IA or OIC or What?

[dsi]

New client coming in today to retain me to help him with his back tax liability. He owes approx $15,000 to theIRS.

Should I:
1. Prepare an IA
2. Call the IRS and ask for abatement of penalties?
3. Look at a possible OIC?

What's the first step I should take?

Dave

[JohnH]

Absolute First Step

Collect a retainer & verify that the check is good

[taxmandan]

After getting paid,

Have the client sign a Form 8821 and get the transcripts for the years he owes, so you can see where he is in the collections process. Don't rely on his statements to get the whole picture. After you figure out where he is in the system, you can then discuss options with him: IA, OIC, or .... It's his decision what course of action to take, not yours, with consideration of the likely acceptance by theIRS.