How to Set Up a Payment Plan With the IRS

Andrea Miller

Expert Contributor
Last Updated: December 9, 2021

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If you cannot afford to pay the full amount of assessed tax, the IRS will allow you to make installment payments.
Taxpayers who owe less than $50,000 and meet other requirements can propose an affordable monthly payment to the IRS.
Other options are available to taxpayers who cannot afford to pay even a small monthly amount while meeting basic living expenses.

The IRS will allow you to pay your past-due tax balance in monthly installments. Although you will be subject to late penalties and interest, an installment agreement lets you resolve your back taxes over time.

Easy Article Navigation hide

1 File Outstanding Returns

2 Apply for an Installment Agreement Online

3 Pay the Fees

4 Calculate Monthly Payments

5 Appeal a Rejected Installment Agreement

6 Fulfill an Installment Agreement

7 Exploring Other Payment Options

Discover ways you can set up a payment plan with the IRS.

File Outstanding Returns

You will not be accepted for an installment agreement unless all your tax returns have been filed. Even if you know you cannot pay the full amount that you owe, the failure to pay the penalty is only 0.5 percent of your balance assessed monthly, compared to 5 percent for the failure to file the penalty.

Apply for an Installment Agreement Online

Taxpayers can apply for an installment agreement using the Online Payment Agreement Application tool. You can also submit Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request, at an IRS office or through the mail. A phone application is available by calling 800-829-1040.

These options are available to those who have less than $50,000 in back taxes, interest, and penalties. Individuals who have a higher balance will need to submit financial information with their request for an installment agreement. You may be required to sell assets to pay down your balance before being approved for an installment agreement.

How to Set Up a Payment Plan With the IRS

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Pay the Fees

You can avoid the installment agreement fee by paying off your balance in less than 120 days through direct debits from your checking account, check, or money order. For longer payment plans (up to 72 months), fees are as follows:

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$31 for online application for direct debit withdrawal payments
$107 for phone, mail, or in-person application for direct debit withdrawal payments
$149 for online applications for other payment methods
$225 for phone, mail, or in-person applications for other payment methods

Taxpayers who earn less than 250 percent of the federal poverty threshold can apply for a reduced fee of $43. This cost can be reimbursed if you continually meet the terms of the installment agreement. Complete Form 13844, Application for Reduced Fee for Installment Agreements.

Calculate Monthly Payments

The longer it takes to pay off your tax balance, the more you’ll pay in interest and fees. If you have less than $50,000 in back taxes, you can propose a monthly payment amount in your installment agreement application based on what you can afford. This amount must be at least your total IRS account balance divided by 72. For example, if you owe $15,000, you can take six years to pay off the amount you owe at a minimum payment of about $208. Alternatively, you could propose a payment of $300 and have your back taxes paid off in 50 months, an option which can save you money on interest and penalties.

Those with less than $10,000 in back taxes can apply for a guaranteed installment agreement. With this plan, you are not tied to a specific minimum monthly payment as long as you pay on time each month and pay in full within three years. You must provide financial documentation to qualify for this plan.

Although your payment amount is ultimately at IRS discretion, do not sign an agreement with a minimum payment you cannot afford. If you default on your payments, your agreement may be withdrawn and you could be ineligible for a future installment agreement.

Appeal a Rejected Installment Agreement

Most of the time, the IRS will agree to a reasonable payment plan that meets the guidelines described above. However, certain agreement proposals may be rejected. Reasons for rejection may include the following:

The provision of false or incomplete financial information on your application
Stated living expenses beyond what the IRS considers reasonable, such as high consumer spending or evidence of private school tuition
Failure to fulfill the terms of a previous installment agreement

If your proposal is rejected, follow the information provided on the IRS notice to appeal or request a new agreement with a higher monthly payment amount.

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Fulfill an Installment Agreement

You can avoid IRS collection actions such as a federal tax lien or levy by following the terms of your installment agreement. You must:

Make at least your minimum monthly payment on time each month.
File and pay all future tax returns on time. You can petition the IRS to amend your agreement if you cannot pay taxes assessed for a subsequent tax year.
Agree to have future tax refunds applied to your outstanding balance.

The IRS will not attempt to collect your outstanding back taxes after you have applied for a payment plan and while the request is under consideration, when the payment plan begins, for 30 days after a plan is terminated or rejected, or while that termination or rejection is under appeal.

Exploring Other Payment Options

If you can’t afford a small monthly payment, you may be eligible for an offer in compromise. With an offer in compromise, the IRS agrees to settle your back taxes for less money than you owe. You must make an offer of at least the amount the IRS can reasonably expect to collect from you before the 10-year statute of limitations on the amount owed expires.

You can also request currently not collectible (CNC) status if paying the back taxew would cause undue hardship. You will have to submit information about your assets, income, and living expenses. Although collection activities stop when your account is placed on CNC status, this status will be periodically reviewed.

In some cases, past-due back taxes can be discharged during bankruptcy proceedings. You should speak with a qualified bankruptcy attorney before considering this option.

If you need help applying for a tax payment plan or if you cannot afford to pay your past-due taxes, get in touch with the team at Solvable. Answer a few basic questions about your financial situation and be matched with a vetted company that specializes in back tax asssitance. Get on the road to a promising financial future by taking advantage of our resources available to help taxpayers like you.

See More >> Trustworthy Tax Relief Companies + Customer Reviews

Andrea Miller

Expert Contributor
Last Updated: December 9, 2021

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