If you owe a tax debt and can't pay all or part of it, the IRS can help. You have options to resolve your tax bill.
Can you pay your balance now? Pay in full.
Pay what you can now to help avoid interest and penalties. Then choose one of these options:
Apply for a payment plan – also called an installment or online payment agreement – to pay off your balance over time. Fees may apply.
An offer in compromise lets you settle your tax debt for less than you owe. This used to be called the Fresh Start program.
If you can't afford to pay because of your financial condition, you can ask us to temporarily delay collection.
Call the number on the notice or visit your local IRS office.
Be sure to have a copy of the bill and any tax returns, cancelled checks or other records to help us understand why you believe your bill is wrong.
If we find that you're right, we'll adjust your account and, if necessary, send a revised bill.
If your spouse made errors on your joint tax return and you didn't know about it, you may qualify for tax relief for spouses.
Please let us know immediately. We may temporarily stop collection. Call the number on your bill or 800-973-0424.
Have this information ready: location of court, bankruptcy date, chapter and bankruptcy number.
You should pay taxes as you earn or receive income during the year. You can do this by having your employer withhold tax from your wages or by making estimated tax payments:
If you need help, here are options:
Set up a payment plan, view your balance or get your transcript in your account. You may be offered live chat.
If your notice has a QR code, scan it to find information you need to take care of your account.
You can upload documents in response to an IRS notice, phone conversation or in-person visit.
Call the phone number on your notice. Or contact 833-678-7020. You may be offered a call-back option, so you don't have to wait on hold.
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS. The service protects your rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, helps you resolve problems with the IRS and recommends changes that will prevent the problems.
The IRS won't call, text or contact you via social media to demand immediate tax payment.
We begin with a letter in the mail and explain how you can appeal or question what you owe. If you're unsure whether you owe money to the IRS, you can view your tax account information on IRS.gov.
Beware of phone scams. Criminals impersonate IRS employees and call taxpayers in aggressive and sophisticated ways. Imposters claim to be IRS employees and sound very convincing.
Some companies appear to be the IRS or offer to help you settle tax debt through the Fresh Start program. Learn how to settle your debt with the IRS on your own.