Settle IRS Debt for Less Than the Full Amount, If You Genuinely Qualify
An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is an agreement that lets some taxpayers settle their IRS debt for less than the full amount owed. It is a real IRS program, not a gimmick. It is also the program the national “settle for pennies on the dollar” ads abuse the most, which is why it pays to talk to a credentialed local professional who will tell you honestly whether you qualify before you spend a dollar.
Peter Kici is an IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) based in Central Florida. An EA is federally licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS in all 50 states, and holds the highest credential the IRS awards.
Call or text (407) 531-8705 for a free, confidential consultation
Do You Actually Qualify for an Offer in Compromise?
Most people who call about an OIC do not qualify, and an honest answer up front saves you money and disappointment. The IRS generally accepts an offer only when it doubts it can collect the full balance before the collection window closes. In plain terms, you may be a strong candidate if:
- Your income barely covers necessary living expenses.
- You have little equity in assets like a home, vehicle, or retirement account.
- Paying the full debt would create a genuine financial hardship.
You are usually not a candidate if you have the income or assets to pay through a payment plan. In that case a payment plan or hardship status is the better path, and we will tell you so. See the full range of IRS tax debt resolution options.
How the IRS Decides How Much to Accept
The IRS does not negotiate on emotion. It calculates your Reasonable Collection Potential, which is the value it can realistically collect from your assets plus your future income. Your offer generally has to meet or beat that number. A well-prepared offer documents your finances accurately so that figure is as low as the rules honestly allow. A sloppy offer gets rejected, and a rejected offer wastes months. This is the part where preparation by someone who does this for a living matters most.
Timing matters too, because the 10-year IRS collection statute affects what the IRS believes it can collect.
Why Work With a Local Enrolled Agent Instead of a National Tax-Relief Company
The 1-800 tax-relief companies advertising OIC settlements are often sales operations that take a large upfront fee, promise a result no one can guarantee, and hand your file to a rotating back office. When you work with Peter Kici, EA:
- You deal directly with the person handling your case, in your time zone.
- You get an honest qualification review, not a sales pitch.
- You are working with a local Central Florida practice, not a national call center.
Before you sign with anyone, read how to spot tax debt relief scams and why representation matters when you deal with the IRS.
The Offer in Compromise Process, Step by Step
- Free consultation to review your balance, income, and assets.
- Honest qualification check. If an OIC is not your best option, we say so and point you to the one that is.
- We gather documentation and prepare the offer and financial statements.
- We submit the offer and handle IRS communication on your behalf.
- We respond to IRS questions and, if needed, appeal a rejection.
If you have unfiled years, that comes first. The IRS will not finalize an offer while returns are missing. See help with unfiled tax returns.
What It Costs and What to Watch Out For
We will explain our fees clearly before you commit, and we will never guarantee a specific settlement amount. Any company that guarantees the IRS will accept a set figure is a company to walk away from. What we can promise is honest work, direct communication, and a preparer who is accountable to you.
Questions People Ask About Offers in Compromise
Can I settle my IRS debt for pennies on the dollar?
Sometimes an offer is a small fraction of the balance, but only when your finances support it. Anyone promising a specific low figure before reviewing your finances is selling, not advising.
How long does an Offer in Compromise take?
Often several months to roughly a year, depending on IRS workload and how complete the offer is.
Do I keep making payments while my offer is reviewed?
There are required payments with an offer. We will walk you through exactly what applies to your situation.
What if my offer is rejected?
You have appeal rights, and there are other resolution paths. A rejection is not the end of the road.
Do you serve my area?
Yes. The practice is based in Central Florida and serves Orlando and the surrounding communities, plus taxpayers in all 50 states by phone and video.
Talk to an Enrolled Agent in Orlando, Not a Call Center
You will work directly with Peter Kici, EA, an IRS Enrolled Agent based here in Central Florida. No 1-800 sales floor, no handoffs.
Call or text (407) 531-8705 for a free, no-pressure consultation, or book your free consultation online. Not ready to call? Get the free book first and see your options in plain English.