A Washington Closing Agreement is a legal document that deals with the resolution of tax disputes between taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States. It is essentially a settlement reached between the taxpayer and the IRS to resolve any tax-related issues or disagreements. This agreement is particularly important in cases where there are complex tax issues or controversies, and both parties aim to avoid lengthy and costly litigation. The Washington Closing Agreement provides a way for taxpayers to settle their tax disputes without going to court and provides certainty and finality to the resolution. There are different types of Washington Closing Agreements, each serving a specific purpose: 1. Audit Closing Agreement: This type of agreement is used to finalize tax issues that have arisen during an IRS audit. It allows the taxpayer and the IRS to agree upon the audit adjustments, and any resulting underpayment or overpayment of taxes. 2. Appeals Closing Agreement: When a taxpayer disagrees with an audit decision and files an appeal, an Appeals Closing Agreement is used to reach a settlement with the IRS Appeals Office. This agreement resolves all issues that were a part of the appeal. 3. Offer in Compromise Closing Agreement: The IRS offers taxpayers who are unable to pay their full tax liabilities the option to settle for a lesser amount through an Offer in Compromise. Once the offer is accepted, a Closing Agreement is executed, providing the terms and conditions of the settlement. 4. Collection Closing Agreement: In situations where taxpayers are facing significant tax debts and are unable to pay, they may negotiate a Collection Closing Agreement with the IRS. This agreement stipulates an alternative payment plan, such as an installment agreement or an offer to surrender specific assets as payment. Washington Closing Agreements play a crucial role in the tax resolution process, allowing taxpayers and the IRS to find common ground and resolve their disputes amicably. By avoiding litigation, both parties save time, money, and resources while ensuring the timely resolution of tax matters.