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Florida Offers in Compromise Lawyer

Facing significant IRS debt can bring your life in Florida to a halt. As a Florida Offers in Compromise lawyer, I work with people burdened by tax liabilities they cannot realistically afford to pay in full. My goal is to use the formal, legal channels available to find a sustainable solution.

The IRS Offer in Compromise (OIC) program provides a process to settle your tax liability for less than the full amount owed. However, the IRS examines every detail on the official forms for any sign of error or omission. A single mistake can lead to delay, a returned application, or a rejection.

I can help you prepare and submit a complete and accurate offer from the very start. Contact us online or call me at Lewis Roberts, PA today at (407) 749-0080 for a direct consultation about your options.

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Florida Offers in Compromise Lawyer Guide

Why Choose Lewis Roberts, PA for Your Florida Offers in Compromise Lawyer

At my firm, you work directly with me, an attorney focused solely on debt and tax resolution matters. This direct partnership removes confusion and allows us to build the strongest possible case for your offer.

Skilled and Experienced Negotiator

Strong negotiation with the IRS often makes the difference between a rejected offer and a reduced tax burden. I handle all communication with IRS agents and present a clear, well-supported case that reflects your actual financial situation.

That includes organizing your financial records, addressing potential concerns upfront, and positioning your OIC in a way the IRS can realistically accept.

A Personalized Strategy

No two tax cases involve the same facts, finances, or obstacles. I look closely at your situation and build a strategy based on the details that matter most to your OIC. That case-specific approach helps me present a stronger application and improve your chances of acceptance.

This approach helps avoid delays and denials while improving your chances of reducing your tax liability.

Focused Exclusively on Tax Resolution and Debt Solutions

My practice is built on helping people find a way out from under difficult debt. I focus my work on bankruptcy, student loans, and tax resolution, including the Offer in Compromise program. I do not handle general tax preparation or other legal matters, allowing me to stay current on the specific procedures and negotiation tactics that are effective with the IRS.

Local Insight for Florida OIC Cases

Based in Altamonte Springs, I serve clients throughout Florida and understand the financial pressures many people and business owners face here. That local perspective helps me present a realistic financial picture to the IRS and pursue a practical resolution that fits your circumstances.

When you’re ready to explore your options for a Florida Offers in Compromise Lawyer, call me directly at (407) 749-0080.

What Is an Offer in Compromise and How Do You Qualify?

An Offer in Compromise is a formal agreement with the IRS that allows qualifying taxpayers to resolve their tax liability for less than the amount they originally owed. The IRS may accept an OIC under specific circumstances when the taxpayer cannot pay their full tax debt or when doing so would create an economic hardship.

This is a powerful tool within the IRS Fresh Start Program, but eligibility is strict and requires precise documentation. To be considered for an Offer in Compromise, you need to meet a few basic requirements.

You must have filed all required tax returns, stayed current on quarterly estimated tax payments if they apply, and not be in an active bankruptcy case. If you meet these thresholds, the IRS will then evaluate the legal basis for your offer and your ability to pay.

The Three Grounds for an IRS Offer in Compromise

Your offer must be based on one of three arguments that the IRS will recognize. I help you determine which of these provides the strongest basis for your case and gather the evidence needed to support it.

The three grounds are:

  • Doubt as to Collectibility: This is the most common reason for an OIC. It means your income and assets are not sufficient to pay your full tax debt within the time the IRS has to collect it.
  • Doubt as to Liability: This is a less common argument where you can show legitimate doubt that you actually owe the tax debt in the first place. You must provide specific evidence showing the assessed amount is incorrect.
  • Effective Tax Administration (ETA): This is for cases where you could technically pay the full amount, but doing so would create a severe economic hardship. This can also apply if there are exceptional circumstances where collection would be unfair and inequitable.

Calculating Your Reasonable Collection Potential (RCP)

Your Offer in Compromise depends on how much the IRS believes you can realistically afford to pay. That calculation generally includes the net realizable value of your assets and the income the IRS believes remains available after allowable living expenses are taken into account.

If your offer falls below that amount, the IRS is unlikely to accept it. The IRS uses strict national and local Collection Financial Standards to determine your monthly expenses. Miscalculating your RCP is a primary reason why many do-it-yourself offers fail.

I work to ensure every expense is properly documented and that your RCP is calculated accurately, so we can present the strongest, most realistic offer.

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Here’s How I Can Help as Your Florida Offers in Compromise Lawyer

Submitting an OIC takes more than completing forms. It requires a clear legal strategy, accurate financial reporting, and a presentation that the IRS can evaluate with confidence. My process is designed to protect you early and build a case that can stand up to IRS review.

As your Florida Offers in Compromise lawyer, I start by reviewing your tax situation, income, expenses, and assets to determine whether an OIC is the right approach or whether another option, such as Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status or an installment agreement, makes more sense.

As we move forward, here’s how I can help:

  • Financial Analysis: I help you gather and organize the documentation required for Form 433-A (OIC) and calculate your income and assets under IRS guidelines, including dissipated assets that may affect your case.
  • Offer Strategy: I develop an offer amount and payment structure that reflects your financial reality and aligns with how the IRS evaluates reasonable collection potential.
  • Collection Protection: Once your offer is submitted and accepted for processing, the IRS typically pauses most collection actions.
  • IRS Communication: I handle communication with the IRS examiner assigned to your case, respond to follow-up requests, and advocate for your position throughout the review process.

What Assets and Income Does the IRS Review in an OIC Investigation?

During an Offer in Compromise investigation, the IRS looks at your entire financial life to verify the information on your Form 433-A (OIC). They want a complete picture of what you own and what you earn to determine your ability to pay.

Being transparent and accurate is critical, as any discrepancy can lead to problems with your offer, including delay or rejection. The IRS examiner will review your income from all sources. This is not limited to just your paycheck.

They analyze your pay stubs, business income records, and any other money you have coming in to determine an average monthly income figure. They’ll then compare your stated monthly expenses against the Collection Financial Standards to see how much disposable income remains.

Here are some of the key assets the IRS will scrutinize:

  • Bank Accounts: They review checking, savings, and money market account balances to see how much cash you have available.
  • Real Estate: The IRS calculates the equity you have in your primary residence and any other properties you own.
  • Vehicles: They assess the quick sale value of your cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats, subtracting any loan amounts to find the equity.
  • Retirement Accounts: The value of your 401(k)s, IRAs, and other retirement plans is included in the calculation, though some exclusions may apply.
  • Investments: Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investment assets are valued at their current market price.
  • Other Personal Property: In some cases, the value of furniture, jewelry, and other valuable personal assets may be considered.

As an experienced Florida Offers in Compromise lawyer, I help you value these assets according to IRS rules to avoid costly errors that could jeopardize your offer.

Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Offer in Compromise

Many Offers in Compromise fail because the application is incomplete, unsupported, or out of compliance with IRS requirements. The process leaves little room for error, and even small mistakes can lead to a return or rejection.

A failed submission can do more than delay relief. It can also give the IRS updated financial information that may affect future IRS collection efforts.

Here are some of the mistakes I help clients avoid:

  • Incomplete or Incorrect Forms: Missing information or calculation errors on Form 656 or Form 433-A can derail your offer before the IRS fully reviews it.
  • Compliance Problems: You must stay current on required tax filings and payments while your offer is pending. If you fall out of compliance, the IRS may return your offer.
  • Ability-To-Pay Errors: Misstating expenses, income, or asset equity can make the IRS believe you can pay more than your offer reflects.
  • Unrealistic Offer Amounts: An offer has to match the financial facts of your case and the IRS’s reasonable collection potential analysis.
  • Undisclosed Assets or Income: Leaving out assets or income can destroy your credibility and lead to immediate problems with your case.

As your Florida Offer in Compromise lawyer, I work to ensure your submission is complete, accurate, and presented as strongly as possible from the outset.

FAQ for Florida Offers in Compromise Lawyer

What Is the Main Difference Between an Offer in Compromise and an Installment Agreement?

The primary difference between an OIC and an installment agreement is the final outcome. An installment agreement allows you to pay your full tax debt over time, usually with penalties and interest still accruing, while an OIC allows you to permanently settle the debt for a lesser amount. An OIC is much harder to qualify for and requires a thorough financial review, whereas an Installment Agreement is generally easier to obtain.

Can an Attorney Really Stop an IRS Wage Garnishment or Bank Levy?

An attorney can help stop an IRS wage garnishment or bank levy, but the process is key. Filing an OIC will typically pause most collection actions once the IRS accepts it for processing. If you’re already facing a levy or garnishment, I can take immediate steps to challenge the action and create the breathing room needed to submit a comprehensive tax resolution proposal like an OIC.

How Can I Afford a Florida Offers in Compromise Lawyer if I Already Owe Taxes?

I offer a clear fee structure for my services so you know the cost upfront. Many clients find that the potential savings from a successful OIC far outweigh the legal fees. Investing in professional guidance helps avoid costly mistakes, rejection, and the prolonged stress and financial damage that come with ongoing IRS collection actions.

Will the IRS Really Settle for Less Than What I Owe?

The Offer in Compromise program is a legitimate government program established by Congress. The IRS accepts thousands of offers each year from taxpayers who meet the strict eligibility criteria. The program exists because the IRS recognizes it’s often more efficient to collect a realistic, smaller amount now rather than spend years trying to collect a full debt that a taxpayer simply cannot pay.

Is My Spouse Responsible for My Tax Debt if We File an Offer in Compromise?

Your spouse’s responsibility for your tax debt depends on how the debt was incurred and how you file your taxes. If the debt comes from a jointly filed tax return, both spouses are generally liable. If the debt is from a year you filed separately, your spouse may not be responsible. I can carefully review your specific situation to determine how to best structure the offer to protect all parties involved.

Let’s Find a Solution for Your IRS Debt

The pressure of a large tax debt doesn’t have to control your life. As a dedicated Florida Offers in Compromise lawyer, I can help you understand your rights and build a practical plan to resolve your liability.

Take the first step toward financial relief. Call Lewis Roberts, PA today at (407) 749-0080 or fill out my online form.

Bankruptcy Lawyer Lewis Roberts

Attorney Lewis Roberts

The weight of debts that one cannot pay carries financial stress into every waking moment. It is time for this to end. Lewis Roberts, PA, offers solutions to relieve these worries. With over 20 years of experience in helping individuals overcome the burden of debt, bankruptcy attorney Lewis Roberts presents a range of options tailored to each unique situation. Clients can trust his advice on any matter related to debts, as he identifies appropriate options and explains the paths to debt relief clearly and carefully. This ensures that clients make the best decisions for their future. [ Attorney Bio ]