IRS Payment Plan — Easy Hack You Need to Resolve Your Tax Debt Now

Every working American has to file their income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Unfortunately, many taxpayers struggle when their federal tax liability is more than what they can afford to pay. As a result, they fall behind on their taxes and end up with a considerable amount of tax debt on their record. Luckily, the IRS allows American taxpayers to settle their tax debt through an installment payment arrangement called the IRS Payment Plan.

With this scheme, individuals can have more flexibility in settling their tax liability. But to properly utilize this to your advantage, you’ll need to understand first how the plan works.

What is the IRS Payment Plan?

The IRS payment plan is a payment arrangement that gives taxpayers extra time to settle their tax debt if they can’t immediately pay it in full. Currently, there are two types of payment plans the IRS offers – the 180-day short-term payment plan and the monthly payment plan or installment agreement.  

Applying for a payment plan with the IRS can be simple, provided the applicant meets all the requirements. Let’s take a look at the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Checklist: Criteria and Requirements for the IRS Payment Plan

Like with any other type of agreement, you need to meet the criteria set by the IRS to be eligible for the IRS payment plan. Having the right qualifications gives you a better chance of approval to make installment payments.

Guaranteed Installment Agreement

To qualify for the guaranteed installment agreement, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You owe $10,000 in taxes or less (excluding interest and penalties).

2. You have not declared bankruptcy.

3. You have consistently filed tax returns and paid taxes owed and have not entered into an installment agreement in the last five years.

4. You must pay off the tax liability within three years.

5. You must pay at least the minimum monthly payment set by the IRS.

Under this payment plan, the IRS will not file a federal tax lien against you.

Streamlined Installment Agreement

You must meet the following requirements to qualify for this payment plan:

1. Your tax liability (including interest and penalties) does not exceed $100,000.

2. Your balance can be paid off within 72 months.

3. The proposed payment is equal to or greater than the minimum acceptable payment. This should be greater than $25 or the minimum payment amount, which is derived by dividing the sum of tax liability, interest, and penalties by 50.

Non-Streamlined Installment Agreement

The non-streamlined installment agreement applies if the total amount owed is $100,000 or more. Here, you will need to file Form 433-F or the Collection Information Statement, detailing your income, assets, living expenses, debts, and any other financial information that can support your proposed installment payment amount. 

Partial Payment Installment Agreement

This type of agreement also requires you to file Form 433-F to facilitate a partial payment agreement with the IRS. Again, you must report your income and living expenses. Then, the IRS will review the information and decide if they will approve or deny your request. 

Online Application

The eligibility requirements for online applications vary based on what type of plan you’re applying for. 

For example, if you opt for the long-term payment plan, your tax liability – including tax, penalties, and interest – must be $50,000 or less. Also, you must have filed all required returns. 

If you’re a business owner, your tax liability has to be $25,000 or less, including penalties and interest. Likewise, you must have filed all required returns.

Sole proprietors and independent contractors may apply for a payment plan as individual taxpayers. Meanwhile, taxpayers who wish to avail the short-term payment plan must owe less than $100,000 in combined tax, penalties, and interest. 

Payment Plan Costs and Fees

Once your payment plan application has been approved, you will need to pay additional charges, including the following: 

• Set-up Fee

This is a fee if you are applying for an installment agreement. The cost is $31 if you are applying online through direct debit. If you apply by phone, mail, or in person through direct debit, the set-up fee is $107. However, if you qualify as a low-income taxpayer, the fee is waived. 

Note that the set-up fee will be collected on top of the accrued penalties and interest.

If you intend to make monthly payments from a checking or savings account, by check, money order or debit/credit card, or electronically online or by phone using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, the set-up fee is $130 for an online application. For phone, mail, and in-person applications, the set-up fee is $225. If you are a low-income taxpayer applying online, by phone, or in person, you will be charged a $43 setup fee, which may be reimbursed if certain conditions are met.

Also, note that the set-up fee will be collected in addition to the accrued penalties and interest.

• Revision Fee

You would only pay a revision fee if you were to revise your payment plan. Otherwise, you will not be paying any charges. For online applications, the revision fee is $10. For applications done by phone, mail, or in person, the fee is $89.

If you are a low-income taxpayer applying online, there is a $10 revision fee. For applications done by phone, mail, or in person, the fee is $43. Note that you might receive a reimbursement if you meet certain conditions.

No revision fee charge for changes made to existing direct debit installment agreements.

Make a List, Check It Twice

Dealing with taxes, especially liabilities, can be a challenge. Some people face a few additional penalty charges. In worst case scenarios, tax evaders serve jail time for non-payment of their owed taxes. Luckily, with several payment plans offered by the IRS, you can choose one and settle your tax liability without much worry. 

If you find yourself facing tax problems year after year, then consider getting help from a tax resolution services provider to help you settle the issue with ease. 

Reach out to us at Peace of Mind Tax Help so we can help you solve your tax problem. Our team is composed of leading experts in tax negotiation and mediation, and we can help reduce your tax liability!