Payment options
You owe and can’t pay. Here’s what exists.
Ignoring an IRS bill makes it grow. These are the options the IRS itself lists. Our clinic can help you choose one and ask the IRS for it.
More time to pay
You can get up to 180 more days to pay your balance in full, with no setup fee. Interest and penalties keep adding up until it’s paid.
A payment plan
If you owe $50,000 or less, you can generally set up a long-term payment plan. The setup fee can be reduced or waived for low-income taxpayers.
Settle for less
An offer in compromise lets some people settle their tax debt for less than the full amount, based on what they can pay.
Pause collection
If paying would leave you unable to meet basic living expenses, the IRS can mark your account “currently not collectible.” Interest still adds up while it’s paused.
Penalty relief
First Time Abate can remove certain penalties if you have a clean record for the past three years. You can ask by phone, in writing, or with Form 843.
Claim a refund you missed
You generally have 3 years from when you filed, or 2 years from when you paid, whichever is later, to claim a refund.
Sources: IRS Tax Topic 202 · IRS, First Time Abate · IRS, Taxpayer Bill of Rights 6