what power of attorney do i need to discuss an offer in compromise with the irs

by Reina Harris 9 min read

The IRS calls Form 2848 the Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative Form. It allows you to authorize a tax specialist to represent you in negotiations with the IRS. Take note that you need to cede authority to a certified tax specialist and not just anybody.

Full Answer

When is a power of attorney not required for the IRS?

Dec 13, 2021 · Certain offer information is available for public review by requesting a copy of a public inspection file. If Your Offer Is Rejected. You may appeal a rejection within 30 days using Request for Appeal of Offer in Compromise, Form 13711 PDF. The IRS Independent Office of Appeals provides additional assistance on appealing your rejected offer.

How to make an offer in compromise with the IRS?

Mar 07, 2019 · Also, if you are authorizing your tax professional to represent you during an IRS Offer In Compromise investigation, then you must also attach any of the following: a. Signed Form 2848 Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative b. Signed Form 8821 Tax Information Authorization

How do I get power of attorney for IRS?

To have your CPA represent you in front of the DRS, you will need to have completed Power of Attorney–Form LGL-001. Interestingly enough, only the taxpayer is required to sign and date the State of Connecticut Power of Attorney. The CPA does not does not have to sign. ACTION ITEM: Taxpayers that are being audited or need other IRS representation should give a Power of …

Does form 2848 give the IRS power of attorney?

September 8, 2014. On Tuesday, the IRS’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) issued a bulletin clarifying when corporate officers or employees must have a valid power of attorney in order to represent the company before the IRS ( OPR Bulletin 2014-12 ). The bulletin also discusses how the existence of a power of attorney may be evidence that the officer or …

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How do I accept an offer in compromise with the IRS?

For the IRS to accept an offer, you must file all tax returns due and be current with estimated tax payments or withholding. If you own a business and have employees, you must file all returns and be current on all your federal tax deposits.Dec 17, 2021

How do you get an offer in compromise approval?

The first step is the submit and request for an Offer of Compromise and fill out the Form 656 to go along with it. This form is what the IRS will use to determine your ability to repay the debt in full or if you should be granted a reduction in the total amount.

How do I make an IRS compromise?

Apply With the New Form 656 If you apply for an offer in compromise April 26 or later, use the April 2021 version of Form 656-B, Offer in Compromise Booklet PDF. An offer in compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe.Dec 13, 2021

How do I negotiate a settlement with the IRS?

But first, there are 12 things you must know to negotiate a favorable IRS tax settlement.Come to Terms with Your Back Taxes. ... Get Organized. ... Know What You Owe. ... Always File Your Return. ... Get Professional Legal Help. ... Pay When You Can. ... Pay Attention to the Expiration of the Statute of Limitations.More items...

What is a reasonable offer in compromise?

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.Feb 8, 2021

Is it hard to get an offer in compromise?

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. Here's how an IRS offer in compromise works, what it takes to qualify and what to know about the program.Dec 22, 2020

Can I do an offer in compromise myself?

Can't I do it myself and save myself money? If you have a very case and you are really good at following rule and procedures, then sure. Otherwise, you will likely find frustration and may set yourself back. The main reason in that an Offer in Compromise is very much like an audit on your income and assets.

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

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

How long does an IRS offer in compromise take?

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.Jun 24, 2021

Does the IRS Offer a Fresh Start program?

If so, the IRS Fresh Start program for individual taxpayers and small businesses can help. The IRS began Fresh Start in 2011 to help struggling taxpayers. Now, to help a greater number of taxpayers, the IRS has expanded the program by adopting more flexible Offer-in-Compromise terms.

What happens after an offer in compromise is accepted?

How much interest am I going to pay if my offer in compromise is accepted? Interest will be added on the tax amount you owe until the offer is accepted. As of the date the offer is accepted no additional interest will be added to your tax debt or accepted offer amount.Sep 28, 2021

Make Sure You Are Eligible

Before we can consider your offer, you must be current with all filing and payment requirements. You are not eligible if you are in an open bankrup...

If Your Offer Is Accepted

1. You must meet all the Offer Terms listed in Section 8 of Form 656, including filing all required tax returns and making all payments; 2. Any ref...

If Your Offer Is Rejected

1. You may appeal a rejection within 30 days using Request for Appeal of Offer in Compromise, Form 13711 (PDF). 2. The online self-help tool may pr...

What is an OIC?

An offer in compromise (OIC) is an agreement between a taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service that settles a taxpayer's tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed. Taxpayers who can fully pay the liabilities through an installment agreement or other means, generally won't qualify for an OIC in most cases. For information concerning tax payment options including installment agreements, refer to Topic No. 202. To qualify for an OIC, the taxpayer must have filed all tax returns, made all required estimated tax payments for the current year, and made all required federal tax deposits for the current quarter if the taxpayer is a business owner with employees.

How long does it take for the IRS to reject an OIC?

Ordinarily, the statutory time within which the IRS may engage in collection activities is suspended during the period that the OIC is pending, for 30 days immediately following the IRS’s rejection of an OIC, and for the period in which a timely appealed rejection is being considered by the IRS Office of Appeals.

Can the IRS accept OIC?

In most cases, the IRS won't accept an OIC unless the amount offered by a taxpayer is equal to or greater than the reasonable collection potential (RCP). The RCP is how the IRS measures the taxpayer's ability to pay. The RCP includes the value that can be realized from the taxpayer's assets, such as real property, automobiles, bank accounts, ...

What is RCP in tax?

The RCP includes the value that can be realized from the taxpayer's assets, such as real property, automobiles, bank accounts, and other property . In addition to property, the RCP also includes anticipated future income less certain amounts allowed for basic living expenses.

How long does it take to appeal an OIC?

The appeal must be made within 30 days from the date of the letter.

Can the IRS accept a compromise?

First, the IRS can accept a compromise if there is doubt as to liability. A compromise meets this criterion only when there's a genuine dispute as to the existence or amount of the correct tax debt under the law. Second, the IRS can accept a compromise if there is doubt that the amount owed is fully collectible.

What is lump sum cash offer?

A "lump sum cash offer" is defined as an offer payable in 5 or fewer installments within 5 or fewer months after the offer is accepted. If a taxpayer submits a lump sum cash offer, the taxpayer must include with the Form 656 a nonrefundable payment equal to 20 percent of the offer amount. This payment is required in addition to the application fee. The 20 percent payment is generally nonrefundable, meaning it won't be returned to the taxpayer even if the offer is rejected or returned to the taxpayer without acceptance. Instead, the 20 percent payment will be applied to the taxpayer's tax liability. The taxpayer has a right to specify the particular tax liability to which the IRS will apply the 20 percent payment.

What is IRS Form 656?

Form 656 IRS Offer In Compromise is a legal agreement that binds you and the government to settle for an amount less than your legal tax obligation. If you do not comply with the IRS Form 656 offer terms, then your application will be rejected. The IRS will then continue to collect the original amount you owe.

How to make a tax payment?

First, briefly explain your source of funds for your payments. Second, create two separate checks for your offer payment and your offer application fees, respectively. Make these checks payable to the United States Treasury . To avoid delay, remember not to send cash along with the other tax payments.

What happens if a power of attorney is not signed?

A Power of Attorney is not just limited to an audit.

Can the IRS audit you?

Unfortunately, the IRS is not the only one that can audit you. You can also be audited by the state tax departments. In Connecticut, this is called the Department of Revenue Services . To have your CPA represent you in front of the DRS, you will need to have completed Power of Attorney–Form LGL-001. Interestingly enough, only the taxpayer is ...

What is a POA?

Tax is such a complex area; even the IRS can make mistakes. Sometimes, there are instances wherein a complex tax issue may need a POA for specialists to help the taxpayer, including: 1 A tax audit. Tax audits take a lot of time and resources, and any unnecessary reply or innocent mistake can lead to more wasted time, making a professional with a POA immensely important to the tax audit preparation. 2 Cases involving worker misclassification. The IRS treats worker misclassification as a high priority, with the IRS imposing very heavy fines and penalties. 3 Any tax appeal since appealing tax debt as incorrect will need professional expertise, as the IRS typically spend a lot of time reviewing an appeal even if the volume of appeal requests grow by the day. Having a professional take the reins can increase the chances of the taxpayer noticing discrepancies. 4 Applying for an Offer In Compromise requires calculating taxes appropriately to the level the IRS will accept, or else the OIC will simply be rejected by the IRS. Knowing how much to offer as well as pointing out a reasonable cause in a persuasive manner may need a trained specialist, and a POA is necessary if a taxpayer wants to employ an advocate. 5 Requesting for a currently not collectible (CNC) status. Due to the IRS receiving thousands of CNC requests every year, having a specialist help and even draft the request for a taxpayer can make a huge difference.

What is a power of attorney?

What is a power of attorney? A legal document that authorizes an individual, called the agent or attorney-in-fact, to act on behalf of the person, called the principal, for any actions or matters regarding a specific area

When is a POA needed?

1.When the IRS Tax Issue or Concern Is Too Complex. Tax is such a complex area; even the IRS can make mistakes. Sometimes, there are instances wherein a complex tax issue may need a POA for specialists to help the taxpayer, including: A tax audit.

Can an OIC be rejected?

Applying for an Offer In Compromise requires calculating taxes appropriately to the level the IRS will accept, or else the OIC will simply be rejected by the IRS.

What is incapacity in the IRS?

Incapacity happens when a taxpayer cannot perform the tasks he or she needs to do. Getting an IRS power of attorney due to this reason can be lengthy as the IRS has to review all paperwork sent by the current POA.

What are some examples of incapacity?

Examples of reasons for incapacity include: Comatose, Dementia, A mental status that affects decision-making, Hospitalization due to a medical status that prevents a taxpayer from signing (like arm surgery), Any other medical condition that prevents a taxpayer from understanding the tax issues.

How to get a power of attorney for IRS?

You may have heard the term "power of attorney" in the context of giving someone the legal right to make medical or financial decisions on your behalf. Using Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, doesn't grant the IRS such broad powers. It only authorizes another individual to deal with the IRS for you. This can include: 1 negotiating a payment plan, 2 signing on your behalf, 3 receiving copies of IRS notices, 4 responding to notices on your behalf, 5 accessing transcripts from your IRS account and 6 appealing a dispute with the IRS.

What is an unenrolled return preparer?

Unenrolled return preparers (only if they prepared the tax return in question) Corporate officers or full-time employees (for business tax matters) Enrolled retirement plan agents (for retirement plan tax matters) Representatives who work in a qualified Low Income Taxpayer Clinic or Student Tax Clinic Program.

What is a power of attorney?

If you have an unresolved tax debt, a power of attorney allows your lawyer to negotiate payment arrangements. You can list up to three representatives on the form. By checking a box under the person's name, you can authorize the IRS to send copies of any confidential tax information to them.

How to revoke a power of attorney?

To revoke an IRS power of attorney, you either file a new form naming someone else as power of attorney or write "REVOKE" across the top of the first page. Then sign and date below the annotation and mail the form to the address listed in the instructions.

What is a power of attorney?

Form 2848, Power of Attorney: A power of attorney is given when the taxpayer authorizes someone in writing to receive their confidential tax information from the IRS and perform certain actions on their behalf in front of the IRS. Some examples include representing the taxpayer at a meeting with the IRS, and preparing and filing a written response to an IRS inquiry. If the authorization is unlimited, the representative can generally perform all acts a taxpayer would perform, except negotiating a check. The authorized individual must be eligible to practice before the IRS.

What is Form 2848?

Form 2848 is used to appoint a recognized representative to act on the taxpayer’s behalf in front of the IRS. Representatives are listed and must complete Part 2 of the form. The IRS will accept a non-IRS power of attorney, but Form 2848 must be completed and attached as well.

How to revoke a power of attorney without naming a new representative?

To revoke a previously executed power of attorney without naming a new representative, the taxpayer must write “REVOKE” across the top of the first page of the Form 2848, along with a current signature and date immediately below the annotation. A copy of the revoked power of attorney is then mailed or faxed to the IRS.

When is a power of attorney terminated?

A power of attorney is generally terminated once the taxpayer becomes incapacitated or incompetent. However, the power of attorney may continue if there is authorization on line 5 of Form 2848 and the non-IRS durable power of attorney meets IRS requirements.

Can a power of attorney sign a tax return?

A power of attorney does not grant the representative the authority to sign a tax return unless the signature is permitted under the tax code and regulations, and the client specifically authorizes providing the signature in the power of attorney.

Where do you write "withdraw" on Form 2848?

For the representative to withdraw, they must write “WITHDRAW” across the top of the first page of the Form 2848 with a current signature and date below the annotation, and provide a copy of the withdrawn power of attorney to the IRS.

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Reasons For The Offer

  • The IRS may accept an OIC based on one of the following reasons: 1. First, the IRS can accept a compromise if there is doubt as to liability. A compromise meets this criterion only when there's a genuine dispute as to the existence or amount of the correct tax debt under the law. 2. Second, the IRS can accept a compromise if there is doubt that the amount owed is fully collectible. Do…
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Forms to Use

  • When submitting an OIC based on doubt as to collectibility or effective tax administration, taxpayers must use the most current version of Form 656, Offer in Compromise, and also submit Form 433-A (OIC), Collection Information Statement for Wage Earners and Self-Employed Individuals, and/or Form 433-B (OIC), Collection Information Statement for Businesses. A taxpay…
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Application Fee

  • In general, a taxpayer must submit an application fee for the amount stated on Form 656. Don't combine this fee with any other tax payments. However, there are two exceptions to this requirement: 1. First, no application fee is required if the OIC is based on doubt as to liability. 2. Second, the fee isn't required if the taxpayer is an individual (not a corporation, partnership, or ot…
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Payment Options

  • Lump Sum Cash Offer -Taxpayers may choose to pay the offer amount in a lump sum or in installment payments. A "lump sum cash offer" is defined as an offer payable in 5 or fewer installments within 5 or fewer months after the offer is accepted. If a taxpayer submits a lump sum cash offer, the taxpayer must include with the Form 656 a nonrefundable payment equal to …
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Suspension of Collection

  • Ordinarily, the statutory time within which the IRS may engage in collection activities is suspended during the period that the OIC is pending, for 30 days immediately following the IRS’s rejection of an OIC, and for the period in which a timely appealed rejection is being considered by the IRS Independent Office of Appeals.
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Offer Terms

  • If the IRS accepts the taxpayer's offer, the taxpayer will have agreed to fully comply with the tax laws. The IRS will keep any refund, including interest, that might be due for tax periods extending through the calendar year in which the IRS accepts the offer. If the taxpayer doesn't abide by all the terms and conditions of the OIC, the IRS may determine that the OIC is in default. For doubt …
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Right to Appeal

  • If the IRS rejects an OIC, the taxpayer will be notified by mail. The letter will explain the reason that the IRS rejected the offer and will provide detailed instructions on how the taxpayer may appeal the decision to the IRS Independent Office of Appeals. The appeal must be made within 30 days from the date of the letter.
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Return of An Offer

  • In some cases, an OIC is returned to the taxpayer rather than rejected, because the taxpayer didn't submit necessary information, filed for bankruptcy, failed to include a required application fee or nonrefundable payment with the offer, hasn't filed required tax returns, or hasn't paid current tax liabilities at the time the IRS is considering the offer. A returned offer is different from a rejectio…
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Additional Information

  • Step-by-step instructions and all the forms for submitting an OIC are in the Offer in Compromise Booklet, Form 656-B PDF. You may use the Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool to confirm your eligibility and prepare a preliminary proposal. Additional information about the OIC program is available in Publication 594, The IRS Collection Process PDF and in Offer in Compromise.
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