What are the National and Local Standards and how are they considered in evaluating an OIC?
Collection Financial Standards are used to help determine a taxpayer’s ability to pay a delinquent tax liability. Allowances for food, clothing and other items, known as the National Standards, apply nationwide, except for Alaska and Hawaii, which have their own tables. Taxpayers are allowed the total National Standards amount for their family size and income level, without questioning amounts actually spent. Maximum allowances for housing and utilities and transportation, known as the Local Standards, vary by location. Unlike the National Standards, the taxpayer is allowed the lesser of the amount actually spent or the standard.
Collection Financial Standards are used to help determine a taxpayer’s ability to pay a delinquent tax liability. Allowances for food, clothing and other items, known as the National Standards, apply nationwide, except for Alaska and Hawaii, which have their own tables. Taxpayers are allowed the total National Standards amount for their family size and income level, without questioning amounts actually spent. Maximum allowances for housing and utilities and transportation, known as the Local Standards, vary by location. Unlike the National Standards, the taxpayer is allowed the lesser of the amount actually spent or the standard. Source: www.irs.
