The Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 has ushered in new rules for settling tax debts with the IRS. Here is the scoop on the compromise procedures.
New Procedure for Settling Tax Debts with the IRS
If you owe the federal government back taxes, there are two approaches you can take to resolve the issue. The first is to file an installment agreement wherein you agree to pay off the debt by making monthly payments. The second is to try to settle the bill with a one time payment, which is often relatively low given your position you will not reasonably have the money to pay back the total bill. This rules and procedures related to this second approach have changed dramatically.
The settlement process, often called an offer in compromise, underwent a massive change with the passage of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005. Starting July 16, 2006, the new rules go into affect and they are a bear. The biggest issue is you now must pay 20 percent of your offer amount to even have the settlement offer considered!
The procedure now works as follows. To file an offer in compromise, you must prepare and file Form 656....