If you’ve got problems with the IRS, here are a few pointers—that you won’t get from a cable pitchman.

Some people do win “offer in compromise” deals from the IRS allowing them to settle what they owe for “pennies on the dollar”—but only those who genuinely can’t pay, when all their assets and future earnings are taken into account. In fiscal 2010, the IRS received 57,000 applications for OICs and granted only 14,000 of them, according to its annual data book. (Very large PDF with data here. See table 16.)
If you can pay what you owe the IRS over time, you may be able to work out a deal without paying big bucks to a tax pro. Earlier this month, as part of a bid to help strapped taxpayers, the IRS announced that taxpayers owing up to $50,000 in back taxes, interest and penalties (up from $25,000) can enter into a streamlined installment agreement to pay over up to 72 months–without supplying the IRS with a detailed financial statement. Be careful, however, not to sign an installment agreement unless you’re reasonably certain you can live up to.
If you believe you are being treated unfairly by the IRS and can’t get anyone to listen to you, there is an independent office within the IRS —known as the Taxpayer Advocate Service—that may be able to intervene. (Details on how to contact the Advocate are here.)
If you need professional help, choose carefully. If you’re in deep trouble with the IRS, you’ll generally want to hire a lawyer, a CPA or an enrolled agent, who is licensed to practice before the IRS.

Owe The IRS? TaxMasters Bankruptcy Shows Why Not To Get Help From TV Pitchmen - Forbes

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Tax resolution firm JK Harris and Tax Lady Roni Deutch closed up shop last year. Like TaxMasters, they faced suits claiming they exaggerated what they could do for taxpayers who owe the IRS.