The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) in the US modified the forms and instructions for their Offer-in-Compromise (OIC) program in July of 2006 to complement the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act. The new policy requires applicants of OIC to promptly start making payments on their proposed offer.
Things You Need to Know
Filing an OIC is one of the five strategies to swim out of the sea of debt.
The OIC program is the only method to settle tax debt for an amount less than what you essentially owe. However, this program has been misconstrued by many consumers and at times abused by dishonest and unscrupulous tax preparation services.
On 16th of July 2006, all OIC applicants are required start making payments on their proposed settlements. They can choose from the three payment choices; lump sum payment, monthly payments throughout the remaining statute of limitations, or payments on a monthly basis over 24 months (2 years) or less. Under this new law, all applicants are also necessitated to provide 20% down payment if they prefer lump sum payment plan, or should start making payments monthly if they go for one of the two monthly payment alternatives.
In addition, the Internal Revenue Service started to go after obnoxious tax preparers who send offers that do not convene with the IRS eligibility qualifications and requirements.
IRS Forms
The IRS made it almost effortless to prepare and submit an offer by stipulating instructions that are easier to read, understand, and follow.
To settle IRS debt conveniently, you can procure all the forms for Offer in Compromise settlement as well as the instructions in a booklet through the IRS website, known as Form 656-B in PDF format, composed of 46 pages. If it is more expedient on your part, you can contact the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-3676 and request them to mail you the booklet, or you can drop by in your local IRS taxpayer assistance center to pick it up.
Note that the IRS charges $150 as user fee to process your OIC. You need to recompense this fee whether you work with a tax professional or you arrange the offer yourself.
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