What is an IRS payment plan (installment agreement), and how do I get one?

Sunday, November 15, 2026 · Question 4 of 19

An installment agreement is a monthly payment plan with the IRS — you pay what you owe over time instead of all at once. The amount is based on what you owe and what you can afford each month. One warning: the plan only works if you stay current. File every return on time and pay each month, or the IRS can cancel it. A missed payment or a new balance can put the whole agreement in default, and then the full balance is back on the table. Before you agree to any amount, make sure it's one you can actually live with month after month. We'll review your numbers and tell you honestly what fits.