Compromising Claims Against a Going Business Concern

If a compromise with a going business concern necessitates the acceptance of payments over a period of time, the United States Attorney should obtain adequate security for deferred payments. It is also generally advisable for the United States Attorney to require a waiver of any and all claims which such a business concern has against the United States, including rights under the net operating loss carry forward and carry back provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, at least insofar as these are affected by the compromise proposal. In some situations, it may be advisable to require written consent for the audit of the concern's books and records. Consideration should also be given to having an independent appraisal of business assets as "forced sale" and "fair market" value, conducted at the concern's expense by an appraiser whose selection is subject to the approval of the United States Attorney. The United States Attorney should not accept a percentage of net profits in settlement or partial settlement of a claim. Such arrangements are speculative at best; policing is difficult; and there are too many ways in which the affairs of the debtor concern can be manipulated to avoid, minimize, or postpone realization of a net profit. Corporate stock should generally not be accepted in settlement or payment of a claim in favor of the United States. Managing such stock holdings places unusual burdens on client agencies. Letters of credit provide an excellent method for securing payment.

[updated April 2018]