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Installment Agreements · Updated May 2026

How to Get Out of Debt: Opting for an IRS Installment Agreement

How to Get Out of Debt: Opting for an IRS Installment Agreement
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Fresh Start Initiative
Fresh Start Initiative
America’s Tax Relief Network
Home Fresh Start Program IRS Notices Taxpayer Problems Articles About Check Your Eligibility
Call us directly (888) 665-4416
✓ Editorially independent Reviewed by licensed CPAs Read by 2M+ taxpayers in 2025 Updated monthly $1.2B+ in tax debt resolved 100,000+ Americans served Partner firms are BBB A+ rated only Licensed in all 50 states ✓ Editorially independent Reviewed by licensed CPAs Read by 2M+ taxpayers in 2025 Updated monthly $1.2B+ in tax debt resolved 100,000+ Americans served Partner firms are BBB A+ rated only Licensed in all 50 states
Tax Guide · Updated June 2021
How to Get Out of Debt: Opting for an IRS Installment Agreement

TL;DR: Many people find themselves in debt because of their taxes. The IRS is not forgiving when it comes to unpaid tax debts, and the penalties for non-payment can be severe. This guide explains who qualifies, the rules that apply, and how to apply them to your situation.

Many people find themselves in debt because of their taxes. The IRS is not forgiving when it comes to unpaid tax debts, and the penalties for non-payment can be severe. While you may have been trying to avoid paying your taxes by delaying filing your return or failing to file at all, now that you owe the IRS money and are looking for a way out, an installment agreement might be what you need.

An installment agreement with the IRS allows taxpayers with combined tax liabilities come up with a payment plan designed on their own timeline. There are many benefits associated with this kind of agreement and we will discuss them below!

IRS Installment Agreement Benefits

Though it is preferred that taxpayers should pay their liabilities in full, people who are having trouble with the IRS and their taxes owe it to themselves to look into an installment agreement. It can give them the time they need in order to make a payment plan that is manageable for them, as well as qualify for any potential benefits associated with this type of arrangement!

Having month-to-month payments may be a viable option with its own benefits only for those who are not able to pay the debt in full. Benefits will include:

  • Making payments that agree with your income
  • Select your monthly payment amount
  • Repay your balance over 72 or 84 months, depending on the amount owed
  • Penalties are reduced.
  • Can choose to settle the sum in full without incurring any additional fees or penalties -Does not extend the IRS’s ability to collect from you beyond the 10-year statute of limitations

Who Qualifies?

A simple installment agreement is usually available to taxpayers who owe the IRS $50,000 or less in tax, penalties, and interest. Simplified qualifications may be available for taxpayers who owe more than $50,000 but less than $100,000, thanks to an IRS-tested broadened criterion.

Individual taxpayers owing more than $100,000 will be required to submit a financial statement in order to arrange a payment plan.

IRS Fresh Start Program

IRS Installment Agreements also happen to be one of the four major components of the IRS Fresh Start Program. There are many programs that are offered in order to solve your tax-related issues in some sort of way. But there is a new and improved relief program that consolidates many major relief programs into a one-size-fits-all assistance program; The IRS Fresh Start Program.

This program is designed to relieve not only the IRS but also your back taxes. It does this by making sure you are filing accurately and gives up-front payment options solutions for those who can’t afford their tax debt payments. This relief program utilizes four of the major tax resolution strategies into one consolidated program!

See if You Qualify for the Fresh Start Program Today!

Resolve your tax debt before the IRS surprises you with late fees and penalties!

  1. Answer a few questions
  2. Qualify and be presented with a resolution – click here
  3. Enroll in Fresh Start

You can click here to be connected with a verified partner of IRS Fresh Start Initiative

Need Help With Back Taxes?

Contact a tax specialist today to explore how to reduce, resolve, or eliminate your back taxes with the IRS Fresh Start Program.

Call us directly at (888) 665-4416 or click the link below.

Check Your Eligibility →
Fresh Start Initiative is an independent editorial resource covering IRS tax debt relief. We do not provide tax advice or representation and are not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency. When you request a consultation, we connect you with a licensed, A+ BBB-rated tax relief firm from our vetted network — matched to your situation. Individual results vary.
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