Offer In Compromise Streamlined to Aid Troubled TaxPayers
Over the years as I have been representing clients who have IRS problems, the IRS has been strict in its official requirements for accepting an Offer in Compromise (OIC). However, over the past year, with the downturn in the economy, the IRS has relaxed its unofficial position on its requirements for accepting an OIC, as well as other tax debt settlement options. Therefore, I have seen more taxpayer clients who have been able to qualify for an Offer in Compromise.
Generally speaking, an Offer in Compromise is where the IRS accepts less money than the taxpayer owes to settle their outstanding liability with the IRS. The IRS will only accept an OIC when all other tax collection alternatives have been exhausted. Other IRS tax collection alternatives may be a short extension of time to pay, an installment agreement (making monthly payments until the debt is paid in full), full payment of the debt or hardship status. Hardship status is where the taxpayer is unable to pay anything against their tax liability at the present time. It is usually a temporary solution due to unemployment or illness. Finally,... ...read full post
