One of the most common questions that I'm asked by clients is "how much is an Offer in Compromise going to cost?" The answer to this question is simple in one sense, and somewhat complicated in another. The easy answer is "the most you can possibly put forth" but a more complex and accurate answer is that the Offer in Compromise offer should be based off your personal net liquidated value. Per the SBA's standard operating procedures 50 51 3 manual, the offers should exceed the net recovery value and creditors cost of collections. Yet that still leaves many questions - do I need to compensate for equity in my house? Does homestead protect me? Does negative equity in one property offset positive equity in another? Do I need to compensate for my IRA or 401k retirement savings? What if my spouse is a high earner but is not a guarantor on the loan? My associates and myself have studied the SBA's standard operating procedure and worked with clients in order to put forth offers that do not cost them and loved ones more than necessary, yet will be accepted by the banks and the SBA. If you find yourselves with these or any other questions about preparing and putting forth an Offer in Compromise, give us a call anytime. We may or may not be a good fit for you, but we're always open to talk and answer any questions you may have about settling your personal guarantee through an Offer in Compromise. - Greg Wales, Second Wind Consultants, Inc.