An Offer in Compromise is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS that settles a tax debt for less than the total amount owed; this is a genuine service offered by the IRS. The problem arises when “OIC mills” start promising things they can’t do.
These OIC mills urge people to hire their company to file an OIC application, even though the taxpayer won’t qualify. They often charge significant fees and waste your time and money.
Taxpayers who qualify for an OIC can get the same deal working directly with the IRS without the extra fees. Before hiring a company to file an OIC on your behalf, check the IRS website to see if you pre-qualify for an OIC. There are also resources on the site to help you understand the process.
* This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.
Tip adapted from IRS.gov7
Footnotes and Sources
- IRS.gov, July 7, 2022
