Doubt as to Collectibility
The offer in compromise basis for someone whose assets and income are not enough to pay the full liability. It is one of several bases, and the IRS decides which applies.
Full Definition
Doubt as to Collectibility is one of the grounds on which an offer in compromise can be submitted. On Form 656 the taxpayer selects it with the statement: "I do not have enough in assets and income to pay my full tax liability. I have offered the minimum offer amount calculated on Form 433-A(OIC) and/or Form 433-B(OIC)."
Two things follow from that wording. The basis rests on assets and income rather than on whether the tax is correct — a dispute about whether you owe the amount at all is a different question and a different route. And it is tied to a calculated figure: the offer amount is worked out on the Collection Information Statement, not chosen freely.
What to do next
Read Form 656-B on irs.gov, which contains the Collection Information Statement the offer amount is calculated on. The IRS also publishes a pre-qualifier tool.
What this page does not say
- Whether this basis fits any particular situation is the IRS's determination on the full financial facts. This page describes the ground; it does not assess anyone against it.
Sources
- Form 656-B, Offer in Compromise Booklet (Rev. 4-2026) — Internal Revenue Service, retrieved 2026-08-20
Last reviewed 2026-08-20 by Tax Resolution Clarity editorial.
Sourced to primary IRS materials and editorially reviewed. Not reviewed by a tax professional. Not tax advice.
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Where to go next
The IRS publishes the rules this page describes. Your own notice governs your dates.