- Get a short-term payment
plan.
If you owe more tax than you can pay, you may qualify for more time, up to
120 days, to pay in full. You do not have to pay a user fee to set up a
short-term full
payment agreement. However, the IRS will charge interest and penalties
until you pay in full. It’s easy to apply
online at IRS.gov. If you get a bill from the IRS, you may call the
phone number listed on it. If you don’t have a bill, call 800-829-1040 for
help.
- Apply for an installment
agreement.
Most people who need more time to pay can apply for an Online
Payment Agreement on IRS.gov. A direct debit payment plan is the
hassle-free way to pay. The set-up fee is much less than other plans and
you won’t miss a payment. If you can’t apply online, or prefer to do so in
writing, use Form
9465, Installment Agreement Request. Individuals can use Direct Pay to
make their installment payments. For more about payment
plan options, visit IRS.gov.
- Check out an offer in
compromise. An offer
in compromise, or OIC, may let you settle your tax debt for less than
the full amount you owe. An OIC may be an option if you can’t pay your tax
in full. It may also apply if full payment will cause a financial
hardship. Not everyone qualifies, so make sure you explore all other ways
to pay your tax before you submit an OIC to the IRS. Use the OIC
Pre-Qualifier tool to see if you qualify. It will also tell you what a
reasonable offer might be.
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