how much does a tax attorney charge to do an offer in compromise

by Dillon Stanton PhD 8 min read

The average attorney fees for an offer in compromise fall between $3,500 and $6,500, although using an attorney that charges an hourly rate could result in a higher cost. The IRS’ offer in compromise program allows taxpayers to resolve their back taxes by making an offer that is lower than the total amount owed.

While a tax attorney can assist with preparing and filing an offer in compromise, you don't have to work with an attorney to use this program. The average attorney fees for an offer in compromise fall between $3,500 and $6,500, although using an attorney that charges an hourly rate could result in a higher cost.

Full Answer

How much does an offer in compromise cost?

Dec 09, 2021 · The average attorney fees for an offer in compromise fall between $3,500 and $6,500, although using an attorney that charges an hourly rate could result in a higher cost. The IRS’ offer in compromise program allows taxpayers to resolve their back taxes by making an offer that is lower than the total amount owed.

Can a tax professional help me file an offer in compromise?

Mar 19, 2011 · State Offer in Compromise’s are only $695.00 if done at the same time we do the IRS. Please read “Explanation of Fees” below then go to….How Do I Start? Our Service Includes: Your Offer in Compromise signed: “Completed by Nationwide Tax Negotiators” then 21 pages of completed IRS forms are mailed to you for your review and signatures.

How much does a tax attorney cost?

Jan 16, 2017 · Typical Cost of Hiring a Tax Attorney. Here’s a very simple breakdown of the average prices that tax attorneys charge for common tax services (whether hourly or as a flat fee): Installment Agreement: $750 – $1,500; Offer in Compromise: $3,500 – $6,500; Penalty Abatement: $1,000 – $2,500; IRS Audit (simple): $2,000 – $3,500

How much will the IRS take from my tax offer?

Your tax attorney would work with you and the IRS to resolve issues that may require additional legal support. Types of Tax Attorney Fees: Installment Agreement - $750 to $1500 Offer In Compromise (OIC) - $3,500 to $6,000+ First-time Penalty Abatement (FTA) - $1,000 to $2,500 IRS Audit (simple) - $2,000 to $3,000+

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How much does an offer in compromise cost?

Submitting an offer to the IRS is a formal process -- you can't simply call the IRS and say "Let's make a deal." You start by completing IRS Form 656, Offer in Compromise. There is a $186 application fee for filing an OIC, which you must attach to Form 656.

Are tax attorneys expensive?

How much a tax attorney costs. In general, legal work isn't cheap. According to a survey by Martindale-Avvo, a legal marketing and directories firm, tax attorneys charge $295 to $390 per hour on average. The attorney's length of experience can move the figure lower or higher.Jun 23, 2021

How hard is it to get an offer in compromise with the IRS?

But statistically, the odds of getting an IRS offer in compromise are pretty low. In fact, the IRS rejected 67% of all applications for offers in compromise in 2019. It's not impossible, though.Dec 22, 2020

How long does it take to get an offer in compromise?

In most cases, the IRS takes about six months to decide whether to accept or reject your offer in compromise. However, if you have to dispute or appeal their decision, the process can take much longer. There are cases when the IRS won't even look at your offer in compromise.Jul 2, 2020

How much does a tax advocate Cost?

The service is free, confidential, tailored to meet your needs, and is available for businesses as well as individuals. There is at least one Local Taxpayer Advocate in each state, as well as in Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.Oct 12, 2021

What does a tax lawyer do?

Tax lawyers advise clients regarding the settlement of disputes, including the appropriateness or otherwise of alternative dispute resolution and litigation. Experienced tax lawyers will comment on draft fiscal legislation and make representations to the authorities regarding changes to tax law.

How much will the IRS usually settle for?

Each year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) approves countless Offers in Compromise with taxpayers regarding their past-due tax payments. Basically, the IRS decreases the tax obligation debt owed by a taxpayer in exchange for a lump-sum settlement. The average Offer in Compromise the IRS approved in 2020 was $16,176.Dec 6, 2021

What is the minimum payment the IRS will accept?

Your minimum payment will be your balance due divided by 72, as with balances between $10,000 and $25,000.Oct 16, 2021

Can I negotiate with the IRS myself?

If you can't pay the taxes you owe the government, you have only two options: negotiate a payment plan or ask the IRS to allow you to pay a reduced amount through an offer in compromise (OIC).Apr 15, 2014

Does an IRS offer in compromise hurt your credit?

An OIC can be as advertised – a fresh start from your IRS debt. No more looking over your shoulder with fear of an IRS seizure of your wages or bank accounts. Improved credit score – after an offer in compromise is complete, the IRS will release all tax liens filed against you.Feb 20, 2016

What is an appropriate offer in compromise with IRS?

An offer in compromise (with doubt as to collectability) to the IRS should be equal to, or greater than what the IRS calculates as the taxpayer's reasonable collection potential. ... The key to a good offer in compromise, then, is knowing how the IRS calculates what you can afford to pay.Feb 8, 2021

How do you get an offer in compromise approved?

When it comes to specific eligibility requirements, the taxpayer must:Have filed all tax returns;Have received a bill for at least one tax debt included on their offer;Make all required estimated tax payments for the current year; and.More items...•Nov 5, 2019

Do tax attorneys charge by the hour?

Generally, tax attorneys charge by the hour unless the case is very routine or simple . Feel free to request a flat fee, but the attorney might not be willing to take the risk of having to perform extra work if something unexpected happens in your case.

Can't afford a tax attorney?

If you can’t afford a tax attorney, you have the option of handling your tax matter by yourself. Although that might sound intimidating, there are plenty of resources available that will help you learn how to solve your tax problem yourself.

What happens when you get audited by IRS?

When you receive an IRS audit, your organization's or individual's accounts and financial information is under a review and examination. The IRS needs to ensure the information reported is correct and that you are following all tax laws. In addition, the IRS needs to verify the reported amount of tax is correct.

How much does a tax attorney charge?

Although each tax attorney will charge their own hourly rate, you can expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $400 per hour. However, if you hire an attorney from a large firm, located ...

Do you have to file taxes prior to the tax year?

You didn’t previously have to file a return or you have no penalties for the 3 tax years prior to the tax year in which you received a penalty. You filed all currently required returns or filed an extension of time to file. You have paid, or arranged to pay, any tax due.

What is flat fee?

Flat -- In other cases, you'll be offered a flat rate. This one-time fee will cover the services you require regardless of how much time the attorney spends working on your case. Generally, this option is offered when a case is fairly simple or routine.

How much does an IRS installment agreement cost?

Installment agreements typically cost $750 to $1500 to file ...

How to find a good tax attorney?

Once you decide that you need to hire a tax attorney, you may have concerns about how to find a reputable one. Here are some tips for finding a tax attorney with a good reputation and track record: 1 Ask family or friends for referrals. If someone you know has good success with a tax attorney, there is a good chance that you will also have good results. 2 Ask professionals in related fields like CPAs or tax preparers for a referral. 3 Confirm that the tax attorney you choose has the proper credentials and license to practice in your state. 4 Look for tax attorneys who work with tax relief firms that have a license by the IRS to train tax professionals. 5 Find an attorney that in specializes in tax law.

Why do you need a tax attorney?

Here are some common reasons to hire an attorney: You are being audited. You need to negotiate a settlement with the IRS. You receive a notice from the IRS about a tax issue that you do not understand.

What is IRS Fresh Start?

The IRS Fresh Start Program offers alternative payment and settlement options for taxpayers who are unable to pay their tax debt on time. One of the possible alternatives is an offer in compromise. An offer in compromise enables you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. The IRS does not accept an offer in compromise unless they believe it to be unlikely that you will be able to pay your tax debt in full.

Can an attorney negotiate a settlement?

The attorney can also help negotiate a settlement if necessary. Sometimes just having a tax attorney with you makes it easier for you to handle the stress of an audit. Tax attorneys handle audits and negotiations with the IRS all the time. So, the negotiation process is not stressful to them.

What happens if the IRS charges you for tax fraud?

These types of criminal charges carry serious penalties. They can even lead to your incarceration. In 2015, the IRS prosecuted 3,853 taxpayers and 81% of them received prison sentences.

Can the IRS accept an offer in compromise?

The IRS does not accept an offer in compromise unless they believe it to be unlikely that you will be able to pay your tax debt in full. A tax attorney can help you determine if you will qualify for an offer in compromise. Then, the attorney can craft the offer and present it to the IRS on your behalf.

What is flat fee tax?

Some tax attorneys charge a flat fee, which is a single flat cost for a particular service. The advantage of a flat fee is that you will know upfront how much your bill will be. The potential disadvantage of a flat fee is that some attorneys set that fee at the upper end of the rate scale.

What is an IRS offer in compromise?

TYPES OF IRS OFFER IN COMPROMISE. The IRS may accept an “Offer” in compromise of a tax debt based on three main grounds: Doubt as to Collectability – A reasonable doubt exists that the taxpayer can ever pay the full amount of liability owed within the remainder of the statutory collection period.

What is an exceptional circumstance?

Exceptional Circumstances (a/k/a Effective Tax Administration) – When there is no doubt that the tax amount owed is correct, and there is potential to collect the full amount of the tax owed, but an exceptional circumstance exists that would allow the IRS to consider an Offer In Compromise.

What is an OIC for the IRS?

When taxpayers cannot pay their tax bill with their assets and monthly income, they may qualify for the IRS’s Offer in Compromise (OIC) program. The OIC for “Doubt as to Collectibility” allows taxpayers who are unlikely to be able to pay the IRS before the collection statute expires to settle their tax bill for less than the full amount.

How long does it take to pay a lump sum offer?

A taxpayer can either choose to pay the offer amount through a lump sum cash offer, an offer payable in 5 or fewer installments within 5 months after the offer is accepted, or through a periodic payment offer, an offer payable in 6 or more monthly installments over 24 months.

Can the IRS accept OIC?

The IRS can also accept an OIC if there is doubt as to liability or based on effective tax administration when paying the liability in full would create an economic hardship or there are exceptional circumstances that would make paying in full unfair and inequitable .

What is an OIC offer?

The “offer amount” in an OIC is the amount the IRS will reasonably collect from the taxpayer before the statute to collect expires. This is their “Reasonable Collection Potential” (RCP). RCP is a formula of how much the IRS will accept to settle a tax lability. RCP is equal to the taxpayer’s “net realizable equity” (NRE) in their assets, ...

How long does it take to get an OIC?

Most OICs are taking between 7-12 months, which means the taxpayer can send 7-12 months of payments to the IRS while the OIC is being considered.

What is an offer in compromise?

An offer in compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. It may be a legitimate option if you can't pay your full tax liability, or doing so creates a financial hardship. We consider your unique set of facts and circumstances: Asset equity.

What happens if you accept a tax offer?

You must meet all the Offer Terms listed in Section 7 of Form 656, including filing all required tax returns and making all payments; Any refunds due within the calendar year in which your offer is accepted will be applied to your tax debt;

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