The IRS phone number for payment plans is 1-800-829-1040, the main taxpayer line

Call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time) to speak with someone about setting up a payment plan for taxes you owe. This is the general IRS customer service line, and representatives there can discuss installment agreement options with you.

You do not need to call to set up a payment plan — the IRS also lets you arrange one online through their website or by mail — but calling is often faster if you have questions about which plan fits your situation or if you need to discuss your specific circumstances. Wait times can be long, especially during tax season (January through April), so call early in the morning or later in the week if you can.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-829-1040 to speak with an IRS representative about payment plan options for taxes you owe.
  • You can also set up a payment plan online at IRS.gov without calling, which often has shorter wait times.
  • Have your Social Security number, tax return information, and details about what you owe ready before you call.
  • The IRS offers short-term plans (120 days or less) and long-term installment agreements, with different fees depending on which you choose.

What to have ready before you call

Gather these documents and details before dialing so the conversation moves faster. You will need your Social Security number (or employer identification number if you are calling about a business tax debt), the tax year you owe for, and the amount you believe you owe. If you have already received a bill or notice from the IRS, have that in front of you — it contains your account number and the exact balance.

The representative will also ask about your income, monthly expenses, and what you can afford to pay each month. Being honest about what you can actually pay matters, because if you miss payments on an installment agreement, the IRS can cancel it and pursue collection action. If you are unsure of your exact balance or have questions about penalties and interest added to your bill, the representative can pull up your account and walk you through it.

Online and mail alternatives to calling

If you prefer not to call, you can set up a payment plan through IRS.gov using the Online Payment Agreement tool. This route works if you owe $50,000 or less in combined taxes, penalties, and interest. You can complete the entire process in minutes without waiting on hold, and you will receive confirmation immediately.

You can also request a payment plan by mail using Form 9465 (Installment Agreement Request). Mail it to the address shown on your tax bill or notice. This method takes longer — typically two to four weeks — but it is an option if you do not have internet access or prefer a paper trail. Include a cover letter explaining your situation and what monthly payment you can afford.

Types of payment plans the IRS offers

The IRS has two main categories. A short-term payment plan lets you pay off what you owe in 120 days or less with no setup fee. This works if you can pay the full amount within four months.

A long-term installment agreement spreads payments over several months or years. Setup fees range from $31 to $225 depending on how you set it up (online is cheaper than by phone or mail) and whether you pay by direct debit from your bank account. Interest and penalties continue to accrue on the unpaid balance, so the longer you take to pay, the more you will owe in total.

If you set up direct debit (automatic monthly payments from your bank account), the setup fee is lower and the IRS is more likely to approve a longer payment period. You can change your payment amount or end date later if your situation changes, though the IRS may charge a modification fee.

What happens after you call

If you are approved during the call, the representative will confirm your monthly payment amount, the due date each month, and how long the agreement will last. You will receive written confirmation by mail within two weeks. Keep this document — it shows you have an active payment plan and protects you from collection action as long as you make payments on time.

If you miss a payment or pay late, the IRS will send you a notice. One missed payment can trigger cancellation of your agreement, so if you know you cannot make a payment, contact the IRS before the due date to discuss options. You can request a temporary pause or a change to your payment amount if your financial situation shifts.

When calling is not your best option

If your tax debt is complicated — for example, you owe for multiple years, you are self-employed, or you have had previous payment plans that fell through — you may benefit from speaking with a tax professional or a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic before calling the IRS. These clinics offer free help to people with limited income and can represent you on the call if needed. Find one near you through the IRS website.

If you cannot afford any monthly payment right now, calling about a payment plan will not help. Instead, look into Currently Not Collectible status, which temporarily pauses collection action while you get back on your feet. You can request this status by calling the same number or through a tax professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will I wait on hold when I call 1-800-829-1040?

Wait times vary widely depending on the time of year and time of day. During tax season (January through April), you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour. Calling early in the morning or on Wednesday or Thursday typically means shorter waits. The IRS does not offer call-back options, so you will need to stay on the line.

Can I set up a payment plan if I have not filed my tax return yet?

No. You must file your return first so the IRS knows what you owe. If you have not filed, contact a tax preparer or the IRS to file before requesting a payment plan. Filing late adds penalties, but filing is the first step.

What if I cannot afford the monthly payment the IRS suggests?

Tell the representative your actual budget. The IRS will work with you to lower the payment amount, though this extends how long you will pay and increases total interest and penalties. If you truly cannot afford any payment, ask about Currently Not Collectible status instead.

Do I have to pay a setup fee for a payment plan?

Short-term plans (120 days or less) have no setup fee. Long-term plans charge $31 to $225 depending on how you set it up. Setting up online or by direct debit costs less than calling or mailing Form 9465.

Can I change my payment plan after it is approved?

Yes. You can request to lower or raise your monthly payment, extend the end date, or switch to a different type of plan. Contact the IRS by phone, online, or mail. The IRS may charge a modification fee if you make changes.