If you are unable to pay your total tax liability, you may be able to settle your tax debt for less than the total amount that you owe to the IRS. The IRS allows taxpayers to submit an offer in compromise to settle their tax debts. You may qualify based on an analysis of your income and the equity in your assets, which is used to calculate the reasonable collection potential (RCP). An offer in compromise will stop all IRS collection actions such as an IRS levy or wage garnishment.
The IRS generally approve an offer in compromise when the amount offered represents the most that the IRS can expect to collect within a reasonable period of time. Furthermore, the Offer in Compromise program is not for everyone. If you hire a tax attorney to help you file an offer, they can guide you through the process to ensure you submit a viable offer in compromise.
What is the Basis for an Offer in Compromise?
There are three grounds on which your IRS offer in compromise can be accepted:
- Doubt as to liability: The IRS can accept an offer in compromise if there is doubt as to liability. A compromise qualifies only when there is a genuine dispute as to the existence or amount of the correct tax debt under the law. Under this method of compromise, you are able to contest the underlying merits of the tax liability, or in other words, whether you truly are liable for the tax.
- Doubt as to collectability: Your offer in compromise may be accepted if there is doubt that the amount owed is fully collectible. Doubt as to collectibility exists in any case where the taxpayer’s assets and income are less than the full amount of the tax liability.
- Effective tax administration: Your offer in compromise may be accepted based on effective tax administration. An offer may be accepted based on effective tax administration when there is no doubt that the tax is legally owed and that the full amount owed can be collected, but requiring payment in full would either create an economic hardship or would be unfair and inequitable because of exceptional circumstances.
There are two methods of payment for your offer in compromise:
- Lump Sum Cash: Under this method, you will submit an initial payment of 20 percent of the total offer amount with your application. After your offer in compromise is accepted by the IRS, you will then pay the remaining balance of the offer in five or fewer payments.
- Periodic Payment: Under this method you will submit an initial payment with your application. You will then continue to make payments toward the remaining balance in monthly installments while the IRS considers your offer. If accepted, continue to pay monthly until it is paid in full. If your offer is rejected, your payments will not be refunded.
Also, be aware that your minimum offer is based on your net disposable income and equity in assets, including any dissipated asset.
Find Out if You Qualify for An Offer In Compromise
If you have a tax debt and need fast and effective tax relief, contact a Tax Attorney for a free consultation today to discuss your options. An IRS Installment Agreement or Offer in Compromise may be suitable for you.
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