Tax guides
IRS payment plan: how to request one with Form 9465
Reviewed by Ahmad Odeh, Enrolled Agent ·
If you find out while preparing your return that you owe the IRS more than you can pay at once, don't skip filing. You can ask for a monthly payment plan, and you can ask for it at the same time you file your return.
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First: file on time even if you can't pay
Not filing costs much more than not paying. The failure-to-file penalty is 5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month you're late, up to 25%. The failure-to-pay penalty is much smaller: 0.5% per month, also up to 25%. Interest is charged on what you owe on top of that.
What is Form 9465?
Form 9465 is the request for an installment agreement (a payment plan) with the IRS. On it, you say how much you can pay each month and on what day of the month. The IRS decides whether to approve it, and IRS fees and interest may apply.
Requirements to request it when you e-file
- Your total balance owed to the IRS can't be more than $50,000 to request the plan along with your electronically filed return.
- Your monthly payment must be at least your balance divided by 72; in other words, you must be able to pay it off in 72 months or less.
- If you owe between $25,000 and $50,000, in some cases the IRS requires the payments to be taken automatically from your bank account (direct debit).
- You must give a phone number where the IRS can reach you.
How to request a payment plan with Vordana Tax
When your return shows a balance due, you can choose a payment plan right inside your return. We prepare Form 9465 with what you choose and e-file it together with your return, so there's no need to call the IRS or mail anything. The software checks the requirements above before you file, so your request isn't rejected.
Questions
Does the IRS always approve a payment plan?
Not always. The IRS decides whether to approve a plan, and IRS fees and interest may apply. As long as you have an approved plan and keep up with it, the IRS generally doesn't take stronger collection action.
Can I pay it off early if I have extra money?
Yes. You can pay more than the agreed amount or pay off the balance at any time, and you'll pay less interest that way.
What if I owe more than $50,000?
In that case, you can't request the plan with your electronically filed return. File your return anyway and contact the IRS to see your other payment options.
Free to start. Nothing is charged until you check out.
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