Offer in Compromise settlements are based upon the Taxpayer’s assets and overall financial situation. The worse the Taxpayer’s financial situation looks, the better the settlement with the I.R.S. The bad economy is one reason why now is the time to consider an Offer in Compromise.

An immigrant coming to America for longer than a certain time period will become a Resident Alien for U.S. income taxes at some point in time. In doing so, they are subjecting themselves to a potential U.S. tax income on their annual worldwide income, an estate tax on their deaths on their worldwide assets and a tax on gifts of their worldwide wealth.

With the right evidence and the law on your side, theft losses from Ponzi schemes can lead to the same refunds as the Safe Harbor and even more, since interest will be paid on the refund from the time the taxes were paid in certain situations. This might not occur under the Safe Harbor, the Taxpayer may be better off without the Safe Harbor in many situations.

This article is intended to make high-net-worth individuals aware of a variety of strategies to preserve assets and limit tax liability. Keep in mind that these strategies are complex and should never be implemented without the assistance and guidance of an attorney.