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IRS Tax Installment Agreements: What Are They and How Do They Work?

If you owe money to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you may be able to set up a tax installment agreement to make payments over time. This can be a helpful option if you cannot afford to pay the full amount owed at once.

What is an IRS Tax Installment Agreement?

An IRS Tax Installment Agreement is a payment plan that allows you to make monthly payments to the IRS until your tax debt is fully paid off. When you apply for an installment agreement, the IRS will review your financial situation to determine how much you can afford to pay each month.

There are three types of IRS Tax Installment Agreements:

1. Guaranteed Installment Agreement: This is for taxpayers that owe less than $10,000 in taxes and can pay off the debt within three years. You do not need to provide a financial statement for this type of agreement.

2. Streamlined Installment Agreement: This is for taxpayers that owe between $10,000 and $50,000 in taxes and can pay off the debt within six years. You do need to provide a financial statement for this type of agreement.

3. Non-Streamlined Installment Agreement: This is for taxpayers that owe more than $50,000 in taxes. You need to provide a financial statement for this type of agreement and the IRS will review your financial situation to determine the monthly payment amount.

What are the Requirements for an IRS Tax Installment Agreement?

To qualify for an IRS Tax Installment Agreement, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must be current with all tax filings.

2. You cannot have any outstanding tax liens.

3. You must be able to pay off the tax debt within the allotted time frame.

4. You must remain current with future tax payments.

How Do I Apply for an IRS Tax Installment Agreement?

To apply for an IRS Tax Installment Agreement, you can complete Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request, and include it with your tax return. You can also apply online through the IRS website.

Once the IRS receives your application, they will review your financial situation and determine if you qualify for an installment agreement.

What Happens If I Miss a Payment?

If you miss a payment on your IRS Tax Installment Agreement, the IRS will send you a notice requesting payment. If you continue to miss payments, the IRS can cancel your installment agreement and begin collection actions, which may include filing a tax lien, garnishing wages, or seizing assets.

It is important to communicate with the IRS if you are having difficulty making payments. You may be able to modify your installment agreement to make payments more manageable.

In conclusion, an IRS Tax Installment Agreement can be a helpful option if you owe taxes and cannot pay the full amount owed at once. It is important to ensure you meet the requirements and make all monthly payments to avoid collection actions from the IRS.