Be wary of advertisers claiming they can negotiate tax payments and settlements, the Internal Revenue Service warned on Feb. 14
If you have the money - or will have the money over a period of time - the IRS will get it with interest.
"IRS will not accept an offer if you have the ability to pay the debt in full, through installment payments, or by some other means," the IRS said.
The IRS offers an Offer in Compromise program, but the rules are stringent.
"We generally approve an offer in compromise when the amount offered represents the most we can expect to collect within a reasonable period of time," the IRS said. "Explore all other payment options before submitting an offer in compromise. The Offer in Compromise program is not for everyone."
To determine whether you qualify for the compromise program, take an online IRS quiz that asks questions about bankruptcy proceedings, filing status of required federal and estimated tax payments, and - if you have employees - whether you have made all required tax deposits.
After the initial questions, the pre-qualifying quiz will ask you about your assets, income, expenses and other basic information before allowing you to make an offer.
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