Navigating tax debts can be overwhelming, but an offer in compromise provides a potential solution for taxpayers struggling with unmanageable tax liabilities. This legal option allows individuals to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed, offering a fresh financial start. Understanding the process and requirements is essential to make informed decisions and pursue the best possible outcome.
At Cardis Law Group, we are committed to helping Picture Rocks residents explore tax resolution options, including offers in compromise. Our approach focuses on personalized attention and clear communication to guide clients through every step of the process. Whether dealing with unpaid taxes or unfiled tax returns, we strive to achieve favorable settlements that align with your financial situation.
An offer in compromise provides a valuable opportunity for taxpayers who cannot pay their full tax debts to resolve their liabilities in a manageable way. This service can reduce financial stress by potentially lowering the amount owed and halting collection actions. It also helps avoid more severe consequences such as wage garnishments or liens. Understanding your eligibility and the benefits can empower you to take proactive steps toward financial relief.
Cardis Law Group serves the Picture Rocks community with a broad range of legal services, including tax resolution and offer in compromise assistance. Our team is dedicated to providing thorough guidance and support tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. We prioritize transparency, responsiveness, and practical solutions to help you navigate complex legal matters confidently.
An offer in compromise is a formal agreement with the IRS to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed. This process requires submitting detailed financial information and demonstrating that paying the full amount would create a financial hardship. The IRS carefully reviews each case to determine if the offer reflects the reasonable collection potential, ensuring fairness while providing relief to qualifying taxpayers.
Successfully navigating the offer in compromise process involves careful preparation and understanding of IRS requirements. It is important to provide accurate documentation and meet all submission deadlines to improve the chances of acceptance. Additionally, ongoing communication with the IRS and timely responses to any inquiries are critical to moving the process forward efficiently.
An offer in compromise is a tax resolution option designed for taxpayers unable to pay their full tax liabilities due to financial constraints. It allows the taxpayer to propose a settlement amount that the IRS will accept as full payment, provided it reflects the taxpayer’s ability to pay. This arrangement can help resolve tax debts while avoiding more aggressive collection measures.
The process involves assessing your financial situation, completing the necessary IRS forms, and submitting a detailed offer package. After submission, the IRS evaluates your case to decide whether to accept, reject, or request additional information. If accepted, you will agree to the payment terms outlined in the compromise. Throughout this process, staying organized and responsive is essential for a successful resolution.
Familiarizing yourself with common terms related to offers in compromise can help you better understand the process and communicate effectively with your legal team or the IRS. Below are explanations of key terminology used in tax resolution.
Reasonable Collection Potential (RCP) is the amount the IRS estimates it can collect from a taxpayer through enforced collection or voluntary payments. The offer in compromise amount must generally be equal to or greater than the RCP for the IRS to consider acceptance.
A tax lien is a legal claim the government places on a taxpayer’s property due to unpaid tax debts. It secures the government’s interest in the property until the tax debt is resolved, potentially affecting credit and property transactions.
An installment agreement is a payment plan arrangement with the IRS allowing taxpayers to pay outstanding tax debts over time in monthly installments rather than a lump sum payment.
Financial hardship refers to a situation where paying the full tax debt would cause significant difficulty, such as inability to cover basic living expenses. This condition may be a factor in qualifying for an offer in compromise.
Taxpayers facing tax debt have multiple resolution options including offers in compromise, installment agreements, and currently not collectible status. Each option has distinct eligibility requirements and implications. Understanding the differences allows you to select the approach that best fits your financial condition and goals.
If your tax debt is manageable or your financial difficulties are expected to be short-term, a limited approach such as an installment agreement might be sufficient. This allows you to pay off your debt over time without pursuing more complex solutions.
When you anticipate improving your financial situation and can eventually pay your full tax debt, limited options provide a structured path without the need for negotiating reduced settlements.
For taxpayers with substantial tax debts and ongoing financial hardship, a comprehensive offer in compromise can provide meaningful relief by reducing the amount owed and preventing aggressive collection efforts.
Complex financial scenarios involving assets, income, and liabilities require thorough evaluation to develop an effective tax resolution strategy, making comprehensive legal service beneficial.
A comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of your financial situation are considered, maximizing the likelihood of a favorable settlement. It provides a structured process to address tax debts while minimizing stress and uncertainty.
This method also helps prevent future tax problems by ensuring compliance and addressing underlying issues. It offers peace of mind knowing that your case is managed professionally from start to finish.
Each tax situation is unique, and a comprehensive approach allows for a tailored evaluation that considers your specific financial details, improving the chances of acceptance by the IRS.
You receive continuous guidance and assistance throughout the offer in compromise process, including preparing documentation, communicating with the IRS, and addressing any complications that arise.


Gather and maintain all relevant financial records, including income statements, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Having complete documentation ready will streamline the offer preparation and submission process.
Timely responses to any IRS requests or notices help keep your offer in compromise process moving forward without delays or complications.
If you are unable to pay your full tax debt and want to avoid ongoing collection actions, an offer in compromise can provide a practical solution. It reduces your tax liability to an amount you can realistically pay, helping you regain financial stability.
This service is especially beneficial for individuals facing financial hardships, unexpected expenses, or changing life circumstances that limit their ability to meet tax obligations in full.
Many taxpayers turn to offers in compromise when dealing with large tax debts, job loss, medical emergencies, or other financial setbacks that reduce their ability to pay. These circumstances often require tailored solutions to resolve tax issues effectively.
Owing substantial amounts in back taxes that cannot be reasonably paid off in a lump sum or through installments is a common reason for seeking an offer in compromise.
Sudden financial challenges such as job loss or medical bills can diminish your ability to meet tax obligations, making a negotiated settlement a viable option.
Having a complicated financial profile with various assets, liabilities, and income sources may require professional assistance to determine the best tax resolution strategy.

We focus on clear communication and practical solutions tailored to your unique financial situation. Our goal is to help you obtain the best possible outcome with professionalism and care.
Our team stays current with tax laws and IRS procedures to guide you effectively through the offer in compromise process and improve your chances of success.
We understand the stress tax debt can cause and work diligently to provide responsive support, answering your questions and addressing concerns promptly throughout your case.
Our process begins with a thorough review of your financial situation followed by careful preparation of your offer package. We then submit the offer to the IRS and maintain communication during the evaluation period to address any issues or requests. Our team supports you every step of the way toward a resolution.
We start by discussing your tax challenges and gathering detailed financial information to assess your eligibility for an offer in compromise.
A comprehensive evaluation of your tax liabilities, income, expenses, assets, and liabilities helps us determine the appropriate strategy.
Based on the financial assessment, we advise whether pursuing an offer in compromise is suitable or if alternative solutions should be considered.
We prepare all necessary IRS forms and supporting documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness before submitting your offer in compromise.
We carefully complete the official IRS forms required for the offer in compromise, including detailed financial disclosures.
Upon submission, we confirm receipt with the IRS and monitor the status of your offer to address any follow-up requests promptly.
The IRS reviews your offer in compromise, which may include requests for additional information or negotiations. We represent your interests throughout this phase until a final decision is reached.
We handle any questions or documentation requests from the IRS to keep the process moving smoothly and enhance the likelihood of acceptance.
Once the IRS accepts the offer, we assist with fulfilling payment terms and ensuring compliance with all agreement conditions.
An offer in compromise is a settlement option that allows taxpayers to pay less than the full amount of their tax debt if they meet certain criteria. It works by submitting an offer to the IRS that reflects your ability to pay based on your financial situation. The IRS then reviews the offer and decides whether to accept it. If accepted, you agree to pay the offered amount under the terms set by the IRS, resolving your tax debt in a manageable way.This option is designed for taxpayers who cannot pay their full tax liability or doing so would create significant financial hardship. Proper preparation and documentation are essential to improve the chances of acceptance.
Qualification for an offer in compromise depends on your ability to pay, income, expenses, and asset equity. The IRS evaluates whether the offer reflects the reasonable collection potential, which is the amount they believe they can collect from you through enforced or voluntary means.Taxpayers experiencing financial hardship, those with limited income and assets, or situations where paying the full tax debt would cause undue hardship may qualify. Each case is reviewed individually to ensure fairness.
The processing time for an offer in compromise can vary but typically takes several months. It depends on the complexity of your financial situation, the accuracy of your submission, and the IRS workload.During this period, the IRS may request additional information or clarification. Staying responsive and organized can help reduce delays and facilitate a timely resolution.
While it is possible to submit an offer in compromise independently, the process involves detailed financial disclosures and adherence to strict IRS requirements. Mistakes or omissions can result in rejection or delays.Having knowledgeable guidance ensures that your offer is properly prepared and increases the likelihood of acceptance, while also helping you understand your rights and obligations throughout the process.
If your offer in compromise is rejected, you will receive a notice explaining the reasons for denial. At that point, you may consider appealing the decision or exploring alternative tax resolution options such as installment agreements.It is important to review the details carefully and seek professional assistance to determine the next best steps to address your tax debt effectively.
Yes, the IRS requires a non-refundable application fee when submitting an offer in compromise unless you qualify for a low-income exception. Additionally, a payment toward the offer amount is typically required with the submission.Professional fees for legal or tax services may also apply if you choose to seek assistance. Understanding all costs upfront helps in planning your financial approach to resolving tax debts.
Submitting an offer in compromise generally halts most IRS collection activities while your offer is being evaluated. This includes stopping levies and garnishments temporarily.However, if your offer is rejected or withdrawn, collection actions may resume. It is important to continue communication with the IRS and comply with any requests to maintain protections during the process.
After acceptance, you must adhere to all payment terms and file all required tax returns on time. Failure to comply can result in defaulting on the agreement, which may reinstate the original tax liability.Maintaining good standing with the IRS post-agreement is critical to preserving the benefits of the offer in compromise and avoiding future tax problems.
Offers in compromise can be applied to various federal tax debts, including income taxes, payroll taxes, and certain penalties. However, not all tax debts are eligible, and some types may have additional restrictions.Reviewing your specific tax situation is necessary to determine if an offer in compromise is appropriate or if other resolution options should be considered.
You will need to provide detailed financial information including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. This typically involves submitting IRS forms such as Form 656 and Form 433-A or 433-B, along with supporting documents like bank statements, pay stubs, and tax returns.Providing complete and accurate documentation is essential to support your offer and facilitate the IRS review process.

Cardis Law Group is a dedicated law firm committed to providing exceptional legal counsel and representation. Our team of skilled attorneys serves as powerful negotiators and diligent advocates, working as your proactive partner to guide you through complex legal challenges.
We provide comprehensive legal assistance for both individuals and businesses on a flexible, as-needed basis at competitive rates. With offices in Arizona, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, we specialize in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Tax Resolution, Bankruptcy, and Business Law.
Whether you’re planning for the future, resolving tax issues, or navigating business transactions, Cardis Law Group delivers the expertise and personalized attention you deserve.
"*" indicates required fields