IRS Payment Plan
IRS Payment Plan
Trying to configure Internal Revenue Services (IRS) payment plans? We know it can be tricky. Victory Tax Lawyers can show you how to set up a payment plan with the IRS. Our friendly attorneys will help you understand the details of a payment plan that best suits your tax situation. If you owe taxes but missed your deadline, you may be subject to interest and monthly late fees. Penalties or fees may apply if you fail to complete filing entirely. If you cannot pay the monthly payment amount, it is recommended that you submit an installment agreement request.
What is an IRS Payment Plan?
A payment plan stands as an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS to pay tax bills within a given time period. If you are not confident that you will be able to pay the entirety of the tax bill, you can install a payment plan to avoid penalties or interests. By providing your information, the IRS will then clarify which payment plan options are available to you. Victory Tax Lawyers can then help you choose the best payment plan for your situation.
Failing to pay your taxes when due may lead to a Notice of Federal Tax Lien and/or an IRS tax levy action.
IRS Payment Plan Options
Pay Now Payment Plan: Pay the Amount You Owe in One Full Payment
Apply online, by phone, mail, or in-person with no extra fees. By choosing the Pay Now method, you avoid any future penalties or interest.
Pay the total amount owed to the IRS in full by check, money order, debit card, or credit card. Some fees may apply when paying by card.
120-Day Short Term Payment Plan: Pay in Automatic Scheduled Increments
Apply online, by phone, mail, or in-person with no fee. Includes additional penalties and interests until the full balance is paid in entirety.
Fees apply when paying by automatic payments from your bank’s checking account. Checks, money orders, debit cards, and credit cards are accepted as verified payments.
Long-Term Payment Plan (Installment Agreement) Via Automatic Withdrawals
Apply online, by phone, mail, or in-person, for a $107 setup fee. There is no fee if you are low income.
Pay through direct automatic transactions from your checking account, commonly referred to as a Direct Debit Installment Agreement (DDIA).
Long-Term Payment Plan (Installment Agreement):
Pay the total amount due via a non-direct electronic medium of payment, such as DirectPay, or your debit/credit card. Some fees may apply if paid by card.
If applied online: $149 setup fee; while for low-income payers a $43 setup fee is required, with a possibility of reimbursement. Read low-income terms and conditions here.
If your application is done via phone, mail, or in-person, a $225 setup fee is required. Low-income taxpayers must pay a $43 setup fee that could be reimbursed if terms and conditions of low income are met. This includes the total amount of penalties and interest until the balance is paid in full.
Change From an Existing Payment Plan
If applied online: $10 fee.
By phone, mail, or in-person changes of payment plans not related to automatic payments from bank account: $43 fee that may be reimbursed within the framework of certain conditions.
If you apply online, by phone, mail, or in-person changes to payment plans through an electronic method of payment via Direct Debit Installment Agreement option, no fee is required.
Common Questions on IRS Payment Plan
Why Penalties and Interest?
Over time of payment, interest and penalty charges continuously add until the total balance is paid in full. Visit the IRS pages on penalties and interest for more information.
Why is There a Setup Fee?
The federal organization, Office of Management and Budget, administers federal agencies to financially charge for the Installment Agreement program. According to the IRS, the charges will subsequently fund the processing of installment agreements.
Qualify for Low Income Taxpayer Status?
See Form 13844: Application for Reduced User Fee for Installment Agreements (PDF) if you believe you meet the necessary prerequisites for low-income taxpayer status, but the IRS misidentified you. Submit the form, if applicable, to:
Internal Revenue Service PO Box 219236, Stop 5050
Kansas City, MO 64121-9236
How is the IRS Payment Plan Interest Rate Calculated?
The interest rate on an IRS Payment Plan is not a fixed rate but rather based on the federal short-term interest rate plus a predetermined percentage. Here’s how it works:
- Federal Short-Term Interest Rate: The IRS sets the interest rate based on the federal short-term interest rate. This rate can change regularly and is typically updated quarterly.
- Additional Percentage: In addition to the federal short-term interest rate, the IRS adds a fixed percentage to determine the total interest rate. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, this additional percentage was generally around 3%. However, it’s essential to check the current rates with the IRS as they may have changed since then.
How to Find the Current IRS Payment Plan Interest Rate
To find the most up-to-date information on IRS Payment Plan interest rates, you can visit the official IRS website or contact the IRS directly. They regularly update the rates and provide clear guidance on their website.
Here are the steps to check the current interest rate:
- Visit the IRS website.
- Use the search function or navigate to the “Payments” or “Payment Plans” section.
- Look for information related to IRS Payment Plan interest rates.
Alternatively, you can contact the IRS through their toll-free phone line to inquire about the current interest rates for payment plans.
How Does the Interest Accrue on Your IRS Payment Plan?
Understanding how interest accrues on your IRS Payment Plan is crucial. Interest typically begins to accrue from the date your tax liability is assessed until you pay the full amount. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Daily Accrual: Interest is calculated on a daily basis. This means that the total amount you owe increases slightly each day until the debt is paid in full.
- Compounding Interest: The interest compounds daily, which means that each day’s interest is added to the principal balance. This compounding effect can cause the total amount owed to grow faster than simple interest.
- Regular Payments: When you make regular monthly payments, a portion of each payment goes toward both the principal amount and the accrued interest. This means that as you make payments, the portion allocated to interest gradually decreases, and more of your payment goes toward reducing the principal.
Tips for Minimizing IRS Payment Plan Interest
While you may not have control over the federal short-term interest rate, there are strategies you can employ to minimize the interest you pay on your IRS Payment Plan:
- Pay Off Your Debt Early: As mentioned in a previous article, paying off your IRS debt early can significantly reduce the interest you owe. By reducing the outstanding balance, you’ll also decrease the daily interest accrual.
- Consider a Lump-Sum Payment: If you have the means, consider making a lump-sum payment to settle your debt. This reduces the principal balance immediately, resulting in less overall interest.
- Set Up Automatic Payments: Many IRS Payment Plans offer the option to set up automatic monthly payments. This ensures you make consistent, on-time payments, reducing the total interest accrued.
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about changes in interest rates. If rates drop significantly, it might be advantageous to explore refinancing or modifying your existing payment plan to take advantage of lower rates.
What Happens if You Default on Your IRS Payment Plan?
It’s crucial to make all your scheduled payments on time to avoid defaulting on your IRS Payment Plan. If you miss a payment or fail to meet the terms of your agreement, the IRS may consider your plan in default. Consequences of default can include:
- Termination of the Payment Plan: Your agreement may be terminated, and the full remaining balance could become due immediately.
- Additional Penalties: You may incur additional penalties, making your debt even more challenging to pay off.
- Collections Action: The IRS may take collection actions, such as wage garnishment or bank levies, to satisfy the debt.
To prevent default, always communicate with the IRS if you encounter financial difficulties that affect your ability to make payments. They may be able to modify your plan to better suit your current situation.
Needed Information to Apply Online for a Payment Plan
If you have formerly registered for an Online Payment Agreement; Get Transcript; or an Identity Protection Pin (IP PIN), use the same login user ID and password to confirm your identity. The following information listed is necessary:
According to the IRS, there are various ways to apply as:
Applying as an Individual:
- Name indicated as it shows on your most recently filed tax return
- A valid and accessible email address
- Home address from your most recently filed tax return
- Date and year of birth
Filing status - Social Security Number, or ITIN (Individual Tax ID Number)
- To confirm your identity, you will need either:
- Bank account number
- Mobile phone number
- Activation code
Applying as Power of Attorney (POA) for an Individual:
- Identity verification (if not already provided)
- Information for the individual you are representing:
- Taxpayer’s Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Your Centralized Authorization File (CAF) number
- Caller ID from taxpayer notice or signature date on Form 2848
- Taxpayer’s last year’s Adjusted Gross Income (if 2019 was recently filed, then use 2018’s AGI)
Applying as a Business:
- Information verifying your individual identity (if not already provided)
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Date business established (MM/YYYY)
- Address from most recently filed tax return
- Your Caller ID mentioned in the notice
I am a Power of Attorney (POA) Applying for a Business:
- Information to verify your identity (if not already provided)
- Taxpayer’s Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Your Centralized Authorization File (CAF) number
- Caller ID from notice or POA’s signature date on Form 2848
- Based on the type of agreement requested, you may also need:
- The business address of most recently filed tax return
- Tax form filed or examined
- Tax period filed or examined
Knowing your IRS payment plan options for the tax you owe and tax due dates is important. Pay your taxes and avoid further tax issues with Victory Tax Lawyers. Allow us to notify you of your eligibility and apply the best payment plan option available.
Not certain about IRS payment choices? Our expert team has garnered numerous favorable reviews from both colleagues and clients. Reach out to our amiable representatives if you encounter difficulties while filing your tax return.
IRS Payment Plan: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IRS Payment Plan, and how does it work?
Is there a minimum or maximum tax debt threshold for eligibility for an IRS Payment Plan?
Is it possible to request an IRS Payment Plan when I owe taxes for several years?
Which IRS Payment Plans can individuals choose from?
How do I apply for an IRS Payment Plan?
Is it feasible to alter the terms of my existing IRS Payment Plan?
What are the repercussions of not fulfilling a payment obligation within my IRS Payment Plan?
Can I pay off my IRS debt early if I'm on a Payment Plan?
Does paying off my IRS debt ahead of schedule offer any tax advantages or incentives?
What happens if you fail to uphold an IRS Payment Plan?
Is it possible to discuss and modify the terms of my IRS Payment Plan, including the monthly payment amount?
What factors influence the interest rate assigned to my IRS Payment Plan?
Is there a charge for initiating an IRS Payment Plan?
How long does it take for the IRS to approve my Payment Plan request?
What happens if you fail to adhere to an IRS Payment Plan?
Is it possible to establish an automated payment system for my IRS Payment Plan?
How can I check the status of my IRS Payment Plan?
How can I check the status of my IRS Payment Plan?
You can check the status of your IRS Payment Plan by either contacting the IRS directly or using the IRS Online Payment Agreement tool accessible on their website.