Washington, DC tax counsel · Nationwide IRS representation

Washington, DC IRS offer in compromise.

The firm has an office at 1629 K Street NW, Suite 300 in Washington, DC and represents individuals and closely held businesses in IRS collection matters nationwide, including offers in compromise.

Each matter begins with the assessed balance, filing compliance, and the collection notice already in hand.

An offer settles a tax debt for less than the full amount.

The IRS describes an offer in compromise as a way to settle a tax debt for less than the full amount owed if the taxpayer qualifies. Eligibility depends on the account, required filings, and the IRS collection analysis. Most payment plans and relief options require that required tax returns are filed.

An offer is not a payment plan. An installment agreement pays the liability over time. A temporary delay of collection and penalty relief are separate paths. The IRS may accept, return, or reject an offer. This page does not quote a settlement amount or predict a result.

Official source: IRS Offer in compromise
Official source: Get help with tax debt
Official source: Payment plans

The work

How the firm approaches an offer in compromise.

  1. Read the collection notice

    Identify the tax years, the assessed balance, and whether required returns are filed. Most collection alternatives require current filing compliance.

  2. Reconcile the liability

    Compare the IRS balance with filed returns, payments, credits, and any open examination or appeal before asking the IRS to compromise the debt.

  3. Gather the financial record

    An offer is evaluated against the IRS collection analysis. The forms and supporting records the IRS currently requires control what must be submitted.

  4. File only if the program fits

    The IRS may accept, return, or reject an offer. This page does not determine whether an offer is available in a particular matter.

Collection alternatives sit beside an offer.

A Collection Due Process hearing can consider collection alternatives, including an installment agreement or an offer in compromise, when the notice offers that hearing. Read IRS collections and IRS levy when the paper is a levy notice.

If years remain unfiled, start with unfiled tax returns. If the balance still depends on an examination, start with IRS audit defense.

Official source: Collection Due Process FAQs
Official source: IRS Publication 594

Questions

Common questions.

  • What is an IRS offer in compromise?

    The IRS describes an offer in compromise as a way to settle a tax debt for less than the full amount owed if the taxpayer qualifies. Law Office of Alexander Powell, PLLC has an office at 1629 K Street NW, Suite 300 in Washington, DC and represents individuals and closely held businesses in IRS collection matters nationwide, including offers in compromise. This page does not quote a settlement amount or predict a result.

  • Does an offer in compromise require filed tax returns?

    Most payment plans and relief options require that required tax returns are filed. Eligibility depends on the account, required filings, and the IRS collection analysis. If years remain unfiled, start with the unfiled tax returns page.

  • Is an offer in compromise the same as an installment agreement?

    An offer is not a payment plan. An installment agreement pays the liability over time. A temporary delay of collection and penalty relief are separate paths. The IRS may accept, return, or reject an offer.

  • What happens after an offer is filed?

    The IRS may return an incomplete offer, request more information, accept the offer, or reject it. A rejection letter states any appeal opportunity and the date that letter prints. Read that letter. Do not use this page to calculate an appeal deadline.

  • Can a Collection Due Process hearing consider an offer in compromise?

    A Collection Due Process hearing can consider collection alternatives, including an installment agreement or an offer in compromise, when the notice offers that hearing. Read the levy notice and the collections page when the paper is a levy or unpaid-balance letter.

What may follow an offer.

The IRS may return an incomplete offer, request more information, accept the offer, or reject it. A rejection letter states any appeal opportunity and the date that letter prints. Read that letter. Do not use this page to calculate an appeal deadline.

A simple first step

Start with what you know.

Tell me the balance shown on the IRS notice and whether required returns are filed. Send only a high-level summary. Documents can be reviewed later, if needed.

Start here