Tax Settlement Eligibility Calculator
Last updated · Reviewed for accuracy against IRS.gov guidance
This tax settlement calculator asks eight questions about your balance, situation, income and filing status and compares your answers to published IRS and state eligibility rules. It shows which programs — payment plans, Offer in Compromise, hardship status or penalty relief — are a strong, possible or unlikely fit. It never predicts a settlement amount.
How the eligibility screen works
Each answer maps to a rule the IRS or your state publishes. Your balance decides which payment plan routes are open — for example, individuals who owe $50,000 or less can usually apply online. Your situation (garnishment, levy, unfiled returns, notices) shows how urgent things are and which programs address them. Income and employment approximate whether you can pay over time or might qualify for Currently Not Collectible or an Offer in Compromise. Filing status matters because unfiled returns block most programs.
The result groups programs into three bands. Strong means your answers line up with the main requirements. Possible means it depends on details a full review would check. Unlikely means a key requirement probably isn't met.
Why we don't show a settlement amount
Settlement through an Offer in Compromise depends on your reasonable collection potential — the IRS's calculation of your asset equity plus future disposable income using its own expense standards. Two people who owe the same amount can get completely different results. Any site that quotes a settlement figure from your balance alone is guessing. If you want a closer look at the math, try the Offer in Compromise calculator and the allowable living expenses worksheet.
What happens if you ask for a review
After you see your results, you can choose to have an independent tax relief professional review your situation. That step is optional and requires your consent. We may be compensated when we connect you with a provider; that doesn't change your calculator results. Read how we make money for details.
See which relief programs you may qualify for
Answer 8 quick questions. Free, takes under 60 seconds, and won't affect your credit.
Start the calculatorFrequently asked questions
Does this calculator tell me how much I'll settle for?
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No. It shows which programs may fit — strong, possible or unlikely — based on published eligibility rules. A settlement amount depends on your documented income, allowable expenses and asset equity, which only a full financial review can show.
Will using the calculator affect my credit?
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No. There's no credit check. You can see your results before deciding whether to request a free review.
What programs does it check?
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IRS payment plans (short-term, Simple Payment Plan and non-streamlined), Offer in Compromise, Currently Not Collectible status, penalty abatement, Fresh Start policies, innocent spouse relief and state relief programs.
Why does it ask whether I've filed all returns?
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The IRS generally won't approve most relief programs until all required returns are filed. Unfiled years are the most common reason applications are returned.
Who sees my answers?
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Your answers are used to show results. If you choose to request a review and give consent, your information is shared with independent tax relief professionals. See our privacy policy and how we make money.
Is this the same as the IRS Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier?
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No. The IRS pre-qualifier focuses only on offers. This tool screens across all relief options; we recommend running the IRS tool too before filing an offer.
Related
TaxSettlementCalculator.com is not a tax firm, law firm, CPA, or government agency and is not affiliated with the IRS or any state tax agency. Estimates are for educational purposes only and are not tax, legal, or financial advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances, and no outcome is guaranteed. We connect users with independent tax relief professionals.