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

Marc Boulanger • September 10, 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 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


Frequently Asked Questions

What does “offer in compromise near me” mean?

It means finding trusted, local IRS representation in Orange County to help you qualify for the IRS Offer in Compromise program and settle your tax debt for less.

Why is local expertise important for an OIC?

Local CPAs understand California-specific tax enforcement issues, including FTB and CDTFA actions, which often affect IRS settlement strategies.

What factors determine if I qualify for an OIC?

The IRS reviews income, expenses, assets, and ability to pay. Eligibility is based on whether your reasonable collection potential is less than the balance owed.

Does filing an OIC stop IRS collections?

Yes. While the IRS reviews your OIC, most collection actions are suspended, including wage garnishments and bank levies.

What if my OIC is rejected?

You can appeal within 30 days, submit a stronger offer, or pursue alternatives like installment agreements or Currently Not Collectible status.

Can I settle state tax debt through OIC?

Yes, but separately. California’s Franchise Tax Board has its own Offer in Compromise program, which requires a separate application from the IRS.

Should I hire a CPA for an OIC?

Yes. Professional help ensures accurate disclosures, protects your rights, and maximizes your chance of getting an OIC approved.


📣 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.


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