Beware of advertisements that claim to settle tax debts for "pennies on the dollar". Check the Offer In Compromise requirements to see if it is right for you.
1. If you are unable to pay a tax debt in full, if the taxpayer establishes to the satisfaction of the IRS that he either: has no means of paying the tax, or does not actually owe the tax--and an installment agreement cannot be worked out--the IRS strives to resolve the taxpayer's tax debt.
2. Under certain circumstances, you may be able to take advantage of the offer in compromise (OIC), but there are hurdles to overcome before the Internal Revenue Service accepts less than full payment. To date, taxpayers who have gone through the Offer in Compromise program to settle their tax bill have saved millions of dollars.
3. An OIC delinquent tax settlement is an agreement taxes owed for less than the full amount of taxes due. It's a complex decision and a tax attorney is needed for his extensive expertise in planning, preparing, negotiating and even appealing rejections.
4. IRS Code Sec. 7122 gives the IRS power authority to settle--compromise--federal tax liabilities. Exceptional circumstances sometimes exist that allow the IRS to consider an OIC program for the taxpayer. For example, a taxpayer must demonstrate that collection of the tax would create an economic hardship or would be unfair and inequitable.
5. Very few offers were accepted in the past, because the standards were almost impossible to meet before a tax debt was legally compromised. Recent tax legislation has given new hope to taxpayers who were previously disqualified.
6. In the past the IRS really did not want to encourage OIC's. Prior to 1992 the IRS has been reluctant to settle tax liabilities, but with mounting uncollected taxes, the IRS has decided to go easy on the growing number of cases it sees.
7. Today, the OIC program is one of the best tax resolution tools available to taxpayers. The IRS will accept an OIC when it looks unlikely that the taxes will be collected; but before that happens a good tax person must know and carefully navigate virtually every key regulation involved.
8. After all taxpayer avenues are explored and different available payment options are reviewed, the IRS makes a "business" decision: they want to collect a partial payment rather than nothing at all. The IRS is thinking, "Is there is doubt that the taxpayer will ever pay the full amount of tax owed?"
9. An OIC amount "offered" by the IRS is the amount that they feel that they can reasonably expect to collect after reviewing-- and exhausting--the taxpayer's ability to pay. The IRS weighs the doubt as to liability and doubt as to whether the tax assessed is correct.
10. Beware of advertisements they claim to settle tax debts for "pennies on the dollar", allowing taxpayers to settle their taxes for less, or often much less than you owe (or what the government claims you owe). The IRS resolves less than one percent of all balance due accounts through an OIC agreement.
Kirt Durst
Dedicated to offering news, articles, and instruction on tax. You have a definite choice in organizing your financial affairs. Visit http://www.aidtax.com for more information.
According to the IRS, taxpayers underpay their taxes by some... Read More
In the rush to get tax returns prepared and filed... Read More
Most people trying to make a crust online (or offline... Read More
Taxpayers have two easy and convenient options for getting copies... Read More
Recently, I stumbled across a concept that could change your... Read More
As a small business owner, it's wise to familiarize yourself... Read More
The end of tax filing extensions is quickly approaching. What... Read More
We all love to criticize the IRS, don't we? And... Read More
Self-assessment relies on taxpayers voluntarily meeting their tax obligations. This... Read More
OverviewIn the Pre-Budget Report of December 2003 the Chancellor Gordon... Read More
Many small businesses complain when confronted with the expense of... Read More
Statistics for IndividualsUnfortunately, the IRS increased its rate of auditing... Read More
As your business grows, you are going to need help.... Read More
Background issues of access to recordsTo assess the records at... Read More
As a small business owner or self-employed person, one of... Read More
In a past article I relayed the plight of the... Read More
Marketing is a necessary expense in running practically any business... Read More
One way to maximize your business profits is by reducing... Read More
With gas prices at an all time high before Hurricane... Read More
The 100 year old investment-banking firm of... Read More
Donating your used car to charity is a win-win situation;... Read More
Assume a buyer in Pakistan downloads software from the Internet... Read More
For many business owners the answer to this quandary is... Read More
QUESTION: I have been contacted by my local city... Read More
The electronic transaction ordinance defines the certificated copies in which... Read More
cleaning lady near Deerfield ..As a sole proprietor, it's wise to familiarize yourself with... Read More
"What we've got here is a failure to communicate." ... Read More
While there are many equally valid reasons to incorporate, saving... Read More
One way to maximize your business profits is by reducing... Read More
If you are a Small Business Owner or Self-Employed Person,... Read More
Own residential rental properties? This article discusses how income from... Read More
Donating your used car to charity is a win-win situation;... Read More
We need real tax reform and we need it now.... Read More
Six Urban Myths ? Taxation"I am proud to be paying... Read More
Most people look forward to getting their tax return, but... Read More
In the largest criminal tax case ever filed, KMPG has... Read More
To tax or not to tax - this question could... Read More
Recently, I stumbled across a concept that could change your... Read More
So, you were pleasantly surprised to learn that you are... Read More
In elementary school, kids come up with creative excuses why... Read More
If you paid someone to care for a child so... Read More
Assume a buyer in Pakistan downloads software from the Internet... Read More
Your days as an entrepreneur and businessperson are consumed with... Read More
1812The first attempt to impose an income tax on America... Read More
Many taxpayers are confused about how long they should keep... Read More
Most people trying to make a crust online (or offline... Read More
IRS Tax forms can be confusing.Am I a 1099 or... Read More
The IRS has obtained civil injunctions against more than 100... Read More
Millions of people file tax return extensions every year. The... Read More
"Settle for Pennies on the Dollar! IRS debts settled for... Read More
Tax |