An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is one of the most powerful relief tools available to taxpayers struggling with overwhelming tax debt. Administered by the Internal Revenue Service, the OIC program allows qualified individuals and businesses to settle their tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed. While not everyone qualifies, for those who do, the advantages can be significant and life-changing.  Your chances of an OIC acceptance are much greater if you have professional representation.

I am a CPA with extensive experience in OICs and a background in forensic auditing. Below is a comprehensive look at the key benefits of an IRS Offer in Compromise and why it may be an attractive option for taxpayers facing serious financial hardship.

By Jerry Grenough, Principal, Tax Options LLC
Contact: [email protected]

https://taxoptionsllc.com

Welcome to my Podcast. Today we discuss: IRS Appeals & CDP Hearings: The Last Line of Defense Before Collection. This Podcast builds directly on Chapter 15 of my book: The IRS Tax Debt Survival Guide, available on Amazon.

Facing IRS collections, levies, or liens?
In this episode, we break down IRS Collection Due Process (CDP) hearings and Appeals—what they are, when they apply, and how they can stop IRS enforcement actions like wage garnishments and bank levies.

You’ll learn:

• What triggers a CDP hearing
• How IRS Appeals differs from dealing with a Revenue Officer
• Common mistakes taxpayers make during the appeals process
• When a CDP hearing can pause or stop IRS collection activity
• Why timing and strategy matter more than most people realize

Whether you’ve received a Final Notice of Intent to Levy (LT11) or are already dealing with IRS collections, this episode explains your rights, options, and risks in plain English.

Hosted by JT Grenough, CPA, this podcast focuses on real-world IRS defense strategies, tax debt resolution, and what actually works when the IRS comes knocking.

I am a Circular 230 Professional, entitled to represent taxpayers in any of the 50 states in representation matters before the IRS – inclusive of tax notice letters, audits, appeals, statutory notice of deficiency issues et al.  I don’t handle tax preparation per se, but exclusively tax representation.  Over 10 million notices a year are issued by the IRS. A large number of taxpayers receive IRS Audit Notices.  A quarter of a million taxpayers a year decide to pursue Offers in Compromise, and 25,000 taxpayers a year proceed to US Tax Court because they have received a Statutory Notice of Deficiency.  99.2% of them don’t make it – for a good reason – their case is settled or dismissed before it reaches the Court.  That’s why pro se representation, representing yourself with a measure of professional assistance, such as a CPA to prepare exhibits, handle analysis of complex issues, recommend negotiation strategies, write memos of facts, explanations of case history and so forth is such a valuable combination of strategies.   I have background in auditing and I’m a researcher and a writer.  I’ve written a book as well. You can buy it on Amazon, and other platforms.

The IRS Tax Debt Survival Guide is a practical, plain-English roadmap for taxpayers facing audits, notices, back taxes, liens, levies, or U.S. Tax Court proceedings. Written by a tax professional and CPA, this guide explains how the IRS really operates, what your rights are under the Internal Revenue Code, and how to respond strategically—without panic or misinformation. Readers will learn how IRS notices work, when a statutory notice of deficiency creates a defense, how payment plans and Offers in Compromise are evaluated, and what to expect if a case escalates to collection. The IRS Tax Debt Survival Guide provides clear explanations, real-world insight, and step-by-step guidance to help you make informed decisions and protect yourself throughout the IRS process.

My firm’s name is Tax Options, LLC.  It’s a Wyoming LLC.  You can just enter the keyword Tax Options, LLC on Google or Bing and my site will come up right away.  I also of course have a YouTube channel with a variety of videos. At the end of this presentation I provide my email address.  Here it is: [email protected] 

 An IRS audit can quickly escalate into a criminal investigation if you say the wrong thing.  

What starts as a routine IRS audit doesn’t always stay civil. In this episode, we break down when and why an IRS investigation turns criminal—and the warning signs taxpayers and business owners often miss until it’s too late.

You’ll learn the key red flags that trigger criminal exposure, including badges of fraud, unreported income, false deductions, and what happens when your case is referred from an IRS Revenue Agent to IRS Criminal Investigation (CI). We explain how civil audits differ from criminal investigations, what not to say to the IRS, and why early representation can make the difference between penalties and prosecution.

Whether you’re facing back taxes, under audit, or simply want to understand how the IRS builds criminal cases, this episode provides real-world insight from a tax defense perspective—before the stakes become life-changing.

If the IRS is already knocking, this is the episode you can’t afford to ignore.

I am a CPA, a Circular 230 Professional, entitled to represent taxpayers in any of the 50 states in representation matters before the IRS – inclusive of tax notice letters, audits, appeals, statutory notice of deficiency issues et al.  Over 10 million notices a year are issued by the IRS. A large number of taxpayers receive IRS Audit Notices.  A quarter of a million taxpayers a year decide to pursue Offers in Compromise, and 25,000 taxpayers a year proceed to US Tax Court because they have received a Statutory Notice of Deficiency.  99.2% of them don’t make it – for a good reason – their case is settled or dismissed before it reaches the Court.  That’s why pro se representation, representing yourself with a measure of professional assistance, such as a CPA to prepare exhibits, handle analysis of complex issues, recommend negotiation strategies, write memos of facts, explanations of case history and so forth is such a valuable combination of strategies.   I have background in auditing and I’m a researcher and a writer.  I’ve written a book as well. You can buy it on Amazon, and other platforms.

The IRS Tax Debt Survival Guide is a practical, plain-English roadmap for taxpayers facing audits, notices, back taxes, liens, levies, or U.S. Tax Court proceedings. Written by a tax professional and CPA, this guide explains how the IRS really operates, what your rights are under the Internal Revenue Code, and how to respond strategically—without panic or misinformation. Readers will learn how IRS notices work, when a statutory notice of deficiency creates a defense, how payment plans and Offers in Compromise are evaluated, and what to expect if a case escalates to collection. The IRS Tax Debt Survival Guide provides clear explanations, real-world insight, and step-by-step guidance to help you make informed decisions and protect yourself throughout the IRS process.

 My firm’s name is Tax Options, LLC.  It’s a Wyoming LLC.  You can just enter the keyword Tax Options, LLC on Google or Bing and my site will come up right away.  I also of course have a YouTube channel with a variety of videos. At the end of this presentation I provide my email address.  Here it is: [email protected].

Welcome to my Podcast on the topic of IRS tax debt relief options.  I am a CPA, a Circular 230 Professional, entitled to represent taxpayers in any of the 50 states in representation matters before the IRS – inclusive of tax notice letters, audits, appeals, statutory notice of deficiency issues et al.   Over 10 million notices a year are issued by the IRS. A large number of taxpayers receive IRS Audit Notices.  A quarter of a million taxpayers a year decide to pursue Offers in Compromise, and 25,000 taxpayers a year proceed to US Tax Court because they have received a Statutory Notice of Deficiency.  99.2% of them don’t make it – for a good reason – their case is settled or dismissed before it reaches the Court.  That’s why pro se representation, representing yourself with a measure of professional assistance, such as a CPA to prepare exhibits, handle analysis of complex issues, recommend negotiation strategies, write memos of facts, explanations of case history and so forth is such a valuable combination of strategies.   I have background in auditing and I’m a researcher and a writer.  I’ve written a book as well. You can buy it on Amazon, and other platforms.

The IRS Tax Debt Survival Guide is a practical, plain-English roadmap for taxpayers facing audits, notices, back taxes, liens, levies, or U.S. Tax Court proceedings. Written by a tax professional and CPA, this guide explains how the IRS really operates, what your rights are under the Internal Revenue Code, and how to respond strategically—without panic or misinformation. Readers will learn how IRS notices work, when a statutory notice of deficiency creates a defense, how payment plans and Offers in Compromise are evaluated, and what to expect if a case escalates to collection. The IRS Tax Debt Survival Guide provides clear explanations, real-world insight, and step-by-step guidance to help you make informed decisions and protect yourself throughout the IRS process.

 My firm’s name is Tax Options, LLC.  It’s a Wyoming LLC.  You can just enter the keyword Tax Options, LLC on Google or Bing and my site will come up right away.  I also of course have a YouTube channel with a variety of videos. At the end of this presentation I provide my email address.  Here it is: [email protected].

 This podcast explains some of the main IRS tax debt relief options and how to decide which one actually fits your situation. 

The bottom line rule with the IRS: They don’t operate by Marquess of Queensberry Rules.  As my father used to say: “Between us girls, you know what that means.”  

About the Podcast Host

 This podcast focuses on IRS tax debt, IRS collections, and Offer in Compromise strategies… 

 Struggling with IRS tax debt and wondering if an Offer in Compromise could be your way out? In this podcast, I break down who actually qualifies, the biggest mistakes taxpayers make, and how the IRS really decides whether to accept a settlement. If you want clear, practical insight into settling tax debt for less than you owe, this is a must-watch. 

I am a CPA in the Midwest, a writer, and the managing member of Tax Options, LLC with experience analyzing IRS procedure, jurisdictional requirements, and Tax Court policies and strategy. My book, available on Amazon, “The IRS Tax Debt Survival Guide,” reflects a commitment to clear explanation and disciplined reasoning. 

Additional Disclaimer 

This publication is not a substitute for individualized professional advice. Tax laws and procedures change, and outcomes depend on specific facts. Readers are responsible for verifying current law and seeking professional guidance as appropriate. Tax Options, LLC represents taxpayers before the IRS in all 50 states – however, we do not engage in federal tax preparation services.  We solely handle tax audits, tax notice services of all types and IRS representation.  

IRS Notice and Tax Audit Representation – Tax Options – Professional IRS representation for audits and notices. We provide skilled guidance to navigate tax challenges effectively.

Welcome to my Podcast. I am a CPA, a Circular 230 Professional, entitled to represent taxpayers in any of the 50 states in representation matters before the IRS – inclusive of tax notice letters, audits, appeals, statutory notice of deficiency issues et al.  I don’t handle tax preparation per se, but exclusively tax representation.  Over 10 million notices a year are issued by the IRS. A large number of taxpayers receive IRS Audit Notices.  A quarter of a million taxpayers a year decide to pursue Offers in Compromise, and 25,000 taxpayers a year proceed to US Tax Court because they have received a Statutory Notice of Deficiency.  99.2% of them don’t make it – for a good reason – their case is settled or dismissed before it reaches the Court.  That’s why pro se representation, representing yourself with a measure of professional assistance, such as a CPA to prepare exhibits, handle analysis of complex issues, recommend negotiation strategies, write memos of facts, explanations of case history and so forth is such a valuable combination of strategies.   I have background in auditing and I’m a researcher and a writer.  I’ve written a book as well. You can buy it on Amazon, and other platforms.

The IRS Tax Debt Survival Guide is a practical, plain-English roadmap for taxpayers facing audits, notices, back taxes, liens, levies, or U.S. Tax Court proceedings. Written by a tax professional and CPA, this guide explains how the IRS really operates, what your rights are under the Internal Revenue Code, and how to respond strategically—without panic or misinformation. Readers will learn how IRS notices work, when a statutory notice of deficiency creates a defense, how payment plans and Offers in Compromise are evaluated, and what to expect if a case escalates to collection. The IRS Tax Debt Survival Guide provides clear explanations, real-world insight, and step-by-step guidance to help you make informed decisions and protect yourself throughout the IRS process.

 My firm’s name is Tax Options, LLC.  It’s a Wyoming LLC.  You can just enter the keyword Tax Options, LLC on Google or Bing and my site will come up right away.  I also of course have a YouTube channel with a variety of videos. At the end of this presentation I provide my email address.  Here it is: [email protected].

 This podcast explains the main IRS tax debt relief options and how to decide which one actually fits your situation. 

The bottom line rule with the IRS: They don’t operate by Marquess of Queensberry Rules.  As my father used to say: “Between us girls, you know what that means.”  Any statement a client makes at all can be misconstrued by them.  So the rule is to say absolutely nothing. Let a professional represent you, a CPA or an EA.

Here are the rules and the reasons behind the rules:

Why it can be dangerous

1. Anything you say can be used against you

IRS counsel, Appeals officers, or revenue officers can:

·         Take notes

·         Recharacterize your statements

·         Use admissions to weaken your case

Even casual comments like “I may have misunderstood” or “I probably should have…” can be framed as admissions.

2. You could unintentionally waive arguments

 A taxpayer might:

·         Undercut a jurisdictional argument

·         Concede facts that were previously disputed

·         Harm credibility if statements differ from pleadings 

Once said, it can’t be “unsaid.”

3. They are trained; you are at a disadvantage

Their job is not to “help,” but to protect the IRS position.

Even if they sound friendly, they are not