Start My Answer

Tax Debt Compromise Program Scam

Dena Standley | October 19, 2022

Dena Standley
Legal Expert, Paralegal
Dena Standley, BA

Dena Standley is a seasoned paralegal with more than 20 years of experience in legal research and writing, having received a certification as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal from Southern Technical College.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Hannah Locklear
Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Watch out for IRS scams

Summary: There are a lot of IRS scammers out there. Here is SoloSuit's guide on how to spot Tax Debt Compromise Program scams and other fraudsters pretending to be with the IRS.

Last year, 59.49 million Americans (23%) lost money to phone scams. According to Truecaller, the average reported loss in the previous 12 months was $502, up from $351 in 2020. What's staggering is that robo-callers deceived 60 percent of the victims called.

Over that time, fraudsters posing as IRS agents defrauded these victims over $29 billion through the IRS's offer of a compromise debt relief program. It's one thing to get annoying, endless calls from telemarketers and robo-callers. Phony tax debt relief phone calls are even worse.

What is the debt-relief compromise offer?

An offer in compromise lets you pay less than your total tax bill. If you cannot pay your entire tax debt or if doing so would put you in financial hardship, it may be a viable choice. Tax-relief organizations help distressed taxpayers, but many individuals find the qualification standards challenging. But the IRS considers the following facts and circumstances:

  • Financial capability
  • Income expenses
  • Equity in assets

Before making a compromise offer, look into all available payment choices. When the amount you propose is the most they can hopefully collect in a reasonable time, the IRS approves your offer in compromise. Check the qualifications of any tax professional you employ to assist you in filing a request.

You may be eligible to apply for an Offer in Compromise

You may qualify for an Offer in Compromise if you:

  • Filed all necessary tax returns and made all required projected payments.
  • Are not involved in an ongoing bankruptcy case.
  • Have a valid extension for a current year's return (if applying for the current year) and have made tax deposits for the current and previous two quarters before applying.

If the IRS cannot process your Offer in Compromise, they will:

  • Apply any offer payment you had to your outstanding debt.
  • Return your application and include an application fee.

Know what to look for and how to prevent a tax-relief scam

A clever scammer wants you to believe you are dealing with a government body associated with the IRS. Threats like these are standard strategies used by con artists to entice victims to invest in their schemes. If the caller fits the description below, then it's probably a scam:

  • They send unsolicited letters or emails stating that you are eligible for a government program to assist you in paying off your tax burden.
  • They never inquire why you owe taxes.
  • They promise to wipe out your tax debt.
  • They say they'll settle your IRS tax for “pennies on the dollar."
  • They prey on your concerns about the IRS.
  • They promise to waive interest or penalties on your behalf.
  • They fail to examine your financial background from the outset.
  • They demand a significant upfront payment—often equal to the amount of cash shown on an asset inventory.
  • They use delay tactics like repeatedly asking for the same papers before telling you missed the eligibility mark for relief, and the IRS has rejected your offer.
  • They threaten to summon local police, immigration agents, or law enforcement to arrest you for failing to pay.
  • They threaten to cancel your driver's license, business license, or immigration status.

How to avoid being tricked by IRS scammers

The IRS never calls you demanding immediate payment with a specific payment method, whether it's prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer. Any taxpayer who owes taxes will first get a bill in the mail from the IRS. Here is what to do:

  • Use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications to discover an enrolled agent who can represent you in negotiations with the IRS.
  • If you owe less than $10,000, file an Installment Agreement Request (Form 9465) with the IRS.
  • Before signing any deal, inquire about and review the company's refund policy.
  • Only work with established local businesses that the Better Business Bureau has approved. Look into complaints filed against the company with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division and BBB.
  • Find out how many attorneys, accountants, and CPAs the organization employs and how many salespeople.
  • Request references, success stories, reviews, and client testimonials from the organization.

The IRS directs you to direct payments to the "United States Treasury” if you owe taxes. Check out the instructions on how to pay here.

Know who to call

Contact the Treasury Inspector General for the Tax Administration to report phone fraud. Use their web page for "IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting." You can also reach them at 800-366-4484. Inform the Federal Trade Commission about phone fraud and use the FTC Complaint Assistant. Be sure to include the phrase, "IRS Telephone Scam," in the notes.

Report an unsolicited email purporting to be from the IRS or a component of the IRS, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, to the IRS. Finally, visit Tax Scams/Consumer Alert for a comprehensive list of current and consumer alarms.

If debt is keeping you from paying your taxes, and if debt collectors are calling you off the hook or suing you, SoloSuit can help you get them off your back and find debt relief you need.

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to fight debt collectors.

You can use SoloSuit to respond to a debt lawsuit, to send letters to collectors, and even to settle a debt.

SoloSuit's Answer service is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your Answer. Upon completion, we'll have an attorney review your document and we'll file it for you.

Respond with SoloSuit

"First time getting sued by a debt collector and I was searching all over YouTube and ran across SoloSuit, so I decided to buy their services with their attorney reviewed documentation which cost extra but it was well worth it! SoloSuit sent the documentation to the parties and to the court which saved me time from having to go to court and in a few weeks the case got dismissed!" – James


Get Started


We have answers.
Join our community of over 40,000 people.

You can ask your questions on the SoloSuit forum and the community will help you out. Whether you need help now or are just looking for support, we're here for you.


Ask a Question


>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)

How to answer a summons for debt collection in your state

Here's a list of guides for other states.

All 50 states.



Guides on how to beat every debt collector

Being sued by a different debt collector? Were making guides on how to beat each one.


Win against credit card companies

Is your credit card company suing you? Learn how you can beat each one.

Going to Court for Credit Card Debt — Key Tips

How to Negotiate Credit Card Debts

How to Settle a Credit Card Debt Lawsuit — Ultimate Guide

Get answers to these FAQs

Need more info on statutes of limitations? Read our 50-state guide.

Why do debt collectors block their phone numbers?

How long do debt collectors take to respond to debt validation letters?

What are the biggest debt collector companies in the US?

Is Zombie Debt Still a Problem in 2019?

SoloSuit FAQ

If a car is repossessed, do I still owe the debt?

Is Portfolio Recovery Associates Legit?

Is There a Judgment Against Me Without my Knowledge?

Should I File Bankruptcy Before or After a Judgment?

What is a default judgment?— What do I do?

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills — What Do I Do?

What Happens If Someone Sues You and You Have No Money?

What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors?

What Happens When a Debt Is Sold to a Collection Agency

What is a Stipulated Judgment?

What is the Deadline for a Defendants Answer to Avoid a Default Judgment?

Can a Judgement Creditor Take my Car?

Can I Settle a Debt After Being Served?

Can I Stop Wage Garnishment?

Can You Appeal a Default Judgement?

Do I Need a Debt Collection Defense Attorney?

Do I Need a Payday Loans Lawyer?

Do student loans go away after 7 years? — Student Loan Debt Guide

Am I Responsible for My Spouses Medical Debt?

Should I Marry Someone With Debt?

Can a Debt Collector Leave a Voicemail?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

What Happens If a Defendant Does Not Pay a Judgment?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

Can You Serve Someone with a Collections Lawsuit at Their Work?

What Is a Warrant in Debt?

How Many Times Can a Judgment be Renewed in Oklahoma?

Can an Eviction Be Reversed?

Does Debt Consolidation Have Risks?

What Happens If You Avoid Getting Served Court Papers?

Does Student Debt Die With You?

Can Debt Collectors Call You at Work in Texas?

How Much Do You Have to Be in Debt to File for Chapter 7?

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Debt in Washington?

How Long Does a Judgment Last?

Can Private Disability Payments Be Garnished?

Can Debt Collectors Call From Local Numbers?

Does the Fair Credit Reporting Act Work in Florida?

The Truth: Should You Never Pay a Debt Collection Agency?

Should You Communicate with a Debt Collector in Writing or by Telephone?

Do I Need a Debt Negotiator?

What Happens After a Motion for Default Is Filed?

Can a Process Server Leave a Summons Taped to My Door?

Learn More With These Additional Resources:

Need help managing your finances? Check out these resources.

How to Make a Debt Validation Letter - The Ultimate Guide

How to Make a Motion to Compel Arbitration Without an Attorney

How to Stop Wage Garnishment — Everything You Need to Know

How to File an FDCPA Complaint Against Your Debt Collector (Ultimate Guide)

Defending Yourself in Court Against a Debt Collector

Tips on you can to file an FDCPA lawsuit against a debt collection agency

Advice on how to answer a summons for debt collection.

Effective strategies for how to get back on track after a debt lawsuit

New Hampshire Statute of Limitations on Debt

Sample Cease and Desist Letter Against Debt Collectors

The Ultimate Guide to Responding to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Utah

West Virginia Statute of Limitations on Debt

What debt collectors cannot do — FDCPA explained

Defending Yourself in Court Against Debt Collector

How to Liquidate Debt

Arkansas Statute of Limitations on Debt

Youre Drowning in Debt — Heres How to Swim

Help! Im Being Sued by My Debt Collector

How to Make a Motion to Vacate Judgment

How to Answer Summons for Debt Collection in Vermont

North Dakota Statute of Limitations on Debt

ClearPoint Debt Management Review

Indiana Statute of Limitations on Debt

Oregon Eviction Laws - What They Say

CuraDebt Debt Settlement Review

How to Write a Re-Aging Debt Letter

How to Appear in Court by Phone

How to Use the Doctrine of Unclean Hands

Debt Consolidation in Eugene, Oregon

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills? What to Do Next

How to Make a Debt Settlement Agreement

Received a 3-Day Eviction Notice? Heres What to Do

How to Answer a Lawsuit for Debt Collection

Tips for Leaving the Country With Unpaid Credit Card Debt

Kansas Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection

How to File in Small Claims Court in Iowa

How to File a Civil Answer in Kings County Supreme Court

Roseland Associates Debt Consolidation Review

How to Stop a Garnishment

Debt Eraser Review

Do Debt Collectors Ever Give Up?

Can They Garnish Your Wages for Credit Card Debt?

How Often Do Credit Card Companies Sue for Non-Payment?

How Long Does a Judgement Last?

​​How Long Before a Creditor Can Garnish Wages?

How to Beat a Bill Collector in Court