Buyer Beware… The Offer in Compromise Sales Pitch!
You’ve probably seen the ads — on TV, online, or even heard them on the radio — promising to “settle your tax debt for pennies on the dollar.” Sounds like a dream, right? But here’s the truth: most of these offers are just sales tactics, not real solutions.
🎯 The Offer in Compromise (OIC): What It Really Is
These companies often push a program called an Offer in Compromise (OIC) — and yes, it is a legitimate IRS option that allows some taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than they owe. But here’s the catch:
The IRS only accepts OICs for taxpayers who genuinely cannot afford to pay and meet very strict qualifications.
Most people won’t qualify — and many of these firms know that.
🚩 The Problem With “Pennies on the Dollar” Companies
Too many of these tax relief firms operate like call centers full of trained salespeople. Their job? To get you emotionally invested — and fearful. You’ll hear lines like:
“The IRS doesn’t want you to know about this program.”
“We can wipe your debt clean.”
“You need to act now, or you’ll lose everything.”
Then comes the hefty upfront fee — often $5,000 to $15,000 — just to fill out and submit an OIC that likely has no chance of being accepted.
Worse? The exact same forms and instructions are available for free on the IRS website. The IRS even has a free Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier Tool to help you see if you might be eligible.
🔍 What They Won’t Tell You
OIC isn’t your only option — and often, it’s not your best one. Depending on your situation, the IRS may offer:
Installment Agreements (payment plans)
First-Time Penalty Abatement
Currently Not Collectible Status (temporary relief)
But those options aren’t as profitable for sales teams — so they’re rarely mentioned.
✅ Here’s My Honest Advice:
Don’t trust cold calls or pushy ads.
Don’t let fear drive your decisions.
Don’t assume you have to spend thousands just to talk to the IRS.
And definitely don’t believe anyone who guarantees they can make your tax debt disappear. No one can promise that.
📅 Schedule a free consultation or case investigation:
www.assistancetaxrelief.com/appointments
📞 Phone: (720) 383-6160
📧 Email: adam@assistancetaxrelief.com
📠 Fax: (720) 484-8700