How to Set Up an IRS Payment Plan That Holds
An unpaid IRS balance grows every month, so call now and a licensed tax pro sets up a plan you can keep.
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How do you set up an IRS payment plan online?
The first step is a call to a licensed tax pro, so the monthly number you enter holds every month. Then apply through the IRS online payment agreement tool, which runs from 5 a.m. to midnight Eastern time every day.
The tool gives its answer on screen the moment you submit. A number set too high leads to a missed month, and a missed month puts the plan at risk. Your tax pro checks the amount against your budget before you start.
- Go to the IRS online payment agreement page and choose Apply/Revise as an individual.
- Sign in to your IRS Online Account, or create one with a photo ID.
- Check the balance the tool shows. If you just filed, enter the amount from your return.
- Pick a plan: pay in full, short-term (180 days or less) or monthly.
- Enter your monthly amount and a payment day from the 1st to the 28th.
- For automatic withdrawals, enter your bank routing and account numbers.
- Review and submit. The IRS shows its decision on screen.
What do you need before you apply?
Gather these four things before you open the tool.
The online route works if you owe $50,000 or less and have filed every required return. Check the total cost first on our payment plan calculator, and your tax pro confirms both on the call.
- A photo ID, to create your IRS Online Account the first time.
- Your latest IRS letter, or the amount due on the return you just filed.
- Your bank routing and account numbers, for automatic withdrawals.
- The monthly amount you can really pay, and a payment day from the 1st to the 28th.
Can you set up a payment plan by mail?
Paper costs more and moves slower. Mailing Form 9465 costs $107 with automatic withdrawals or $178 without.
The IRS usually replies within 30 days, per Topic 202. Paper fits if you owe over $50,000 or have no online account. A tax pro fills out the form with you so it is right the first time.
Can you set up an IRS payment plan by phone?
The IRS takes payment plan requests at 800-829-1040 for individuals and 800-829-4933 for businesses. From May to December, waits average 15 minutes, per the IRS help page.
Phone setup carries the same $107 or $178 fee as mail. A licensed tax pro can make that call for you and handle the hold.
What happens after your payment plan is approved?
Pay on time every month and file every future return on time. Any refund you get goes to the balance until it is paid off.
Without automatic withdrawals, the IRS mails a notice each month showing what you still owe. You can change the amount or the day later in the same tool for $6.
If a payment slips, read our missed payment guide and call us. A tax pro gets the plan back on track before it defaults.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up a payment plan with the IRS?
Start with a call to a licensed tax pro, who sets a monthly amount you can keep. Then apply online, by mail with Form 9465, or by phone. Online is the fastest and cheapest route.
How long does it take to set up an installment agreement with the IRS?
Online, the answer comes on screen the moment you submit. By mail, the IRS usually replies within 30 days. By phone, it depends on the hold time.
What is an IRS OPA?
OPA stands for Online Payment Agreement, the IRS tool for setting up or changing a plan. It runs every day from 5 a.m. to midnight Eastern time.
Can you make IRS payment arrangements online?
Yes, if you are an individual who owes $50,000 or less for a monthly plan, or under $100,000 for a short-term plan. Businesses set up plans by phone, and a tax pro can make that call for you.
Why is the IRS not accepting my payment plan?
The most common reason is a missing tax return. The next is a monthly payment too small to clear the balance in time. A tax pro finds the problem on the call and fixes the request.
What to do now: set a plan you can keep
Every month you wait, interest grows at 7% a year, compounded daily, on top of penalties. Call now and a licensed tax pro reviews your balance free and starts your plan today.