Dealing with overwhelming tax debt? If you’re struggling to pay off what you owe, you may qualify for an Puyallup offer in compromise, a legal tax relief solution that allows taxpayers to settle their IRS tax debt for less than the full amount. At Sterbick and Associates, we specialize in negotiating with the IRS on behalf of Puyallup residents, helping them reduce their tax burden and avoid severe financial consequences. Our mission is to provide tailored legal strategies that protect your income, assets, and future stability. We also assist with offer in compromise Puyallup cases for clients seeking relief in nearby areas. We are active members of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) and the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.
An Puyallup offer in compromise (OIC) is a tax resolution program designed to assist individuals and businesses struggling with unmanageable tax debt. The IRS may accept an offer when there’s legitimate doubt about your ability to pay, the amount owed is in dispute, or if enforcing full payment would cause unfair financial hardship.
The IRS thoroughly evaluates each case, reviewing your income, monthly expenses, equity in assets, and overall financial condition. If your offer is accepted, the remaining tax debt is forgiven once the agreed-upon amount is paid. This is a powerful opportunity for taxpayers in financial distress to get a fresh start and avoid long-term problems with the IRS. Our firm has helped many clients resolve their tax issues through the offer in compromise Puyallup process.
Not everyone qualifies for an Puyallup offer in compromise. Eligibility depends on your current and future financial outlook. The IRS considers several key factors:
Total household income and monthly necessary expenses
Available equity in assets such as property, vehicles, and bank accounts
Whether full payment would cause undue economic hardship
The accuracy of the tax liability itself, if under dispute
If your financial profile does not meet the offer in compromise requirements, there may be better alternatives like an IRS payment plan, penalty relief, or accounting-based strategies. At Sterbick and Associates, we’ll walk you through all available options and pursue the one that fits your situation best, whether it’s local or involves an offer in compromise Puyallup submission.
Tax debt doesn’t go away on its own, and the longer you wait, the more aggressive the IRS becomes. Failing to act can lead to:
Interest and penalties that keep increasing your total balance
Wage garnishments that reduce your paycheck without notice
Bank levies that freeze your accounts and interrupt your finances
Federal tax liens that can affect your credit and home equity
Asset seizures, including vehicles, real estate, and business property
In some cases, an IRS levy or lien can disrupt not only your financial stability but your entire livelihood. By acting quickly and working with experienced legal counsel, you can stop these actions before they begin, or get them removed if they’re already in place. The offer in compromise Puyallup route can be one of the most effective defenses against collection actions.
The process of filing an offer in compromise includes several detailed steps, all of which must be completed properly for a successful resolution:
Initial Financial Evaluation – We assess your finances and determine if OIC is the right option.
IRS Documentation – We prepare and submit IRS Forms 656 and 433-A or 433-B along with all required backup.
Negotiation with the IRS – We communicate directly with IRS agents to present your case and push for favorable terms.
IRS Review Period – It may take several months for your offer to be evaluated, during which we manage all interactions.
Final Agreement and Payment Plan – If accepted, you pay the reduced amount and the rest of your debt is permanently discharged.
We handle the legal complexities and tax forms so you can focus on moving forward. Our accounting and legal team works together to ensure no detail is overlooked. Whether your case involves Puyallup or an offer in compromise Puyallup submission, we ensure all steps are handled with care.
There are three core categories of offers in compromise:
Doubt as to Collectibility – You cannot afford to pay the full amount, even over time.
Doubt as to Liability – You believe the IRS has incorrectly assessed what you owe.
Effective Tax Administration – Paying the full amount would cause excessive hardship despite your ability to pay.
Our legal and accounting team will help you determine which type of offer best aligns with your case and has the highest chance of acceptance. Whether it’s a local matter or an offer in compromise Puyallup application, we tailor the strategy to your circumstances.
The offer in compromise process is highly technical and often misunderstood. The IRS rejects most self-submitted offers due to incomplete documentation, errors in financial disclosures, or missing forms. That’s why having a skilled tax attorney matters.
We prepare every IRS form and supporting evidence with precision and accuracy
We gather complete documentation to demonstrate financial hardship or errors in the tax liability
We communicate with the IRS on your behalf, protecting your rights throughout
We work to prevent IRS levies, garnishments, and liens during the review period
We secure the lowest settlement available under the law
With experience in both legal advocacy and tax planning, our firm is uniquely positioned to assist Puyallup residents and business owners. We guide each offer in compromise Puyallup case with detailed care from start to finish.
Even if an OIC isn’t right for your situation, we can help you explore other IRS tax relief programs:
Installment Agreements – Spread payments over time in manageable monthly amounts.
Penalty Abatement – Reduce or eliminate IRS penalties due to reasonable cause.
Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status – Temporarily halt IRS collection if you can’t pay anything.
Bankruptcy – Certain older income tax debts may qualify for discharge under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
Each of these IRS payment options comes with pros and cons. We’ll offer clear guidance on which plan fits your needs and how to maintain compliance going forward. In many cases, pairing a payment plan with tax planning or ongoing accounting support offers long-term relief. If you are in Pierce County or need help with an offer in compromise Puyallup case, we are ready to represent your interests.
At Sterbick and Associates, we use a streamlined legal process to bring clients relief from IRS pressure:
Immediate IRS Contact – We file representation to stop collections immediately.
Financial Analysis – We examine your income, assets, and obligations to build your case.
Aggressive IRS Negotiation – We leverage legal strategy to fight for the best settlement.
Resolution and Compliance – We finalize the agreement and ensure you remain in good standing.
We offer consistent communication and guidance throughout the process to ensure every step is clear and manageable. Whether your challenges involve an IRS levy, lien penalties, or long-term tax problems, we deliver solutions. We’re proud to represent both Puyallup clients and those seeking help with offer in compromise Puyallup filings.
Delaying your response to tax debt can worsen your situation. If you owe the IRS and cannot pay in full, it’s time to act. An Puyallup offer in compromise could eliminate years of debt and let you start fresh. At Sterbick and Associates, we deliver results-driven tax relief backed by knowledge, experience, and professionalism.
We are proud members of the Washington State Bar Association and the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, reflecting our commitment to client advocacy and legal integrity. Our services extend beyond just Puyallup, we proudly assist clients seeking an offer in compromise Puyallup or anywhere across Western Washington.
Start the path to tax freedom now. Call Sterbick and Associates at 253-265-4695 or send us a message. We respond by the next business day and are ready to help you secure financial relief.
Sterbick and Associates – Puyallup and Puyallup’s trusted tax law firm for IRS Offer in Compromise representation.
The IRS review process for an offer in compromise can take six months to a year or longer, depending on the complexity of your case and the IRS backlog. Working with an experienced tax attorney can help streamline the process.
Yes, the IRS can reject an offer if they believe you can pay more than your proposed settlement. A properly prepared application with strong financial documentation increases your chances of approval.
While not legally required, hiring a tax attorney significantly improves your chances of approval by ensuring proper documentation, handling IRS negotiations, and avoiding costly mistakes that could lead to rejection.
