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

If you owe federal income taxes and cannot pay the full amount right away, you can call the IRS directly to set up a payment arrangement — a plan that lets you pay what you owe in smaller installments over time. The main IRS customer service line is 1-800-829-1040. This number works for individuals and is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time.

When you call, have your Social Security number, the tax year in question, and an estimate of what you owe ready. The IRS representative will walk you through the types of arrangements available and help you choose one that fits your situation. You do not need to visit an office in person — the entire process can happen over the phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time) to discuss payment plan options with an IRS representative.
  • The IRS offers both short-term arrangements (up to 180 days) and longer installment agreements that can stretch payments over several years.
  • You will need your Social Security number, the tax year you owe for, and the amount owed before you call.
  • Setting up a payment arrangement stops the IRS from taking collection action while you are making regular payments.
  • The IRS charges a setup fee and interest on the unpaid balance, so the total cost will be more than what you originally owed.

What happens when you call

When you reach the IRS, you will be connected to a representative who will verify your identity and pull up your account. They will ask you how much you can pay each month and how long you need to spread the payments. Based on your answers, they will tell you what arrangement options are available to you.

The representative will explain the setup fee (which varies depending on the type of arrangement) and the interest that will accrue on your unpaid balance. They will also tell you when your first payment is due and how to make it — usually by mail, electronic funds withdrawal, or credit card. Before you hang up, you should receive a confirmation number and details about your plan in writing within a few days.

Short-term vs. long-term arrangements

The IRS offers two main types of payment arrangements. A short-term arrangement lets you pay off your debt in up to 180 days without a formal installment agreement. This option has no setup fee and is the fastest way to resolve your debt if you can pay it off within six months.

A long-term installment agreement spreads your payments over a longer period — sometimes several years. This option does have a setup fee (the amount depends on how you set it up) and is better if you need more time. The IRS will continue to charge interest on the unpaid balance until you have paid everything off.

Setting up automatic payments

When you call, ask the IRS representative about setting up electronic funds withdrawal (EFW). This means the IRS will automatically deduct your payment from your bank account on the date you choose each month. Using EFW reduces your setup fee and makes sure you never miss a payment.

You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number to set this up. The IRS will verify the information and confirm the withdrawal date. If your income or situation changes and you need to adjust the payment amount, you can call back to modify the arrangement.

What to do if you cannot reach someone

The IRS phone lines are busiest in the morning and during tax season (January through April). If you are on hold for a long time, you can hang up and call back later in the day or on a different day. The IRS also offers a callback option — you can request that a representative call you back instead of waiting on hold.

If you prefer not to call, you can also set up a payment arrangement online through the IRS website using the Online Payment Agreement tool, or you can mail Form 9465 (Installment Agreement Request) to the IRS address listed in your tax notice. The phone route is usually fastest because you get an answer the same day.

After your arrangement is approved

Once your payment arrangement is in place, the IRS will stop collection efforts like wage garnishment or bank levies — as long as you make your payments on time. If you miss a payment, the arrangement can be cancelled and collection action may resume, so it is important to treat these payments like any other bill.

Keep records of every payment you make. If you need to change the payment amount or the due date, call the IRS again at 1-800-829-1040. You can also pay off the arrangement early without penalty if your situation improves and you have the money to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to call, or can I set up a payment plan online?

You can use the IRS Online Payment Agreement tool on the IRS website if you owe $50,000 or less and meet other requirements. Calling 1-800-829-1040 works for any amount and gives you the chance to discuss your specific situation with a representative who can explain all your options.

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

Tell the representative your actual monthly budget. The IRS will work with you to find a payment amount you can sustain. If the amount is very small, they may ask you to provide financial information to verify you cannot pay more, but they want to set up an arrangement you can actually keep.

Will setting up a payment plan stop the IRS from taking my tax refund?

No. The IRS can still offset your refund to pay down the debt even while you are in a payment arrangement. However, once your arrangement is complete, any future refunds are yours to keep.

What if I miss a payment?

Contact the IRS right away at 1-800-829-1040 to explain what happened. Missing one payment does not automatically cancel your arrangement, but repeated missed payments will. The IRS may work with you to catch up or adjust the plan if you have a temporary hardship.

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

Yes. When you call, tell the representative about all the tax years you owe for. The IRS will combine them into a single arrangement so you make one payment each month that covers all the years at once.