Testimonials

  • Six years is a LONG time not to pay taxes, and I knew better. I just thought that if I filed some years without paying then the IRS was going to come after me.
  • The fact that I found you on the radio is a true testament to the fact that there is a God who watches over us...
  • When it comes to IRS representation, there are the men and there are the boys, and Travis Watkins is "the man" if you have witholding issues...
  • I visited with another lawyer before I came to see Travis Watkins. I got this heavy salesman feeling, like I just walked on a car lot...
  • I was recommended to Travis Watkins by my son, Michael, an excellent attorney himself in OKC...
  • I hired another firm before hiring the Law Office of Travis Watkins. Big mistake...

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Recognition

IRS' New Streamlined Offer in Compromise Program Promises Fresh Start, Less Paperwork for Taxpayers. Won't Be Around Forever!

Economic times are tough and the IRS is not completely tone-deaf to this reality for many struggling taxpayers. IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman says, "[w]e are making fundamental changes to our lien system and other collection tools that will hellp taxpayers and give them a fresh start." For this reason, this Summer the IRS has rolled out the Streamlined Offer in Compromise program.

The new program is available to self-employed taxpayers with gross receipts of $500,000 or less and no employees, wage earning individuals and the unemployed.

To qualify, you must earn $100,000 or less (total household income) and your tax debt must not exceed $50,000. If those criteria are met, the customary scrutiny the IRS applies to its offer in compromise applications (missing documentation or "critical perfection" of the application) will be somewhat relaxed.

The IRS will examine streamlined offers with greater reliance on internal research, telephonic communication and additional allowances for a taxpayer's expenses, i.e. less paperwork from the taxpayer. IRS Examiners are instructed to look for glaring evidence of an ability to full-pay the debt, but the formality and strict compliance requirements are lessened. However, as with most collection alternatives, you must not have any unfiled returns.

This program is great news for many taxpayers. An accepted offer acts as a contract with the government. If they accept your offer, the collection bus stops. If you got behind on several years of tax debt and have been swept under by the poor economy, you may get a clean slate.

This program is slated to end May 13, 2012. So, time is of the essence. There may be some tax planning that can be done to make sure that your offer fits the streamlined requirements without raising the higher levels of scrutiny involved in most offers. Call a qualified, local, licensed lawyer to assist you in this process.