There are many ways to overcome a debt with the IRS. They are all legal and if you find the right organization to help you, you will find that it is an easy and affordable process. The first is the first; You need to know how you can qualify for the programs the IRS offers to debtors, so you can get over those debts.

There are two main avenues you can take to eliminate your debt without going broke. One of them is the Offer in Compromise. The Offer in Compromise program is available to any citizen, but is reserved primarily for seniors, people with disabilities, or those who can prove extenuating circumstances.

Let’s take a look at some of the things that can give you a break in this program. Starting with questions about collectability may be a good route, if you can provide the information that supports your claim. A taxpayer’s collection potential is determined by their assets plus the amount the IRS could collect from any potential future revenue sources. If the IRS can determine that you have the ability to pay the liability in full, either immediately or through a payment plan, also called an Installment Agreement, it will not accept an Offer in Compromise. If you can provide proof that paying the debt in full would jeopardize your ability to support your family, that you may not be able to pay the amount in future years, or that there are other extenuating circumstances that impede your ability to pay such as medical problems such as serious or terminal illness in the family, you will be granted an Offer in Compromise.

Another search route would be the Sentence Reduction Program. This is very advantageous for many people who are looking to overcome their tax debt with the IRS with ease. It may be the right program for you if you can pay the tax liability but feel the penalties should be waived. If you can show specific reasons why you were unable to pay the principle and should not be responsible for the penalties, a reduction will be granted. These are some of the reasons that would qualify it:

• If you had major family problems, such as a divorce

• If there was a theft or destruction of your financial records

• Any major illness

• If you were incarcerated

• Any major interruption in your life, such as being deployed

• If your family was the victim of a major natural disaster, such as a hurricane, flood, or fire

• If you or your spouse have been unemployed for a long period of time

• Death of a close family member

• If you were involved in a civil disturbance, such as a court trial or a tribunal

• If you can provide proof that you were not physically available to incur the penalties; which means you were out of the country during any part of the tax year and earned less than $90,000 during that year

To qualify for any of these programs, you must submit a written request explaining your circumstances in a few paragraphs. You may also request an oral interview and explain why you qualify for an Offer in Compromise or Penalty Reduction. Be sure to provide as much information as possible and don’t be afraid to provide too much documentation; the more information you can provide in hard copy, the better your chances of being awarded any of the settlements.