This calculator estimates the Internal Revenue Service’s Reasonable Collection Potential calculation — the formula the IRS uses to determine the minimum amount it will typically accept on an Offer in Compromise based on doubt as to collectibility. The IRS computes RCP as Net Realizable Equity in Assets plus a multiple of Disposable Monthly Income. The multiple depends on whether the offer is a lump-sum cash offer (RCP = NRE + 12 × DMI) or a periodic-payment offer (RCP = NRE + 24 × DMI). The estimator is intended for general illustration only and should not be relied on as an eligibility determination.
The IRS calculates RCP under Internal Revenue Manual 5.8.5 as follows:
The IRS will generally accept an offer for the lesser of (i) the RCP and (ii) the total tax liability. An offer below RCP will generally be rejected unless special circumstances, exceptional circumstances, or effective-tax-administration grounds support a lower offer.
The complete IRS analysis is performed on Form 433-A(OIC) (individuals) or Form 433-B(OIC) (businesses), which collects substantially more detail than this estimator captures. Asset valuation rules include specific carve-outs (e.g., for tools of the trade), exemptions, and discounts that the estimator does not model.
Important. This is an estimator, not an eligibility determination. Whether the IRS will accept an Offer in Compromise depends on factors beyond the RCP calculation, including: (i) whether the taxpayer has filed all required returns; (ii) whether the taxpayer is current on estimated tax payments and federal tax deposits; (iii) whether there is an open bankruptcy case; (iv) whether the offer was filed correctly with the required application fee and initial payment; (v) the IRS’s judgment regarding effective tax administration grounds; and (vi) the proper computation of asset values under the Collection Financial Standards in effect for the taxpayer’s household size and geographic area. The estimator uses simplified inputs that do not reflect the full asset-valuation, expense-cap, and income-projection rules in IRM 5.8 and IRM 5.15. Do not file or rely on an offer based on this estimator alone. Engage qualified counsel familiar with offer practice before submitting Form 656.
The calculations above are based on simplified assumptions. To discuss your specific situation with the firm, contact us directly.
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