How do I pay taxes I owe to IRS?
You may also request a payment plan by calling the toll-free number on your bill, or if you don't have a bill, call us at 800-829-1040 (individuals) or 800-829-4933 (businesses).
Pay directly from a checking or savings account (Direct Pay) (Individuals only) Pay electronically online or by phone using Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) (enrollment required) Pay by check, money order or debit/credit card.
There are two main reasons the IRS may agree to accept less than the full amount you owe: Doubt as to Collectability: This means you don't have enough income or assets to pay your debt in full.
| Tax debt | Minimum monthly payment |
|---|---|
| $10,000 or less | Sufficient amount to pay off your debt in less than 3 years |
| $10,000 to $25,000 | Total debt divided by 72 |
| $25,000 to $50,000 | Total debt divided by 72 |
| More than $50,000 | No set minimum |
If the IRS knows what taxes I have to pay, why doesn't it tell me so I pay them, instead of waiting for me to do my own taxes? Because the IRS has absolutely no idea what you owe in taxes. All they know is how much you earned (maybe) on your jobs where taxes were withheld.
Debit or credit card or digital wallet: Individuals can pay online, by phone or with a mobile device through any of the authorized payment processors. The processor charges a fee. The IRS doesn't receive any fees for these payments. Authorized card processors and phone numbers are available at IRS.gov/payments.
You must enroll to use this system. You can pay online or by phone at 1-800-555-3453.
Payment via check or money order, Payment with cash at a retail partner.
- Same-Day Wire — Bank fees may apply.
- Check or Money Order — Through U.S. mail.
- Cash — Through a retail partner and other methods.
- Electronic Funds Withdrawal — During e-filing.
You can apply for a payment plan using the Online Payment Agreement (OPA) Application or you may complete Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request and mail it in with your bill. You may also request an installment agreement over the phone by calling the phone number listed on your balance due notice.
How long do you have to pay the IRS if you owe money?
The IRS offers short-term-payment plans that allow you to pay what you owe over a period of 180 days or less. However, you will still face penalties and interest until you have paid your tax bill in full, so over time, the payment plan will cost you more than if you pay by the date your taxes are due.
You can use the Online Payment Agreement application on IRS.gov to request an installment agreement if you owe $50,000 or less in combined tax, penalties and interest and file all returns as required.
Up to 72 Months With a Streamlined Installment Agreement
The streamlined installment agreement gives you up to 72 months to pay off your tax balance. However, you might have less time if the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED) comes before this 72-month period ends.
Access your individual account information including balance, payments, tax records and more. If you're a new user, have your photo identification ready. More information about identity verification is available on the sign-in page.
Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040.
You can also call the IRS to get more information on your outstanding tax bill.
Levies and liens
Within a few months, you can expect to receive letters from the IRS indicating how much you owe. These may be followed by collection notices or phone calls. Eventually, you may receive a Notice of Intent to Levy, a letter indicating the IRS is prepared to seize your assets to cover the amount due.
Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and use the automated system, or speak with a representative by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation). If you filed a married filing jointly return, you can't initiate a trace using the automated systems.
For individual tax returns, call 1-800-829-1040, 7 AM - 7 PM Monday through Friday local time. The wait time to speak with a representative may be long. This option works best for less complex questions. For questions about a business tax return, call 1-800-829-4933, 7 AM - 7 PM Monday through Friday local time.
General Initiative Eligibility
You should be current on all federal tax filings and owe no more than $50,000 in back taxes, interest and penalties combined. If you're a small business owner, you could be eligible for relief under the Fresh Start Initiative if you owe no more than $25,000 in payroll taxes.
- IRS Direct Pay. IRS Direct Pay is one of the simplest and most affordable options for tackling a tax bill. ...
- Electronic funds withdrawal (EFW) ...
- The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) ...
- Debit card. ...
- Credit card. ...
- Mobile via IRS2Go.
Can I pay the IRS directly?
Direct Pay is a free IRS service that lets you make tax payments online directly from your bank account to the IRS. Direct Pay lets you pay the IRS directly.
Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) – The best payment option for individual taxpayers or businesses making large payments is the EFTPS, which allows up to five payments per day.
Do IRS Payment Plans Affect Your Credit? One way to avoid a tax lien or other collection action is to establish a payment plan with the IRS when you receive a tax bill. Taking the step of setting up a payment arrangement with the IRS does not trigger any reports to the credit bureaus.
Box 7704, San Francisco, CA 94120-7704.
First, the IRS can accept a compromise if there is doubt as to liability. A compromise meets this criterion only when there's a genuine dispute as to the existence or amount of the correct tax debt under the law. Second, the IRS can accept a compromise if there is doubt that the amount owed is fully collectible.
