The IRS phone number for payment arrangements is 1-800-829-1040

Call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time) to discuss a payment plan for taxes you owe. This is the main IRS customer service line, and representatives can walk you through installment agreement options, explain what you'll pay in fees, and help you set up a plan over the phone. Have your Social Security number, tax year, and the amount you owe ready before you call.

Wait times are often long, especially during tax season (January through April) and around filing deadlines. If you reach a busy signal or a long hold queue, you can call back at a quieter time or explore other routes to set up a plan without waiting on the phone.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS payment arrangement line is 1-800-829-1040, open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time.
  • You can also set up a payment plan online through IRS.gov without calling, which avoids phone wait times entirely.
  • The IRS charges a setup fee for installment agreements, which varies depending on whether you pay by phone, online, or through automatic withdrawal.
  • If you cannot reach the IRS by phone, a Taxpayer Assistance Center in your area can help you in person.

What to have ready before you call

Gather these documents and details before dialing. You'll need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, the tax year(s) you owe for, and the total amount you owe. Have a copy of your most recent tax return or the IRS notice you received in the mail — the notice will show exactly what you owe and any penalties or interest already added.

If you're calling on behalf of a business, have your Employer Identification Number (EIN) instead. The representative will also ask about your income, monthly expenses, and how much you can pay each month. Being honest about what you can afford matters because the IRS will reject a plan if the monthly payment is too low to make progress on the debt.

Setting up a payment plan online instead of calling

The IRS Online Payment Agreement tool at IRS.gov lets you set up an installment plan without waiting on hold. Go to IRS.gov, search for "Online Payment Agreement," and follow the prompts. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the amount you owe. The tool will show you available monthly payment amounts and the total cost including fees.

Online setup is faster than calling and works for most people with straightforward tax debt. However, if you owe more than $50,000, have multiple years of unpaid taxes, or need to discuss special circumstances (like a recent job loss or medical emergency), calling is usually better because a representative can explore options the online tool cannot.

Understanding installment agreement fees

The IRS charges a setup fee when you create a payment plan. The fee depends on how you set it up: online setup costs $31, phone setup costs $225, and automatic bank withdrawal costs $225. If your income is below 250% of the federal poverty line, you may may have access to for a reduced fee of $31 regardless of method.

These fees are added to what you already owe, so your total debt increases. The IRS also charges interest on the unpaid balance — currently 8% per year, though this rate changes quarterly. Ask the representative to calculate your total cost before you commit, so you know exactly what the plan will cost by the time it ends.

Types of payment plans the IRS offers

The IRS has three main installment agreement types. A short-term extension gives you 120 days to pay in full with no setup fee — this works only if you can pay everything within four months. A standard installment agreement lets you pay over several years with monthly payments; the length depends on how much you owe. A streamlined installment agreement is simpler and cheaper ($31 setup fee) but only works if you owe $50,000 or less and can pay within 72 months.

If you owe more than $50,000, you'll need a standard agreement, which requires more paperwork and may involve a financial review. The representative on the phone can tell you which type fits your situation and what monthly payment would be required for each option.

What happens after you set up a payment plan

Once your plan is approved, you'll receive a confirmation letter from the IRS with your agreement number, monthly payment amount, and due date. Make payments on time every month — missing a payment can cancel the plan and restart collection action. You can pay by check, electronic funds withdrawal, credit card, or debit card through IRS.gov or a payment processor.

If your financial situation changes and you can no longer afford the monthly payment, call the IRS again to modify the plan. Do not simply stop paying; contact them before you miss a payment so they can adjust the terms rather than default you back into collection status.

Taxpayer Assistance Centers as an alternative

If you prefer to handle this in person or have trouble reaching someone by phone, visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center in your area. These are IRS offices where you can walk in and speak to a representative without an appointment (though wait times vary). Find the nearest center by going to IRS.gov and searching "Taxpayer Assistance Center" or calling 1-800-829-1040 to ask for the address.

In-person visits work well if you have complex tax situations, multiple years of debt, or language barriers. Bring the same documents you would have ready for a phone call: your Social Security number, tax returns, IRS notices, and information about your income and expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to set up a payment plan over the phone?

The call itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach a representative, but wait times to reach someone can be an hour or more during busy periods. Online setup takes about 10 minutes and gives you immediate confirmation. Either way, your plan is active once you receive confirmation, and you can start making payments right away.

Can I set up a payment plan if I'm behind on payments from a previous plan?

Yes, but you'll need to call rather than use the online tool. A representative can modify your existing plan or create a new one that includes the missed payments. Contact the IRS as soon as you realize you cannot make a payment so they do not default you and restart collection action.

What if I cannot afford any monthly payment right now?

Tell the IRS representative your situation. If you truly cannot pay anything, you may may have access to for "Currently Not Collectible" status, which temporarily pauses collection while interest and penalties continue to accrue. This is not a forgiveness — you'll still owe the full amount — but it stops wage garnishment and bank levies until your situation improves.

Do I need a lawyer to set up a payment plan?

No. The IRS process is straightforward enough to handle yourself, and you do not need a tax professional or attorney. However, if you owe a large amount, have multiple years of unpaid taxes, or face wage garnishment or bank levies, consulting a tax professional or attorney may help you understand all your options.

Can I change my monthly payment amount after the plan starts?

Yes. Call 1-800-829-1040 and ask to modify your installment agreement. You can increase or decrease the payment amount, though lowering it will extend how long you pay. Changes take effect after the IRS processes your request, usually within a few weeks.