't count.

## Sources

1. [IRS: Penalty relief due to reasonable cause](https://www.irs.gov/payments/penalty-relief-due-to-reasonable-cause)

Run the numbers with our [free tax tools](/tools), like the penalty and payment plan math.