Tax Relief AnswersOffer in Compromise Checklist: The Form 656-B Document List
The short answer
An offer in compromise package, per the IRS Form 656-B booklet (Rev. 4-2026), must include Form 656, a signed Form 433-A (OIC) for individuals or Form 433-B (OIC) for businesses, copies of supporting documents, the $205 application fee and the initial payment, unless you are an individual who meets the Low-Income Certification guidelines. The booklet ends with an Application Checklist on page 29 and asks you to include it with the application. The list below follows that checklist and the attachment list printed at the end of Form 433-A (OIC), read November 3, 2026.
Before you fill anything in
- Check eligibility with the IRS Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier or your Individual Online Account. The booklet says neither tool's result means the offer will be accepted.
- All required tax returns filed, and a bill or notice of balance due received (checklist).
- A complete copy of any tax return filed within 10 weeks before you submit the offer (checklist).
- If you dispute that you owe the tax, the booklet points to Form 656-L instead, and says not to send both kinds of offer at the same time.
Forms
- Form 656, with every field completed, a payment option selected, and signed.
- Form 433-A (OIC) if you are an individual wage earner or sole proprietor, signed.
- Form 433-B (OIC) if the debt belongs to a corporation, partnership or LLC, signed.
- An offer amount equal to the amount calculated on Form 433-A (OIC) or 433-B (OIC), or, if lower, an explanation of special circumstances in Section 3 of Form 656 with documents that support it.
- A separate Form 656 package for business debts and for individual debts, each with its own financial statements, documents, fee and initial payment.
Copies of supporting documents (Form 433-A (OIC) list)
- The most recent pay stub or earnings statement from each employer.
- The most recent statement for each investment and retirement account.
- Documents and records showing digital assets you hold now.
- The most recent statement for every other income source, such as pensions, Social Security, rental income, interest and dividends, child support or alimony orders, gig work through apps, and recurring capital gains.
- Complete personal bank statements for the 3 most recent months; if you operate a business, the 6 most recent statements for each business account.
- The most recent lender statements for mortgages, vehicle loans and other loans, showing monthly payment, payoff and balance.
- A list of accounts or notes receivable, if any.
- Proof of delinquent state or local taxes and the monthly payment, if any.
- Court orders for child support or alimony you list as expenses.
- Trust documents, if they apply.
- A completed Form 433-B if you or your spouse have an interest in a business other than a sole proprietorship.
The booklet says to send copies, not originals.
Representation and estates
- Form 2848 if you want an attorney, CPA or enrolled agent to represent you, listing every year and form in the offer and the current tax year; or Form 8821 if someone should only receive information.
- A letter testamentary or other proof of authority if you act for an estate.
Payment
- The $205 application fee, paid electronically through EFTPS or your Individual Online Account, or by check or money order to "United States Treasury."
- The initial payment: 20% of the offer for a lump-sum offer, or the first monthly payment for a periodic payment offer.
- If you meet the Low-Income Certification guidelines, the booklet says not to send the fee or payments.
Sending it
- Individuals can file the whole offer online through their Individual Online Account; the booklet says not to mail a duplicate after filing online.
- Paper packages go to the Memphis or Brookhaven IRS center, depending on your state, using the table on page 29 of the booklet.
The fee, acceptance figures and what happens after a decision are on the offer in compromise page.
FAQ
What forms go in an offer in compromise package?
Form 656, plus a signed Form 433-A (OIC) for individuals or Form 433-B (OIC) for businesses, with copies of supporting documents, the $205 fee and the initial payment unless the Low-Income Certification applies.
How many months of bank statements does the IRS want?
The Form 433-A (OIC) attachment list asks for complete personal bank statements for the 3 most recent months, and the 6 most recent statements for each business account if you operate a business.
Can I send original documents?
No. The Form 656-B booklet says to include copies of all required attachments and not to send originals.
Do I need the checklist page itself?
The booklet asks you to review the application with the Application Checklist and include the checklist with your application.