Understanding Your Options
Facing a tax bill that exceeds your financial capabilities can be stressful. However, the IRS provides several options to help taxpayers manage their tax debt:
1. Installment Agreement
- Allows you to pay your tax debt in monthly installments over a period of time.
- File Form 9465, “Installment Agreement Request,” with your tax return.
- The IRS charges a $43 fee to set up an installment agreement.
- Interest and a late payment penalty will accrue on the unpaid balance.
- If your return was filed on time and you have not received a levy notice, the late payment penalty may be reduced to 0.25% per month.
2. Offer in Compromise
- Allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed.
- The IRS will review your financial situation and future income potential to determine eligibility.
- Submit Form 656, “Offer in Compromise,” and Form 433A, “Collection Information Statement.”
Consequences of Non-Payment
Failing to address your tax debt can result in:
- Interest and Penalties: Interest accrues on unpaid taxes, and late payment penalties may apply.
- Liens: The IRS can place a lien on your property, giving the government a legal claim to it.
- Levies: The IRS can seize your assets, including wages, bank accounts, and property, to satisfy the debt.
Seeking Professional Assistance
Navigating tax debt repayment options can be complex. Consider consulting a tax professional, such as an enrolled agent or tax attorney, for guidance on:
- Determining the best repayment option for your situation
- Negotiating an installment agreement or offer in compromise
- Avoiding or resolving liens and levies
Additional Resources
- IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/
- Interactive tool for installment plan eligibility: https://www.irs.gov/prod/ind_info/coll_stds/collect.html
- Interactive tool for offer in compromise eligibility: https://www.irs.gov/prod/ind_info/oic/index.html
- Form 9465, “Installment Agreement Request”: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-9465
- Form 656, “Offer in Compromise”: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-656
If you owe more taxes than you can pay, it’s crucial to take action promptly. The IRS offers various options to help you manage your tax debt, but seeking professional assistance can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the process.
If You Can’t Pay The IRS – Your OPTIONS & IRS Payment Plan Explained
FAQ
What to do if you owe more in taxes and can’t pay?
What happens if you owe the IRS more than you can pay?
How long do you have to pay IRS taxes?
What happens if you owe too much federal taxes?
Should I pay more taxes if I owe more?
While no one wants to pay more taxes, you have options for paying the amount you owe. The options are better than the alternative of avoiding your tax bill altogether: Failing to pay can cause an increase to both penalties and interest on any tax balances due.
What happens if I owe more than $1,000 in taxes?
If you owe more than $1,000 when you calculate your taxes, you could be subject to an underpayment of estimated tax penalty. To avoid this you should make payments throughout the year via tax withholding from your paycheck or estimated quarterly payments, or both.
When should I pay my taxes if I owe more?
To avoid or at least minimize failure to pay penalties, pay your tax in full by the April tax deadline, even if you request an extension. If you owe more than you can afford to pay, pay as much as possible by the deadline, then pay the rest as soon as you can.
Do you owe more on your tax return than you can afford?
The rush and stress of having to get everything done may have left you exhausted. In addition to that stress, you may owe more on your tax return than you can afford to repay. That’s okay. If you find yourself with income-tax debt, you aren’t alone.