Offer in Compromise Near Me: Why Local Expertise Makes a Big Difference

Marc Boulanger • June 23, 2025
A man in a suit and tie is sitting at a desk holding a laptop computer.

If you’re searching for “offer in compromise near me,” chances are you’re dealing with a serious IRS tax debt. Maybe you’ve been told you can settle for less. Maybe you’ve seen ads promising pennies on the dollar. Maybe you’ve even started the process — and gotten overwhelmed.


Whatever brought you here, know this:

The IRS Offer in Compromise (OIC) program is real. But getting it accepted takes strategy — and local expertise matters more than you think.

In this post, we’ll walk you through:


  • What an Offer in Compromise is
  • Why “near me” matters (even if everything’s digital now)
  • What local representation adds to your case
  • How to estimate your settlement amount right now
  • How to avoid OIC scams and get real help in Orange County


What Is an Offer in Compromise?


An Offer in Compromise is a formal request to settle your tax debt with the IRS for less than the full amount owed.


But here’s the catch:


The IRS doesn’t care what you think is fair — they only care what they believe they can collect from you before the statute of limitations runs out.


That’s why they use a strict formula:

Offer = Monthly Disposable Income × 12 or 24 + Net Asset Equity

So the key to a successful OIC is:


  • Understanding how the IRS calculates these numbers
  • Presenting your financial picture accurately and strategically
  • Timing your submission for maximum acceptance


Why “Offer in Compromise Near Me” Matters


Let’s get real for a second.


You could call a national tax relief company right now. You’ll speak with a salesperson, not a CPA. They’ll give you a generic pitch, lock you into a payment plan, and pass your case to someone you’ve never met.


What you really need is someone who:


  • Knows your local cost of living
  • Understands California's FTB enforcement (yes, state debt matters in IRS review)
  • Can meet with you virtually or in-person
  • Understands your actual income, expenses, and asset situation
  • Has no incentive to upsell you into an OIC you won’t qualify for


Why does this matter?


Because the IRS doesn’t just look at your tax debt — they look at your real-life situation. That includes things like:


  • Rent in Orange County
  • California insurance premiums
  • Family size and support obligations
  • Business structure (e.g. S Corp owners need a different analysis)


Want to Know What You Might Qualify For?


We built a free tool that does just that.


Use our Offer in Compromise Calculator to get a real-time estimate of what the IRS might accept based on your income, expenses, and assets.


👉 Try the Calculator Now


What National Firms Get Wrong About OICs


Most of the big-name national firms:


  • File OICs that get rejected because they don’t understand state-specific variables
  • Overpromise results (“settle for $500!”) without doing real financial analysis
  • Have no local knowledge of things like housing costs, self-employed deductions, or asset exemptions
  • Don’t help with the hard part: 433-A (OIC) documentation, valuation, and backup support


You need more than a packet — you need a strategy.


What to Expect from Boulanger CPA


We’re a licensed Orange County CPA firm focused exclusively on tax resolution. No bookkeeping. No tax prep. Just solving IRS and FTB tax problems.


Here’s how we help:


  • Review your full financial picture
  • Determine if an OIC is even realistic (we don’t push it if it’s not)
  • Complete and file the 433-A (OIC) or 433-B (OIC)
  • Strategically time the submission
  • Communicate directly with the IRS through POA (Form 2848)
  • Follow up during review and negotiate final settlement terms


Ready to Talk Strategy?


If you're serious about solving your tax problem, not just filing forms — we’re here.


📞 Call (657) 218-5700
📆 Or
Schedule Your Consultation Online


You’ll speak directly with a CPA — not a sales rep.


Internal Links




FAQs: Offer in Compromise Near Me

  • Do I really need someone local if everything is digital now?

    Yes — because local knowledge means better strategy. We understand California enforcement, housing costs, and self-employment rules. Plus, we’re available for in-person or Zoom.

  • How much does an OIC cost to prepare?

    Our flat-rate fees are clear and upfront. Most OIC Phase 1 cases start at $1,500–$2,250. Phase 2 would be quoted after we have the full facts and circumstances and the game plan figured out. We won’t file unless we believe you have a shot.

  • What if I don’t qualify for an OIC?

    That’s okay — we’ll help you explore other options like payment plans, hardship status, or FTB resolution.

  • Can the IRS deny an OIC even if I qualify?

    Yes. That’s why presentation matters. We prepare every OIC as if it’s going to court — clean, accurate, and bulletproof.


📣 About the Author


Marc Boulanger, CPA
 is the founder of Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, a boutique tax resolution firm based in Orange County, California and trusted by high-income individuals and business owners across Southern California.


He is the author of Defend What’s Yours: A California Taxpayer’s Guide to Beating the IRS and FTB at Their Own Game, available now on Amazon. The book offers a step-by-step plan for resolving IRS and FTB tax debt without losing your business, your home, or your peace of mind.


With over a decade of experience resolving high-stakes IRS and State tax matters, Marc brings strategic insight to complex cases involving wage garnishments, bank levies, unfiled returns, and six-figure tax debts. He is known for helping clients reduce or eliminate tax liabilities through expertly negotiated settlements and compliance plans.


Marc is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in California and Oklahoma and holds the designation of Certified Tax Representation Consultant. He is a member of the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS) — the national organization founded by the educators and practitioners who have trained thousands of CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys in IRS representation strategy.


Every case is handled with discretion, proven methodology, and direct CPA-led representation — not call center scripts.


📍 Learn more at www.orangecounty.cpa or call (657) 218-5700.


Marc The CPA's Tax Blog

A waiting room with chairs and a sign that says california back tax penalties and interest explained
By Marc Boulanger August 8, 2025
Owe back taxes in California? Learn how the FTB calculates penalties and interest, what to expect if you delay payment, and how to reduce your balance.
A woman is sitting at a desk looking at a computer screen.
By Marc Boulanger August 8, 2025
Owe back taxes to the FTB? Learn how California’s Franchise Tax Board collects tax debt, what to expect in the process, and how to stop enforcement actions quickly.
A construction worker is holding a levy notice in front of a bulldozer.
By Marc Boulanger August 7, 2025
If the FTB levied your bank account or wages, you still have options. Orange County taxpayers: Learn how to release a levy and resolve your California tax debt.
A card that says received a notice notice from the ftb here 's what it means
By Marc Boulanger August 7, 2025
If you received a notice from the California FTB, don’t panic. Learn what it means, what to expect next, and how our Orange County CPA firm can help stop collections fast.
A california republic flag is flying in the wind
By Marc Boulanger August 7, 2025
Struggling with California tax debt? Orange County taxpayers: Learn your best tax relief options for IRS, FTB, CDTFA, or EDD collections—with local CPA support.
A red sign that says ftb tax lien in front of a building
By Marc Boulanger August 7, 2025
Has the Franchise Tax Board filed a lien against you? Learn how Orange County taxpayers can remove or release an FTB lien with help from a local CPA.
A person is holding a sign that says what to do if you owe back taxes to the ftb
By Marc Boulanger August 7, 2025
Behind on California state taxes? Learn how Orange County taxpayers can stop FTB collections, set up payment plans, or qualify for settlement with CPA support.
A calculator a pen and a credit card are on a table
By Marc Boulanger August 7, 2025
Worried about a tax levy in California? Learn the difference between IRS and FTB levies, how each one works, and how Orange County taxpayers can stop collections fast.
A blue sign that says california ftb hardship deferral qualifying criteria
By Marc Boulanger August 7, 2025
Facing FTB collections in California? You may qualify for a hardship deferral. Orange County taxpayers: Learn how to apply and pause collections with expert help.
A tax transcript is sitting on a desk next to a calculator and pen
By Marc Boulanger August 6, 2025
Orange County taxpayers: Learn why IRS tax transcripts are essential for resolving back taxes, tracking enforcement, and negotiating payment or settlement options.
More Posts