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IRS Form 433-F

Collection Information Statement (Short Form)

Form 433-F is the streamlined version of the Collection Information Statement. The IRS Automated Collection System (ACS) uses it for balances between roughly $25,000 and $250,000 when no revenue officer is assigned. It's shorter than 433-A but still signed under penalty of perjury and still drives the size of your installment agreement.

Who Files This

Taxpayers in ACS collections — usually moderate balances, no assigned revenue officer — who are negotiating an installment agreement above streamlined limits.

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Legally reviewed byGregory McCauley Jr., Esq.

Tax Attorney · Villanova University School of Law · Admitted in Delaware, New Jersey, United States Tax Court

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What's at Stake With Form 433-F

Same as 433-A: understatement of assets can trigger fraud penalties; overstatement of ability to pay locks you into unaffordable monthly payments.

How to File Form 433-F Correctly

  1. 1
    Use the same Collection Financial Standards as 433-A

    Housing, transportation, food, and healthcare are still capped at national/local standards regardless of which 433 you file.

  2. 2
    Round numbers honestly — don't estimate

    ACS staff compare your 433-F against IRS internal data (W-2s, 1099s, prior bank levies). Inconsistencies trigger requests for the full 433-A.

  3. 3
    Attach proof for any non-standard expense

    Childcare, mandatory court-ordered payments, or large medical expenses need backup documentation.

Why File Form 433-F With a Tax Attorney

Attorney-Client Privilege

Once you sign IRS paperwork, every fact you disclosed becomes evidence. Privilege protects the conversation before you commit.

We Know the IRS Standards

Collection Financial Standards, RCP math, and ACS vs. Field Collection rules change what number you should put on this form.

We Catch the Traps

Direct-debit triggers, dissipated-asset addbacks, AMT preference items — most of the cost of these forms is in what you didn't know to negotiate.

Real Legal Representation

If the IRS rejects, defaults, or audits you off this form, we represent you through Appeals, Tax Court, or U.S. District Court.

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Costly Mistakes With Form 433-F

Submitting 433-F when a revenue officer has explicitly requested 433-A.

Listing actual expenses above Collection Financial Standards.

Failing to list all assets — IRS already has W-2 / 1099 / bank data to cross-check.

Frequently Asked Questions About Form 433-F

When does the IRS require Form 433-F vs. 433-A?

Generally 433-F is for Automated Collection System cases; 433-A is required once a revenue officer is assigned, for Offers in Compromise (433-A OIC), and for larger or more complex balances.

Can I just file 433-F to avoid the longer 433-A?

No — the IRS picks. If your case is with ACS, 433-F is correct. If a revenue officer requests 433-A, submitting 433-F instead will delay your case and frustrate the officer.

Related IRS Notices

CP14

Balance Due Notice

Primary Sources & Authority

We cite the underlying IRS publications and statutes so you can verify everything on this page.