Printable Form 2026

IRS Form 433-B – IRS Forms, Instructions, Pubs 2026

IRS Form 433-B – IRS Forms, Instructions, Pubs 2026 – If your business owes back taxes and the IRS is pursuing collection, you’ll likely need to submit IRS Form 433-B, officially titled the Collection Information Statement for Businesses. This form provides the IRS with a detailed snapshot of your company’s finances to determine payment options such as installment agreements, temporary delays in collection, or currently not collectible (CNC) status.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly what IRS Form 433-B is, who must complete it, when to use it, how to fill it out step by step (with tips from official IRS Publication 5059), required documents, common mistakes to avoid, and key differences from the newer Form 433-B (OIC) used for Offers in Compromise.

Download the latest official Form 433-B PDF here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f433b.pdf (Rev. February 2019).

What Is IRS Form 433-B?

Form 433-B is the IRS’s primary tool for gathering current financial data from businesses with outstanding tax liabilities. The IRS uses the information to calculate your business’s ability to pay and to decide on the most appropriate collection action.

Important note on versions (as of February 2026):

  • Standard Form 433-B (Rev. 2-2019): Used for most collection situations (installment agreements, CNC status, etc.).
  • Form 433-B (OIC) (Rev. 4-2025): A specialized version required only when submitting an Offer in Compromise (Form 656) to settle the debt for less than owed. It includes extra sections for asset valuation adjustments (e.g., 80% of fair market value for real estate/vehicles) and a built-in “Minimum Offer Amount” calculation.

Sole proprietorships do not use Form 433-B — they file Form 433-A instead.

Who Must Complete IRS Form 433-B?

The following business entities must file Form 433-B when requested by the IRS:

  • Partnerships
  • Corporations (including S Corporations)
  • Exempt organizations
  • Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) classified as corporations
  • Other LLCs (with number of members noted)

A partner, corporate officer, or LLC member authorized to bind the business must sign the form under penalties of perjury.

When Is Form 433-B Required?

The IRS typically requests this form when your business:

  • Requests an installment agreement (payment plan)
  • Seeks a temporary delay in collection or CNC status
  • Faces enforced collection (levies, liens)
  • Applies for an Offer in Compromise (use the OIC version)

Failing to provide complete and accurate information can delay resolution or result in rejection of your request.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out IRS Form 433-B (Standard Version)?

Always use the most current data available. Write “N/A” only when truly not applicable. Attach extra sheets if needed and number them clearly.

Section 1: Business Information

Provide basic details: legal name, physical and mailing addresses, EIN, type of entity, date established, phone, website, county, number of employees, gross monthly payroll, tax deposit frequency, EFTPS enrollment, e-commerce/payment processors (including PayPal, virtual currency wallets), and accepted credit cards.

Tip: Include mobile commerce and digital currency accounts.

Section 2: Business Personnel and Contacts

List all partners, officers, LLC members, and major shareholders (domestic and foreign). For each person include:

  • Name, title, home address, phones
  • SSN or EIN
  • Ownership percentage and annual salary/draw
  • Whether they are responsible for depositing payroll taxes

Tip (from Pub 5059): Include anyone responsible for collecting, paying, or depositing employment or excise taxes.

Section 3: Other Financial Information

Answer yes/no questions about:

  • Payroll service providers
  • Lawsuits (as plaintiff or defendant)
  • Bankruptcy filings (past 10 years)
  • Related-party loans
  • Asset transfers for less than full value
  • Business affiliations
  • Anticipated changes in income

Attach supporting documents (lawsuit papers, bankruptcy petitions, loan agreements, etc.).

Section 4: Business Assets and Liabilities

Detail all assets and liabilities (domestic and foreign):

  • Cash on hand (safe, register, petty cash) and bank accounts (checking, savings, money market, online, payroll cards — even zero-balance accounts). List safe deposit boxes with contents and value.
  • Accounts/notes receivable (include factoring, e-payment, government contracts).
  • Investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs, commodities, virtual currency like Bitcoin).
  • Available credit (credit cards, lines of credit).
  • Real property, vehicles, business equipment, and intangible assets (patents, trademarks, domain names, goodwill) — show fair market value, loan/lease balance, monthly payment, and equity.
  • Other liabilities (notes, judgments not already listed elsewhere).

Key definitions (Pub 5059):

  • Fair Market Value = amount you could sell the asset for today.
  • Do not list bank loans under bank accounts.

Section 5: Monthly Income and Expense Statement

Choose a representative period (typically the most recent 3, 6, 9, or 12 months) that matches your profit-and-loss statement.

Income lines:

  • Gross receipts from sales/services
  • Gross rental income
  • Interest, dividends, other income (specify)

Expense lines (allowable business expenses only):

  • Materials purchased, inventory purchased, wages/salaries, rent, supplies, utilities/telephone, vehicle expenses, repairs/maintenance, insurance, current taxes, other expenses.

Calculate Net Income (Income minus Expenses). Lines 47–49 are for IRS use only.

Important exclusions:

  • Do not include non-cash expenses (depreciation, bad debts, depletion).
  • Interest cannot be deducted separately if already included in installment payments.

Required Supporting Documents and Verification

After review, the IRS will request verification. Prepare:

  • Recent bank statements (all accounts)
  • Profit & loss statements or tax returns
  • Loan/lease statements
  • Vehicle titles/registration
  • Real estate appraisals or tax assessments
  • Investment statements
  • Payroll service agreements
  • Any other documents referenced in Sections 3–5

Keep copies of everything you submit.

Tips for Success and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do:

  • Reconcile every number with your accounting records.
  • Use attachments liberally and reference them on the form.
  • Sign and date the certification (under penalties of perjury).
  • Initial and date any changes after signing.

Avoid:

  • Leaving blanks (use “N/A” or attach explanations).
  • Omitting foreign assets, accounts, or personnel.
  • Including non-cash expenses in Section 5.
  • Duplicating secured debts (e.g., listing equipment loan in both equipment and liabilities sections).
  • Submitting without required attachments.

Pro Tip: The IRS compares your Form 433-B against Collection Financial Standards. Overstating expenses or understating assets can lead to denied relief.

What Happens After You Submit Form 433-B?

  1. IRS reviews the form (may take weeks).
  2. You receive a request for verification documents.
  3. IRS calculates your “ability to pay” and proposes a resolution (installment agreement, CNC, etc.).
  4. If approved, collections may be paused or restructured.

Form 433-B vs. Form 433-B (OIC): Key Differences

Use the OIC version (April 2025) only with Form 656. It features:

  • Asset equity calculations (often 80% of FMV for real estate/vehicles)
  • Digital asset reporting
  • Monthly income/expense averages leading to a “Remaining Monthly Income” figure
  • Built-in multiplier (×12 or ×24) to determine future income component of the minimum offer
  • Extra disclosures on bankruptcy, litigation, asset transfers (past 3/10 years), and foreign holdings

For OIC applications, also review the Offer in Compromise Booklet (Form 656-B).

  • Publication 5059: How to Prepare a Collection Information Statement (Form 433-B) – Direct PDF
  • Offer in Compromise page: irs.gov/payments/offer-in-compromise
  • Collection Financial Standards (updated periodically)
  • Form 433-A (for sole proprietors and individuals)
  • Form 433-F (simplified version for some individuals)

Final Advice

IRS Form 433-B is a critical document that can make or break your ability to resolve business tax debt on favorable terms. Accuracy and completeness are essential — errors or omissions can result in denied relief, continued enforcement actions, or even penalties for false statements.

Strongly recommended: Consult a tax professional, enrolled agent, or tax attorney experienced in IRS collections before submitting. They can help maximize allowable expenses, value assets correctly, and negotiate the best possible outcome with the IRS.

For the absolute latest form revisions or instructions, always check the official IRS website at irs.gov/forms.

Need help with IRS tax debt relief for your business? Contact a qualified tax resolution specialist today to review your situation and prepare your Form 433-B correctly.

All information sourced directly from IRS.gov (Form 433-B, Form 433-B (OIC), Publication 5059, and Offer in Compromise resources) as of February 2026.