Offer in Compromise
A formal proposal the IRS considers when full payment isn't realistic. The IRS reviews your income, expenses and asset equity, and accepts only some offers.
IRS & state tax consulting
A letter from the IRS doesn't have to decide what happens next.
Tell us which notice you received. A credentialed tax professional will review your situation for free, explain your options, and represent you before the IRS if you choose to work with us.
- Free, confidential consultation
- Your flat fee in writing before any work starts
- We tell you plainly if we can't help
Which letter did you get?
CP504
Notice of intent to levy
The IRS can now take your state tax refund and is preparing to levy other property, such as bank accounts or wages.
UrgencyHigh
When to act: Now. This is the last notice before the final levy warning.
Where you are in the process
IRS collection follows a predictable path
Each notice gives you fewer options and less time than the one before it. The earlier we start, the more room there is to negotiate.
- CP14First billBalance due. Penalties and interest are already accruing.
- CP501ReminderYou still have an unpaid balance.
- CP503Second reminderThe IRS is escalating toward enforcement.
- CP504Intent to levyState refunds can be seized. Other levies are being prepared.
- LT11 / 1058Final noticeGenerally 30 days to request a Collection Due Process hearing.
- LevyEnforcementLevy on wages or bank accounts, or seizure of other assets.
Also common: Letter 3172 means a federal tax lien was filed. CP2000 means the IRS is proposing changes to a return and is not yet a bill.
Resolution options
The tools the IRS actually offers, and who they fit
There is no single IRS program that fits everyone. These are the resolution paths available under IRS rules. Which one fits depends on your income, expenses, assets and filing history.
How it works
Four steps, in this order
Cases are handled by credentialed tax professionals — Enrolled Agents, CPAs and tax attorneys authorized to represent you before the IRS.
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Free consultation
A 15–20 minute call about what you owe, which letters you've received, and your income. You'll hear whether we can help and what it would cost. There's no obligation.
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Investigation
With your authorization (Form 2848 or 8821), we pull your IRS account transcripts to confirm the real balance, deadlines and collection status. We become the IRS's point of contact for your case.
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Compliance
We prepare any missing returns and gather financial statements. The IRS requires you to be current before it will agree to most resolutions.
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Resolution
We submit and negotiate the option that fits your finances, then help you stay compliant so the problem stays solved.
Questions
Straight answers
Don't see your question? Call (949) 464-7319. You'll talk to a person, not a call tree.
Are you the IRS or a government program?
No. Secure Tax Experts is a private firm. We represent you in dealings with the IRS and state tax agencies. Anything we can do for you, you could also try on your own; our job is to know the rules and do it well.
Can you guarantee a specific outcome?
No one can honestly guarantee that. The IRS decides based on your finances and history. We'll tell you during the free consultation which options look realistic, including when paying in full or a simple payment plan is the best path.
How much does it cost?
The consultation is free. If you hire us, your fee is quoted in writing before work begins, based on how complex your case is. If we don't think our services are worth it for your situation, we'll say so.
Will I still have to talk to the IRS?
Usually not. Once you sign a power of attorney (Form 2848), the IRS contacts us about your case. Keep opening your mail and send us anything new so no deadline is missed.
Do I qualify for an Offer in Compromise?
Only if the IRS concludes it can't reasonably collect the full amount within the time it has left to collect, which is generally ten years from assessment. Many people don't qualify, and a well-built payment plan or penalty abatement is the better route.
Will you text me?
Only if you opt in. Our forms have two separate, optional boxes. The case updates box covers texts about your request and your case, such as appointment reminders and document requests; you can also agree to these on a call or in your client agreement. The marketing box covers occasional texts about deadlines, our services and offers, and it is never checked for you. Reply STOP at any time to opt out. See our SMS Terms.
Is my information kept private?
Yes. Your information is used only to evaluate and work your case. We don't sell it. Read our privacy policy for details.
Free, confidential review
Tell us a little. We'll call you within one business day.
Have your most recent IRS or state letter nearby if you can. It helps, but it isn't required.