What is the Offer in Compromise program that is provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?
The Internal Revenue Service’s Offer in Compromise program provides taxpayers with the opportunity to settle their debt with the IRS for just pennies on the dollar. The program allows taxpayers to settle with the IRS on tax debt that has been incorrectly assessed or for liabilities they cannot afford to pay.
The IRS Code states: “We will accept an Offer in Compromise when it is unlikely that we can collect the full amount owed and the amount you offer reasonably reflects the collection potential…” (Internal Revenue Code section 7122).
Often it is possible to fully and completely eliminate the taxes you owe – including all penalties and interest – at an enormous discount. There is no preset bottom limit that the IRS will accept to settle your debt especially if your offer is done “right.”
If done correctly your debt may be settled for only 5-15% of what you presently owe. The key is to determine the least amount that the IRS will accept from you before you make the offer.
Michael E. Scott, CPA
Scott & Scott CPAs, LLC
Lander, Wyoming