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The ultimate goal
of an offer-in-compromise is a settlement that is in both the
Government's and the taxpayer's best interest. The IRS will accept
an offer-in-compromise to settle unpaid accounts for less than the
amount owed when doubt exists as to whether you owe the liability,
or when there is doubt that the liability can be collected in full
and the amount you offer reasonably reflects collection potential.
This may be an alternative for resolving your tax delinquency.
If the basis of an offer is doubt that you owe
the liability, for example, a disputed assessment, you must
provide a written statement of supporting evidence. The Service
cannot accept a compromise where the liability has already been
decided by a court.
The amount of the offer should at least equal
or exceed your equity in all assets. When reviewing an offer, the
IRS considers four factors:
The amount collectible from your assets,
The amount collectible from present and
future income,
The amount that can be collectible from 3rd
parties, for example, Trust Fund Recovery penalty and
transferee; and
Sources of funds that are available to you
but not subject to the Service's collection action.
It is your responsibility to show how
acceptance of the offer would be in the best interest of the
Government.
Generally, the IRS will not accept an offer
unless it is clear that you have complied with all current filing
and paying requirements. The acceptance of an offer creates a
"fresh start." Therefore, the terms of the offer require future
compliance with all tax filing and all paying requirements for a
period of 5 years. If you do not abide by all the terms of the
offer, including the compliance requirement, the IRS may reinstate
the entire tax liability.
To submit an offer-in-compromise you must
complete Form 656; complete instructions are provided on
the form. Also, you must submit Form 433-A Collection
Information Statement for Individuals, or Form 433-B
Collection Information Statement for Businesses, if
the basis of the offer is in doubt that the liability can be
collected in full. These forms provide a statement of your income,
expenses, assets, and liabilities.
Form
656 Offer in Compromise (Includes Form 433-A and Form
433-B)
Form 656 Offer
in Compromise (Can be filled out on-line and printed)
To represent you please download
Form 2848 which is a
"Power of Attorney" that allows us to represent you in submitting
an Offer In Compromise. This is an on-line form you can fill out,
then print and sign then send to us.
If you have any trouble downloading, call us at 714-850-1680 &
request Form 656 Offer in Compromise package.
It is important to mail the 2004 Form 656 and
attachments and Form 2848 to:
LK & Associates
3000 W Macarthur Blvd., Ste 330,
Santa Ana, CA 92704
After the forms are received, you will be
consulted to make sure that the Offer does not include any amount
more than necessary to justify abatement of your tax liability.
Only send in the originals with your
original signatures. Do Not fax any forms to our office unless
instructed otherwise.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Do not overlook the fact that your tax liability can be eliminated
100% in three ways:
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Doubt as to Collectibility - Doubt exists
that you could ever pay the full amount of tax owed.
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Doubt as to Liability - Doubt exists that
the assessed tax is correct.
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Effective Tax Administration - There is
no doubt the tax is correct and no doubt the amount owed could
be collected, but an "exceptional circumstance" exists that
allows the IRS to consider the offer. To be eligible for a
compromise on this basis, you must demonstrate that collection
of the tax would create an "economic hardship" or would be
"unfair and inequitable.
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Effective Tax Administration is based
upon a "hardship" concept and is illustrated in some very
complex Treasury tax regulations. Do not trust the
interpretation of these difficult regulations to an accountant
or enrolled agent. A tax attorney representative is essential
because basis for abatement of all tax under this provision
requires an understanding of the new tax policy, the intent of
Congress, the Committee Reports to the IRS Tax Reform and
Restructuring Act of 1998, as well as the very complex tax
regulations. The tax policy must be aggressively presented to
the IRS OIC Specialist because the law is new and it is
necessary to educate the OIC Specialist on the correct
interpretation of the new Treasury regulations.
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