IRS payment plans and hardship (individuals)
Set up a payment plan, ask for a temporary delay of collection if you cannot pay because of hardship, or check that a notice is real.
Good to know
The number on your notice is best if you have one. A short plan of up to 180 days has no setup fee; longer plans cost less online, and low-income fees are waived or lower. Waits are shorter Wednesday to Friday.
Before you call
Have ready
- the notice or letter, and your Social Security or taxpayer ID number
- your monthly income and living costs, if you will ask for a hardship delay
They may ask
- financial information, which may include Form 433-F, before approving a hardship delay
They can
- set up a payment plan by phone
- put your account in Currently Not Collectible status if you qualify
They cannot
- cancel the debt: it is still owed, and penalties and interest keep building
In the emergency guides: My bank account was frozen or closed → · I got a tax bill or letter I can't pay or don't understand →
- Phone
- 800-829-1040
- Website
- https://www.irs.gov/payments/payment-plans-installment-agreements
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm local time
- Coverage
- Nationwide (U.S.)
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Last checked
- October 10, 2026
See something out of date or wrong? Tell us and we’ll check it.
Shared by FindAngel.org — free, always · https://findangel.org/resources/irs-payments-help/