Compare installment agreements, short-term plans, and partial-payment options to find the best fit for your situation.
If you owe the IRS but cannot pay in full today, a payment plan (installment agreement) is often the simplest path to stopping collection and getting back in good standing. But there are several kinds, and choosing the wrong one can cost you money or get rejected. Here is how they compare.
For balances you can clear within 180 days. There is no setup fee, though penalties and interest keep accruing until the balance is paid. Best for smaller debts and temporary cash-flow gaps.
For individuals who owe $50,000 or less (including penalties and interest) and can pay it off within 72 months. These are usually approved without a detailed financial disclosure, which makes them fast and low-friction. For most people with moderate balances, this is the default answer.
For balances above the streamlined threshold, or when you need longer than 72 months. These require a full financial statement (Form 433-F or 433-A) so the IRS can review income, expenses, and assets before setting your payment.
If your allowable monthly payment will not fully retire the debt before the collection statute expires, the IRS may accept smaller payments and write off the remainder when time runs out. A PPIA requires financial disclosure and is periodically reviewed, but it can function like a partial settlement.
The right plan depends on your exact balance, income, and collection deadlines — details that live on your IRS transcripts. A quick transcript review tells you which agreement you qualify for and which will cost you the least over time.
Start with a free transcript review. We'll pull your IRS transcripts and tell you honestly what you qualify for — before you pay anything.