Part 5. Collecting Process

Chapter 8. Offer in Compromise

Section 5. Financial Analysis

5.8.5  FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

5.8.5.1 Overview
5.8.5.2 Verification
5.8.5.3 Equity in Assets
5.8.5.4 Dissipation of Assets
5.8.5.5 Future Income
5.8.5.6 Payment Terms
Exhibit 5.8.5-1 Deferred Payments Limited by Short Statute
Exhibit 5.8.5-2 Deferred Payments Limited by Small Amount Due
Exhibit 5.8.5-3 Deferred Payments Limited by Application of Payment From Equity in Assets

5.8.5.1  (09-01-2005)
OVERVIEW

1. This chapter provides instructions for analyzing the taxpayers financial condition to determine reasonable collection potential (RCP). IRM 5.15, Financial Analysis Handbook, provides information for the analyzing and verifying of financial information and should be used in conjunction with this section.

5.8.5.2  (09-01-2005)
VERIFICATION

1. A thorough verification of the taxpayers Collection Information Statement (CIS) involves reviewing information available from internal sources and requesting that the taxpayer provide additional information or documents that are necessary to determine reasonable collection potential (RCP).

2. Collection issues that have been previously addressed during a balance due investigation by field personnel will not be re-examined unless there is convincing evidence that such reinvestigation is absolutely necessary. It is expected that the results of a previous collection investigation will be used and only supplemented when necessary to make a determination on an offer in compromise. Investigative actions that are less than 12 months old may be used to evaluate the offer in compromise.

   EXAMPLE:

   If a Revenue Officer has completed a full CIS analysis including verification of assets, income, and expenses and has made a determination of the fair market value (FMV) of assets, equity in assets and monthly ability to pay, this information should not be reinvestigated. The Offer Examiner (OE) should use the Revenue Officer's (RO) determinations to calculate reasonable collection potential (RCP). If the balance due case file does not provide documentation to indicate the source of the offer amount, the taxpayer will be contacted to determine the source of the offer funds

5.8.5.2.1  (09-01-2005)
INTERNAL SOURCES

1. Verify as much of the collection information statement (CIS) as possible through internal sources.

2. When internal locator services are not available, or indicate a discrepancy, request that the taxpayer provide reasonable information necessary to support the Collection Information Statement (CIS).

3. A full credit report should be requested prior to accepting an offer when the current balance due exceeds $100,000.

4. Regardless of the amount of the liability the following information sources may be considered:

   Internal Sources Review

   ENMOD and INOLESIdentify cross reference TINs for related business activity not declared on the CIS.

   SUMRY, IMFOL and BMFOLVerify full compliance.

   RTVUE (IMF) or copy of the last filed income tax return• Compare the amount of reported income to that declared on the CIS.
   • Identify past sources of income:
   Schedule B — interest and dividends
   Schedule C — self-employment income
   Schedule D — capital gains or losses
   Schedule E — rental or other investment income, net operating loss deduction
   Schedule F — farm income

   IRPTRO and/or copy of older year income tax returns
   •Compare real estate tax and mortgage interest deductions to the amounts declared on the CIS. Higher amounts may indicate present or past real property ownership not declared on the CIS. Lower amounts may indicate property has been recently sold or transferred.
   •Identify accounts not reported on the CIS, such as certificates of deposit or investment accounts.
   •Verify sources of income, such as employers, bank accounts, and retirement accounts.
   •Identify recently dissipated assets.

   BRTVUE (BMF) or copy of last filed income tax return• Compare the amount of reported income to that declared on the CIS.
   • Compare the value of assets and the amount of reported depreciation to the asset values declared on the CIS.

   State Motor Vehicle RecordsIdentify motor vehicles registered to the taxpayer but not declared on the CIS. Also check for ownership in business names.

   Real Estate Records• Identify real property titled to the taxpayer but not declared on the CIS.
   • Identify property held by transferee, nominee, or alter ego. Also check for ownership in business names.

   Credit Bureau Report• Identify past residences and employers.
   • Verify competing lien holders, balances due and payment history.
   •Identify property not listed on CIS.

5.8.5.2.2  (09-01-2005)
TAXPAYER SUBMITTED DOCUMENTS

1. Collection Information Statements (CIS) submitted with an offer in compromise should reflect information no older than the prior six months. If during the processing of the offer, the financial information becomes older than 12 months, contact should be made with the taxpayer to update the information. However, in certain situations information may become outdated due to significant processing delays caused by the Service and through no fault of the taxpayer. In those cases, it may be appropriate to rely on the outdated information if there is no indication the taxpayers overall situation has significantly changed. Judgment should be exercised to determine whether, and to what extent, updated information is necessary. If there is any reason to believe the taxpayers situation may have significantly changed, secure a new CIS.

2. Do not make a blanket request for information. Tailor your request to each taxpayers specific situation. Do not require the taxpayer to provide information that is available from internal sources.

3. Offer Investigators may receive offers (other than those identified by the "Screen for Obvious Full Pay" process) where the taxpayers have not provided, either proof of payment for certain monthly expenses claimed in Section 9 of Form 433-A, or statements showing current real estate mortgage or motor vehicle loan balance. Often the taxpayers are not actually paying claimed expenses, or they are not allowable under offer program guidelines. For example, taxpayers frequently list their unsecured credit card bills under "secured debt" or " other expenses" . While a taxpayer may have a liability for a court ordered judgment that is senior to the Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL), unless they are actually making payments on that liability it is not considered as an allowable monthly expense.

4. If taxpayers do not substantiate claimed expenses for Form 433-A categories of health care expenses, court ordered payments, child/dependent care, life insurance, other secured debt, or other expenses, Offers Investigators will complete the Income/Expense Table (IET) assuming that the taxpayer is not making any payments for the particular unsubstantiated expense, except for health care. In those cases, refer to LEM 5.3.1.

5. When computing equity in real estate or allowable motor vehicles, and the taxpayer has not submitted substantiation of loan balances claimed on the Form 433-A, Offers Investigators should request a credit report and use that loan balance information to determine the current balances of any relevant loans from commercial lenders. If the loan is from a private source, it may be necessary to contact the taxpayer/representative for the information.

6. If not present in the file when assigned for investigation, appropriate documentation from the chart below should be requested to verify the information on the Collection Information Statement (CIS).

   Taxpayer Documentation Review

   Wage Earner — wage statements for the prior three months or a current or a statement with current year–to–date figures.• Compare average earnings to the income declared on the CIS.
   • Verify adequate tax withholding.
   • Identify payroll deductions to ensure the expense is necessary and not claimed again on the CIS.
   •Identify deductions to savings accounts, credit union accounts, or retirement accounts.

   Self-employed — proof of gross income (invoices, accounts receivable, commission statements, etc.) for the prior three months.• Compare average earnings to the income declared on the CIS.
   • Identify deductions to ensure the expense is necessary and not claimed again on the CIS.

   Three (3) current months of bank statements that show the monthly transactions, withdrawals, and deposits.Compare deposit amounts to income reported on the tax return and CIS. Question deposits that exceed reported income and unusual expenses paid. Consider asking for the cancelled checks and deposit items for a specified time frame if questionable items cannot be adequately explained.

   Retirement account statements and brochures, brokerage account statements, securities, or other investmentsIdentify the type, conditions for withdrawal, and current market value.

   Life insurance policies•Identify the type, conditions for borrowing or cancellation, and the current loan and cash values.
   • Verify the amount of the required premiums and ensure payments are being made.

   Motor vehicle purchase or lease contracts, statements from the lender indicating the payoff amountVerify equity and monthly payment expense.

   Real estate warranty deeds, mortgage deeds, HUD closing statements, statements from the lender indicating the pay off amountIdentify the type of ownership, amount of equity, and monthly payment expense.

   Homeowners or renters insurance policies and riders.• Compare the insured value to the value declared on the CIS.
   • Identify high value personal items such as jewelry, antiques or artwork.

   Financial statements recently provided to lending institutions or others.Compare the financial information on the CIS to those submitted to other lending institutions.

   Divorce court orders.Verify disposition of assets in the property settlement.

   Court orders for child support and proof of payment.Verify responsibility for child support, that the payments are actually being made, and the length of time payments are required to be made. A copy of the court order is not critical or required if the taxpayer does not provide supporting documentation that payments are being made. In those cases, the payment will be disallowed as an expense. If the payment is to be allowed, a copy of the Court Order must be secured.

5.8.5.3  (09-01-2005)
EQUITY IN ASSETS

1. Proper asset valuation is essential to determine reasonable collection potential (RCP).

2. Field calls may be made to locate or personally ascertain the condition of assets.

3. Assets will not be eliminated or valued at zero dollars simply because the Service may choose not to take enforcement action against the asset, even though the net result is rejection of the offer and reporting the case currently not collectible.

5.8.5.3.1  (09-01-2005)
NET REALIZABLE EQUITY

1. For offer purposes, assets are valued at net realizable equity (NRE). Net realizable equity is defined as quick sale value (QSV) less amounts owed to secured lien holders with priority over the federal tax lien.

2. Quick sale value (QSV) is defined as an estimate of the price a seller could get for the asset in a situation where financial pressures motivate the owner to sell in a short period of time, usually 90 calendar days or less. Generally, QSV is an amount less than fair market value (FMV) but greater than forced sale value (FSV). FSV is defined as no less than 75% of FMV.

3. Normally, quick sale value (QSV) is calculated at 80% of fair market value (FMV). A higher or lower percentage may be applied in determining QSV when appropriate, depending on the type of asset and/or current market conditions. If, based on the current market and area economic conditions, it is believed that the property would quickly sell at full FMV, then it may be appropriate to consider QSV to be the same as FMV. This is occasionally found to be true in real estate markets where real estate is selling quickly at or above the listing price. As long as the value chosen represents a fair estimate of the price a seller could get for the asset in a situation where the asset must be sold quickly (usually 90 calendar days or less) then it would be appropriate to use of a percentage other than 80%. Generally, it is the policy of the Service to apply QSV in valuing property for offer purposes.

4. When a particular asset has been sold (or a sale is pending) in order to fund the offer, no reduction for quick sale value (QSV) should be made. Instead, verify the actual sale price, ensuring that the sale is an arms length transaction, and use that amount as the QSV. A reduction may be made for the costs of the sale and the expected current year tax consequence to arrive at the net realizable equity (NRE) of the asset.

5.8.5.3.2  (09-01-2005)
JOINTLY HELD ASSETS

1. When taxpayers submit separate offers but have jointly owned assets, allocate equity in the assets equally between the owners. However:

   If… Then…

   The joint owners demonstrate their interest in the property is not equally dividedAllocate the equity based on each owner's contribution to the value of the asset.

   The joint owners have joint and individual tax liabilities included in the offer investigationApply the equity first to the joint liability and then to the individual liability.

2. See IRM 5.8.5.3.11(4) below for the treatment of assets held as tenancies by the entirety.

5.8.5.3.3  (09-01-2005)
INCOME-PRODUCING ASSETS

1. When determining the reasonable collection potential (RCP) for an offer that includes business assets, an analysis is necessary to determine if certain assets are essential for the production of income. When it is determined that an asset or a portion of an asset is necessary for the production of income, it may be appropriate to adjust the income or expense calculation for that taxpayer to account for the loss of income stream if the asset was either liquidated or used as collateral to secure a loan to fund the offer .

2. When valuing income-producing assets:

   If… Then…

   There is no equity in the assetsThere is no adjustment necessary to the income stream.

   There is equity and no available income stream (i.e. profit) produced by those assetsThere is no adjustment necessary to the income stream. Consider including the equity in the asset in the RCP.

   There are both equity in assets that are determined to be necessary for the production of income and an available income stream produced by those assetsCompare the value of the income stream produced by the income producing asset(s) to the equity that is available.
   Determine if an adjustment to income or expenses is appropriate.

   An asset used in the production of income will be liquidated to help fund an offerAdjusting the income to account for the loss of the asset.

   A taxpayer borrows against an asset that is necessary for the production of income, and devotes the proceeds to the payment of the offerConsider the effect that loan will have on future expenses and the future income stream.

   The taxpayer is either unable or unwilling to secure a loan on the equity in income producing assetsCompare the equity in the assets with the income produced by those assets. Determine if an adjustment to income stream is appropriate to account for the potential loss of the assets.

3. These considerations should be fully documented in the case history. For example:

   If… Then…

   A self-employed construction tradesman sells a truck, which he used to haul materials, and devotes the proceeds to the offerConsider allowing the expected cost of delivery services as a business expense.

   A tradesman borrows against the truck instead of selling it and devotes the proceeds to the offerConsider allowing the loan repayment as a business expense.

   A loan cannot be secured and loss of the truck would create an economic hardshipWhen special circumstances warrant acceptance of less than RCP, document the circumstances and recommend acceptance to the authorized official in Delegation Order No. 5-1 (formerly DO 11, Rev. 29).

   An outside salesman has a luxury car when all that is necessary is a moderate value sedanThe equity should be included in the offer. Consider allowing only a portion of the loan repayment that would be required to purchase a moderate value replacement vehicle.

   An outside salesman has a luxury car but no ability to make installment payments for purchase of a moderate value replacement vehicleThe equity should be included in the offer. When special circumstances warrant acceptance of less than the RCP, document the circumstances and recommend acceptance to the authorized official in Delegation Order No. 5-1 (formerly DO 11, Rev. 29). Determine the acceptable amount of a special circumstances offer by allowing the taxpayer to retain only enough equity to purchase a moderate value replacement vehicle.

   A business owns a vacation property, which is used for annual board meetings.The equity should be included in the offer. Do not allow any loan repayment.

5.8.5.3.4  (09-01-2005)
ASSETS HELD BY OTHERS AS TRANSFEREES, NOMINEES, OR ALTER EGOS

1. A critical part of the financial analysis is to determine what degree of control the taxpayer has over assets and income in the possession of others. This is especially true when the offer will be funded by a third party.

2. When these issues arise, apply the principles in IRM 5.17.1, Legal Reference Guide for Revenue Officers, or request a counsel opinion.

3. It is not necessary to actually seek or obtain any specific legal remedy in order to address these issues in an offer.

4. If the taxpayer has a beneficial interest in the asset or income stream then the value should be reflected in the reasonable collection potential (RCP).

5.8.5.3.5  (09-01-2005)
CASH

1. Review checking account statements over a reasonable period of time, normally three months.

   NOTE:

   Determine if there are funds in the account that are not spent on a monthly basis. Generally this would be the amount reflected on each month's statement when the account is at its lowest point. Treat overdrafts as a zero balance. This should represent the amount available in the account each month after all deposits and withdrawals. Average the lowest daily ending balance on each of the three statements and use this amount as the value of the account. This amount will be added to the AET as an asset, however, it cannot be valued for less than zero.

2. Determine the taxpayers interest in bank accounts by ascertaining the manner in which they are held and applying the principles described in IRM 5.17.1, Legal Reference Guide for Revenue Officers.

3. If analysis of the bank statements and/or discussions with the taxpayer reveal that an adjustment to the balance is appropriate based on unusual expenses that are necessary for the production of income or the health and welfare of the taxpayer, consider adjusting the balance. The case file should clearly document these determinations.

4. Analyze the statement for any unusual activity, i.e. deposit in excess of reported income, withdrawals, transfers, or checks for expenses not reflected on the Collection Information Statement (CIS). The Offer Investigator should question these inconsistencies, as appropriate.

5. Review savings accounts statements over a reasonable period of time, normally three months.

   • If the account has little withdrawal activity use the ending balance on the latest statement as the asset value for the AET.

   • If it is apparent that the account is used for paying monthly living expenses, treat it as a checking account and follow the instructions in paragraphs (1) through (4) above to determine its value.

6. If analysis of the bank statement reveals recently dissipated funds, see 5.8.5.4 below for a full discussion of the treatment of dissipated assets.

7. If the taxpayer offers the balances of accounts to fund the offer, allow for any penalty for early withdrawal and the expected current year tax consequence.

8. Verify whether deposits in escrow or trust accounts are actually held for the benefit of others.

9. For funds on deposit with the offer in compromise, allow as an encumbrance any amount borrowed under the provision that, if the offer is not accepted, it must be repaid.

5.8.5.3.6  (09-01-2005)
SECURITIES

1. Financial securities are considered an asset and their value should be determined and included in the reasonable collection potential (RCP) when investigating an offer.

2. When the taxpayer will liquidate the investment to fund the offer, allow any penalty for early withdrawal and the current year tax consequence.

3. To determine the value of publicly traded stock, research a daily paper or inquire with a broker for the current market price. Then, allow for the estimated costs of the sale to arrive at the quick sale value (QSV).

4. To determine the value of closely held stock that is either not traded publicly or for which there is no established market, consider the following methods of valuing the company and assign a proportion of the company's value to the taxpayers stock:

   • Secure and verify a Collection Information Statement (CIS).

   • Review recent year's annual report to stockholders.

   • Review recent year's corporate income tax returns.

   • Request an appraisal of the business as a going concern by a qualified and impartial appraiser.

5. When a taxpayer holds only a negligible or token interest, has made no investment and exercises no control over the corporate affairs, it is permissible to assign no value to the stock.

5.8.5.3.7  (09-01-2005)
LIFE INSURANCE

1. Life insurance as an investment is not considered necessary. However, reasonable premiums for term life policies may be allowed as a necessary expense.

2. When determining the value in a taxpayers insurance policy, consider:

   If… Then…

   The taxpayer will retain or sell the policy to help fund the offerEquity is the cash surrender value.

   The taxpayer will borrow on the policy to help fund the offerEquity is the cash loan value less any prior policy loans or automatic premium loans required to keep the contract in force.

5.8.5.3.8  (09-01-2005)
RETIREMENT OR PROFIT SHARING PLANS

1. Funds held in a retirement or profit sharing plan are considered an asset and must be valued for offer purposes.

2. Contributions to voluntary retirement plans are not a necessary expense. Review of the retirement plan document is generally necessary to determine the taxpayers benefits and options under the plan.

3. When determining the value of a taxpayers pension and profit sharing plans consider:

   If… And… Then…

   The account is an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or Keogh AccountThe taxpayer is not retired or close to retirementEquity is the cash value less any expense for liquidating the account and early withdrawal penalty.

   The account is an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), 401(k), or Keogh AccountThe taxpayer is retired or close to retirementEquity is the cash value less any expense for liquidating the account and early withdrawal penalty. The plan may be considered as income, if the income from the plan is necessary to provide for necessary living expenses.

   The contribution to a retirement plan is required as a condition of employmentThe taxpayer is able to withdraw funds from the accountEquity is the amount the taxpayer can withdraw less any expense associated with the withdrawal

   The contribution to an employer's plan is required as a condition of employmentThe taxpayer is unable to withdraw funds from the account but is permitted to borrow on the planEquity is the available loan value.

   Any retirement plan that may not be borrowed on or liquidated until separation from employmentThe taxpayer is retired, eligible to retire, or close to retirementEquity is the cash value less any expense for liquidating the account and early withdrawal penalty, or consider the plan as income if the income from the plan is necessary to provide for necessary living expenses.

   The plan may not be borrowed on or liquidated until separation from employmentThe taxpayer is not eligible to retire until after the period for which we are calculating future incomeThe plan has no equity.

   The plan includes a stock optionThe taxpayer is eligible to take the optionEquity is the value of the stock at current market price less any expense to exercise the option.

4. When the taxpayer will liquidate the retirement plan to fund the offer, allow any penalty for early withdrawal and the current year tax consequence.

5. When the taxpayer will borrow against the retirement plan to fund the offer, allow any penalty for early withdrawal and the current year tax consequence.

5.8.5.3.9  (09-01-2005)
FURNITURE, FIXTURES, AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

1. The taxpayers declared value of household goods is usually acceptable unless there are articles of extraordinary value; such as, antiques, artwork, jewelry, or collector's items. Exercise discretion in determining whether the assets warrant personal inspection.

2. There is a statutory exemption from levy that applies to the taxpayers furniture and personal effects. This exemption amount is updated on an annual basis.

   NOTE:

   This exemption applies only to individual taxpayers.

3. When determining the value consider the following:

   If… Then…

   The taxpayer qualifies as head of household, single, or marriedGrant a reduction in the value of personal effects for the levy exemption amount.

   The property is owned jointly with any person who is not liable for the taxDetermine the value of the taxpayers proportionate share of property before allowing the levy exemption.

   Some of the furniture or fixtures are used in a businessThey are not personal effects, but they may qualify for the levy exemption as tools of a trade.

5.8.5.3.10  (09-01-2005)
MOTOR VEHICLES, AIRPLANES, AND BOATS

1. Equity in motor vehicles, airplanes, and boats must be determined and included in the reasonable collection potential (RCP). The general rule for determining net realizable equity (NRE), as discussed in IRM 5.8.5.3.1 above, applies when determining equity in these assets. Unusual assets such as airplanes and boats may require an appraisal to determine fair market value (FMV), unless the items can be located in a trade association guide. The case file should document how the values were determined.

2. Generally, it is not necessary to personally inspect automobiles used for personal transportation. When it appears reasonable, accept the taxpayers stated value. No further investigation is required except for vehicles that are three years old or newer with no lien. For these vehicles, consult a trade association guide and discount the fair market value (FMV) to 80% to arrive at the quick sale value (QSV).

   EXAMPLE:

   When investigating an offer in the year 2003, a 2001 model year is 3 years old or newer.

3. When these assets are used for business purposes they may be considered income producing assets. See IRM 5.8.5.3.3 above for a full discussion on the treatment of income producing assets.

5.8.5.3.11  (09-01-2005)
REAL ESTATE

1. Equity in real estate is included when calculating the taxpayers reasonable collection potential (RCP) and in an acceptable offer amount.

2. When determining equity in real estate, the fair market value (FMV) of the property must be established. FMV is defined as the price a willing buyer will pay for the property, given time to obtain the best and highest possible price. The following methods may be used to establish FMV:

   • Recent purchase price or an existing contract to sell

   • Recent appraisals

   • Real estate tax assessment

   • Market comparable

   • Homeowners insurance replacement cost

3. Once the fair market value (FMV) of real estate is established, a determination regarding a reduction of value for offer purposes must be made. Procedures outlining reduction to quick sale value (QSV) are discussed in IRM 5.8.5.3.1 above. If the value of real estate is reduced beyond 80% or if FMV is not reduced to QSV, the case file should document the basis for the value used.

4. For real estate and other related property held as tenancies by the entirety when the tax is owed by only one spouse, the taxpayers portion is usually 50% of the property's net realizable equity (NRE).

5.8.5.3.12  (09-01-2005)
ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE

1. Accounts and notes receivable are considered assets unless a determination is made to treat them as part of the income stream when they are required for the production of income. When it is determined that liquidation of a receivable would be detrimental to the continued operation of an otherwise profitable business, it may be treated as future income.

2. To determine the value of accounts receivable:

   1. Consider discounting the value of accounts that are over 90 calendar days past due.

   2. When the receivables have been sold at a discount or pledged as collateral on a loan, apply the provisions of IRC 6323(c) to determine the lien priority of commercial transactions and financing agreements.

   3. Closely examine accounts of significant value that the taxpayer is not attempting to collect, or that are receivable from officers, stockholders, or relatives.

3. To determine the value of a note receivable, consider the following:

   • Whether it is secured and if so by what asset(s)

   • What is collectable from the borrower

   • If it could be successfully levied upon.

5.8.5.3.13  (09-01-2005)
INVENTORY, MACHINERY, AND EQUIPMENT

1. Inventory, machinery and equipment may be considered income producing assets. See IRM 5.8.5.3.3 above when it is determined that liquidation of these assets would be detrimental to the continued operation of an otherwise profitable business.

2. To determine the value of business assets use the following:

   • For assets commonly used in many businesses such as automobiles and trucks, the value may be easily determined by consulting trade association guides.

   • For specialized machinery and equipment suitable for only certain applications, consult a trade association guide, secure an appraisal from a knowledgeable and impartial dealer, or contact the manufacturer.

   • When the property is unique or difficult to value and no other resource will meet the need, follow local procedure to request the services of an IRS valuation engineer.

   • Consider asking the taxpayer to secure an appraisal from a qualified business appraiser.

3. There is a statutory exemption from levy that applies to an individual taxpayers tools used in a trade or business. This exemption for tools of the trade generally does not apply to automobiles. The levy exemption amount is updated on an annual basis.

5.8.5.3.14  (09-01-2005)
BUSINESS AS A GOING CONCERN

1. Evaluation of a business as a going concern is sometimes necessary when determining reasonable collection potential (RCP) of an operating business owned individually or by a corporation, partnership, or LLC. This analysis recognizes that a business may be worth more than the sum of its parts, when sold as a going concern.

2. To determine the value of a business as a going concern consider the value of assets, future income, and intangible assets such as:

   • Good will

   • Ability or reputation of a professional

   • Established customer base

   • Prominent location

   • Well known trade name, trademark, or telephone number

   • Possession of government licenses, copyrights, or patents

   
   Generally, the difference between what an ongoing business would realize if sold on the open market as a going concern and the traditional reasonable collection potential (RCP) analysis is attributable to the value of these intangibles.

3. Request the assistance of an IRS valuation engineer when a difficult or complex valuation is necessary.

4. When determining reasonable collection potential (RCP) for an individual taxpayer that has an interest in a business entity, flexibility should be used with consideration given to the taxpayers control over the business.

5.8.5.4  (09-01-2005)
DISSIPATION OF ASSETS

1. During an offer investigation it may be discovered that assets (liquid or non-liquid) have been sold, gifted, transferred, or spent on non-priority items and/or debts and are no longer available to pay the tax liability. This section discusses treatment of the value of these assets when considering an offer in compromise.

   NOTE:

   The scope of an offer investigation should not be expanded beyond the requirements defined in IRM 5.8.5.4, for the sole purpose of attempting to locate dissipated assets.

2. Once it is determined that a specific asset has been dissipated, the investigation should address whether the value of the asset, or a portion of the value, should be included in an acceptable offer amount.

3. Inclusion of the value of dissipated assets must clearly be justified in the case file and documented on the ICS/AOIC history. Justification should include an analysis of the following facts:

   • When the asset(s) were dissipated in relation to the offer submission,

   • How the asset was dissipated,

   • If the taxpayer realized any funds from the dissipation of assets,

   • How any funds realized from the dissipation of assets were used,

   • The value of dissipated assets and the taxpayers interest in those assets.

4. When the taxpayer can show that assets have been dissipated to provide for necessary living expenses, these amounts should not be included in the reasonable collection potential (RCP) calculation.
   For Example:

   • Dissolving an IRA account to pay for necessary living expenses during unemployment

   • Using bank accounts to pay for medical expenses

   • An asset that was dissipated and the funds were used to purchase another asset that is included in the offer evaluation.

5. If the investigation clearly reveals that assets have been dissipated with a disregard of the outstanding tax liability, consider including the value in the reasonable collection potential (RCP) calculation.

   NOTE:

   The examples below are only guidelines and the value of the dissipated assets should not automatically be included in the calculation of the RCP. Each particular case must be evaluated on it's own merit and with the factors in (3) above in mind. In addition, if the tax liability did not exist prior to the dissipation or the dissipation occurred prior to the taxable event giving rise to the tax liability, a taxpayer cannot be said to have dissipated the assets with a disregard of the outstanding tax liability. For example, if a taxpayer withdraws funds from an IRA to invest in a business opportunity but does not have any tax liability prior to the withdrawal, the fact that taxes are not withheld from the distribution does not result in the value of the funds being included in the RCP calculation.

   For Example:

   • Dissolving an IRA account to pay unsecured credit card debt

   • Sale of real estate and "gifting" the funds from the sale to family members.

   • A recent refinancing of equity in property and using the funds to pay unsecured debt.

6. If the taxpayer cannot or will not provide information showing the disposition of funds from dissipated assets, consider including a portion or all of these values in an acceptable offer amount.

5.8.5.5  (09-01-2005)