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Glossary/Offer in compromise

What is Offer in compromise?

In short

An offer in compromise is an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service to settle a tax debt for less than the full amount, based on doubt as to collectibility, doubt as to liability or effective tax administration.

Key takeaways

  • It is submitted on Form 656 with an application fee and an initial payment, unless the taxpayer qualifies as low income.
  • The taxpayer must have filed all required returns and be current on estimated payments.
  • Once accepted, the taxpayer must stay compliant for 5 years or the agreement can be cancelled.

Where it's tested

REG: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Procedures & Appeals — study notes, a five-minute revision sheet and practice questions.

Practise: 3 questions

Question 1 of 3 · 0 answered

A taxpayer wishes to dispute a proposed deficiency without first paying the disputed amount. Which court must the taxpayer use?

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