Offer in compromise

How to Settle IRS Debt

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An offer in compromise (OIC) is an agreement between a taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service that settles a taxpayer’s tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed. However, few taxpayers are good candidates for offer in compromise. To learn why, read on. Step 1: Determine if you are Current on your Tax Obligations … Read more

The Five Biggest Mistakes Made When Filing an Offer-in-Compromise!

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The Internal Revenue Service’s (“IRS”) Offer-in-Compromise program continues to be one of the most popular programs with both practitioners and taxpayers when they are considering a way to resolve their back tax issue.  Yet, only 42% of Offers filed by taxpayers are ultimately accepted.  Why are less than half of the Offers filed being accepted? Read more about common offer in compromise mistakes.

Mistake #1: Not Checking the Statute of Limitations

There is a ten-year collection statute.  What this means is the IRS has ten years from the date it assesses the tax liability to collect that tax.  Easy enough.  However, taxpayers often do things that may toll or freeze the statute, preventing it from running.  These actions include anything that prevents the IRS from taking collection action, including:

  • Filing an Offer-in-Compromise
  • Filing bankruptcy
  • Filing a request for an installment agreement (payment plan)

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IRS Offer-in-Compromise vs. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

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A common misconception is that you cannot discharge federal tax debt in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In fact you can both discharge some of your tax debts under Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, as well as settle your debts with an Offer in Compromise.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Tax debt is dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy if they meet specific requirements under the Bankruptcy Code. These requirements are often called the 3-year, 2-year, and 240-day rules.

  1. The 3-year rule. The return was due at least three years ago before you file for bankruptcy. For example, Bob’s 2010 return was due on April 15, 2011. The earliest he can file for bankruptcy for his 2010 tax debt is April 15, 2014. Note that a tax return extension will also extend the 3-year rule.
  2. The 2-year rule. The return must be filed at least two years before the bankruptcy filing. For example, Bob’s 2010 return was due on April 15, 2011, but didn’t actually file his tax return until October 31, 2011. The earliest he can file for bankruptcy for his 2010 tax debt is October 31, 2013.
  3. The taxes were assessed at least 240 days ago. For most taxpayers, the taxes are considered assessed as of the date the return was filed. However, if you file an amended return or are audited and owe additional taxes, then the 240 days on the additional tax begins to run when the additional taxes are assessed.

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