The IRS phone line for payment plans is 1-800-829-1040, and you'll reach a real person during business hours

Call 1-800-829-1040 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number, tax return information, and the tax year you owe for ready before you call. The IRS can set up a payment plan over the phone while you're on the call, though the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the line is.

If you reach an automated system first, select the option for payment plans or payment arrangements. You may be offered a callback option instead of waiting on hold — this is real and works, so take it if the wait time is long. The IRS will call you back at the number you provide within 24 hours during business days.

You do not need to have already set up an account or logged into anything online before calling. The representative will walk you through the details of what you owe and what payment options exist for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your time) to speak with someone about setting up a payment plan.
  • Have your Social Security number, the tax year you owe for, and your most recent tax return information ready before you call.
  • The IRS can set up a payment plan during the call itself, though the process takes 15 to 30 minutes on average.
  • If wait times are long, ask for a callback instead of holding — the IRS will call you back within 24 hours on business days.
  • You can also set up a payment plan online through IRS.gov without calling if you prefer to handle it yourself.

What information you need before calling

Gather these items before you pick up the phone so the representative doesn't have to wait while you search for them. The call will move faster and you'll be less likely to make a mistake.

Your Social Security number — the IRS uses this to pull up your account. The tax year or years you owe for — for example, 2023 or 2022 and 2023. Your most recent tax return or a copy of the notice the IRS sent you showing what you owe. Your current income and monthly expenses — the IRS uses this to figure out how much you can afford to pay each month. You don't need exact numbers, but having a rough idea helps.

If you've already received a notice from the IRS (sometimes called a bill or demand for payment), have that in front of you. It will show the exact amount owed and any penalties or interest added. If you don't have the notice, the representative can look it up using your Social Security number, but having it saves time.

What happens during the call

The representative will confirm your identity, pull up your account, and tell you the total amount you owe including any penalties and interest. They will then ask about your income and monthly expenses to understand what you can realistically pay each month.

Based on this information, the IRS will offer you a payment plan. The most common type is an installment agreement, which means you pay a set amount each month until the debt is paid off. The representative will tell you the monthly payment amount and when payments start. You can usually choose to pay by automatic withdrawal from your bank account, by mail, or by credit or debit card (though card payments charge a fee).

Before the call ends, the representative will confirm the payment plan details and may send you a confirmation letter by mail. Keep this letter — it shows the IRS has accepted your plan and what your monthly payment is. If you set up automatic withdrawal, your first payment will usually come out within a few weeks.

If you can't reach a representative or the wait is too long

The IRS phone lines are busiest in the morning and during tax season (January through April). If you call and the wait time is more than an hour, ask the automated system for a callback. You'll get a call back within 24 hours on business days, and you won't lose your place in line.

If you prefer not to call at all, you can set up a payment plan online through IRS.gov without speaking to anyone. Go to the IRS website, find the "Online Payment Agreement" tool, and follow the steps. This works if you owe less than $50,000 and have filed your tax return. The online process is faster than calling and you get when ready confirmation.

You can also mail a request for a payment plan to the IRS address on your bill, though this takes longer — usually two to four weeks for a response. Include a letter explaining your situation and what monthly payment you can afford.

What to do if the IRS denies your payment plan request

The IRS will deny a payment plan request only in specific situations — usually if you haven't filed a tax return for the year you owe for, or if you're currently in default on another IRS payment plan. If this happens, the representative will tell you why and what you need to do next.

If you haven't filed a return, you'll need to file it before the IRS will set up a payment plan. If you're in default on another plan, you may need to catch up on those payments first or work out a new arrangement that covers all years at once.

If you disagree with the IRS decision, you can ask to speak with a supervisor during the call, or you can contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service, which is a free IRS office that helps people in situations like this. Their number is 1-877-777-4778.

Payment plan fees and how long they last

The IRS charges a setup fee to create a payment plan, usually between $31 and $225 depending on how you set it up. Setting up online costs less than calling or mailing in a request. The representative will tell you the exact fee before you agree to the plan.

A payment plan lasts until you've paid off the full amount owed, including interest and penalties. Interest and penalties continue to grow while you're paying, so the longer the plan takes, the more you'll pay in total. Most payment plans last between one and six years, depending on how much you owe and how much you can pay each month.

If your financial situation changes and you can pay faster, you can pay off the plan early without penalty. If your situation gets worse and you can't make a payment, call the IRS right away — missing a payment can end your plan and trigger collection action.

What to expect after your payment plan is approved

The IRS will send you a confirmation letter in the mail within two to three weeks. This letter shows your monthly payment amount, the due date, and how to make payments. Keep this letter in a safe place.

Your first payment will be due on the date the IRS specifies, usually 20 to 30 days after the plan is approved. If you set up automatic withdrawal, the IRS will pull the payment from your bank account on that date each month. If you're paying by mail or card, you're responsible for making sure the payment arrives on time.

You can check the status of your payment plan anytime by logging into your IRS account on IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1040 again. If you need to change your payment amount or due date, call the IRS and ask to modify your plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up a payment plan if I owe taxes from multiple years?

Yes. The IRS can combine what you owe from different tax years into one payment plan. Tell the representative all the years you owe for when you call, and they'll set up a single monthly payment that covers all of them. Interest and penalties continue to grow on each year separately, but you make one payment.

What if I can't afford the monthly payment the IRS suggests?

Tell the representative your actual monthly expenses and income. If the suggested payment is too high, ask if they can lower it. The IRS wants you to succeed with the plan, so they may be able to work with you. If you still can't afford it, ask about a Currently Not Collectible status, which pauses collection temporarily while you get back on your feet.

Do I have to set up automatic withdrawal, or can I pay by mail?

You can choose how to pay. Automatic withdrawal from your bank account is the easiest and the IRS prefers it. You can also pay by mail, credit card, or debit card, though card payments charge a processing fee. Tell the representative which method you want during the call.

What happens if I miss a payment on my payment plan?

If you miss a payment, the IRS will send you a notice. You usually have 30 days to make the payment before the plan is cancelled. If the plan is cancelled, the full amount owed becomes due when ready and the IRS may start collection action. If you know you'll miss a payment, call the IRS before the due date to explain your situation.

Can I pay off my payment plan early without a penalty?

Yes. You can pay off the full amount owed at any time without penalty. Paying early saves you money on interest and penalties, which continue to grow while the plan is active. You don't need permission from the IRS — just make sure the payment is large enough to cover the full remaining balance.