Settle Your Tax Debt for Less in Houston

You may be eligible to settle your tax debt for pennies on the dollar. We help you navigate the IRS “Offer in Compromise” program to negotiate a settlement you can afford and get a fresh start.

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Personalized, Stress-Free Tax Services from a Trusted Local Firm

At Molen & Associates, we don’t just prepare your taxes—we prepare you for what’s next. With over 45 years of experience serving individuals and businesses in Houston, we know the ins and outs of the tax code and how to put it to work for you. Whether you’re a small business owner, self-employed, or a busy individual, our tax preparation services are built to save you time, reduce your tax bill, and give you confidence at every step.

We believe tax prep shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth or come with a surprise invoice. Instead, you’ll get clear, proactive guidance and a dedicated team that treats you like family. That’s the Molen way.

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c corporation tax preparation

How We Can Help You

The IRS Offer in Compromise program provides a legal pathway for qualified taxpayers to settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed. Under the Internal Revenue Code, the IRS may accept a settlement when it is determined that the full debt is unlikely to be collected or if the tax liability was incorrectly assessed.

This program offers a valuable opportunity to resolve your financial burden by potentially eliminating your entire tax liability, including accumulated penalties and interest, through a single settlement. By demonstrating that your offer reflects your actual collection potential, you can secure a fresh start and move forward without the weight of overwhelming tax debt.

Molen & Associates specializes in navigating the complexities of the settlement process to help you achieve a favorable outcome. We work to determine the appropriate settlement amount before submitting your proposal, ensuring your case is presented effectively to maximize the likelihood of IRS acceptance and provide a clear path toward financial freedom.

What You Can Expect

Significant Savings

If accepted, an Offer in Compromise allows you to pay a lump sum or short-term payments that are often a fraction of your total debt. It is the closest thing to “tax forgiveness” the IRS offers, saving qualified taxpayers thousands of dollars.

Stress-Free Filing

Preparing your own return can lead to missed deductions or costly errors. We simplify the process and handle all the details, including e-filing your return securely and efficiently.

A Complete Clean Slate

Upon acceptance and payment of your offer, your tax liens are released, and your debt is officially considered “paid in full.” You get to walk away from the nightmare of tax debt and rebuild your financial life from scratch.

Partnership Tax Preparation in Houston, TX
Tax & Accounting for Logistics Businesses

Who We Serve

  • Self-Employed & Side Hustlers
    Realtors, law enforcement, rideshare drivers, and anyone with 1099 income—this is our specialty. We’ll help you track expenses, reduce taxes, and stay compliant.

  • Small Business Owners
    From LLCs to S Corps, we’ve filed thousands of business returns. We know the difference between a missed deduction and a strategic tax plan—and we’re here to make sure you get the latter.

  • W-2 Employees with Complex Returns
    Have investment income, rental properties, or stock options? We’ll guide you through what applies and ensure it’s all reported accurately.

What Makes Molen & Associates Different?

We Treat You Like Family

You’re not a file number—you’re a person with goals, responsibilities, and a life you care about. We take the time to understand your story and tailor our advice accordingly.

We Educate, Not Just Calculate

We explain why we’re doing what we’re doing. Expect clear, plain-English explanations—not tax code gibberish.

Year-Round Support

Tax questions don’t start and end in April. You’ll have access to our team all year long, with no extra charge for emails or quick calls.

Proven Track Record

With over 10,000 tax returns filed and a 98% client satisfaction rating, we’ve helped save Houston taxpayers over thousands. Our Google reviews say it all—clients trust us with their returns year after year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Get clear answers to common questions about our tax preparation services.

What exactly is an Offer in Compromise (OIC)?

An Offer in Compromise is a specialized IRS program that allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. It is often referred to as a “Fresh Start” because it provides a path to wipe the slate clean when it is clear that you will never be able to pay the full balance before the legal collection period expires. It is not a “gimmick”; it is a legitimate legal provision for those facing genuine financial hardship.

Can anyone settle their taxes for "pennies on the dollar" like the commercials say?
While the program is very real, the IRS has extremely strict qualification standards. They look at a specific formula involving your “Reasonable Collection Potential.” This includes your future income minus necessary living expenses, plus the equity in your assets. At Molen & Associates, we perform a detailed “Pre-Qualification” analysis using the same standards the IRS uses, so we can tell you upfront whether an offer is likely to be accepted before you spend time and money on the application.
Do I have to sell my house or car to qualify for an Offer in Compromise?
Not necessarily. When calculating your offer, the IRS looks at the “Quick Sale Value” of your assets, which is typically 80% of the fair market value. You are also allowed certain exemptions for items like your primary vehicle and household goods. The goal of the OIC is to settle the debt based on what you can pay, not to leave you homeless. We work to protect your family’s foundation while negotiating a settlement that the IRS will find acceptable.

How long does the Offer in Compromise process typically take?
The OIC process is a marathon, not a sprint. Once we submit the offer, the IRS usually takes between 6 and 12 months to review the case, assign an examiner, and make a determination. During this time, the IRS is legally required to stop most collection actions, such as levies and garnishments. We handle all the back-and-forth correspondence with the IRS examiner during this period so you can focus on your daily life.
What happens if the IRS rejects my offer?
If an offer is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision within 30 days. Rejections often happen because of a disagreement over the value of an asset or a specific monthly expense. Because of our 40+ years of experience, we are well-versed in the appeals process. We can often negotiate with the Appeals Officer to find a middle ground or provide additional documentation to prove that our original offer was fair and accurate.
Is there a "catch" after my offer is accepted?
The main requirement after an offer is accepted is what we call the “five-year rule.” You must remain 100% compliant with all tax filing and payment requirements for the next five years. If you fail to file a return or owe new taxes during that time, the IRS can “default” your offer and reinstated the original debt plus all interest and penalties. This is why our Education Focused approach is so important—we teach you how to stay on the right track so your hard-won settlement remains permanent.
Will the IRS keep my future tax refunds while the offer is pending?

Yes. As part of the OIC agreement, the IRS typically keeps any tax refund (including interest) you might be entitled to for the calendar year in which the offer is accepted. However, once the offer is finalized and paid, you get to keep all future refunds moving forward. We help you plan for this so there are no surprises during tax season.

Why should I choose Molen & Associates to handle my Offer in Compromise?
The IRS rejects a high percentage of Offer in Compromise applications, often because they were filled out incorrectly or submitted by people who didn’t truly qualify. We take a family-first approach, meaning we won’t give you false hope just to take your case. We use our decades of expertise to build a “bulletproof” financial package that tells your story clearly to the IRS. We act as your authorized advocate, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.

45+

Years of Experience

10,000+

Returns Prepared

98%

Client Satisfaction

1000s

Happy Clients

Why Choose Molen & Associates?

Professional tax preparation that delivers real results for Houston residents and businesses.

Maximize Deductions

We identify every eligible deduction to ensure you pay the lowest amount legally possible.

Save Time

Let our experts handle the complexity while you focus on what matters most.

Audit Protection

Rest easy knowing your return is prepared accurately. We can even help with full audit support.

Personalized Service

Work directly with experienced Advisors who understand your unique situation.

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Year-Round Support

Access to tax professionals whenever you need guidance, not just during tax season.

Proven Expertise

Decades of experience serving Houston residents and businesses. We’re just a phone call away!

Request an Appointment Today

Fill out the form and our team will contact you as soon as possible.

Ready to File with Confidence?

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re filing for the first time, managing a complex return, or just tired of doing it alone—our team is ready to help.

Let Molen & Associates take tax prep off your plate—so you can focus on what matters most.

c corporation tax preparation

Save Your Time

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