Owe the IRS? Your options, explained plainly

Owing the IRS is stressful, but most people can sort it out with a standard option the IRS already offers. Start with the facts, then decide if you need help.

Three things to do first

1. File every return you owe, even if you cannot pay. Most IRS options require all returns to be filed.
2. Read the notice and note the deadline. Look it up on the IRS notice page.
3. Check your balance in your IRS online account, then see if a payment plan fits.

Free help with IRS problems

• Low Income Taxpayer Clinics: Low Income Taxpayer Clinics represent people in audits, appeals and collection disputes with the IRS, for free or a small fee. Clinics generally serve people with income at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines (for 2026, $39,900 for a single person in the continental US). Clinics are independent of the IRS. Find a clinic.
• Taxpayer Advocate Service: an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems, free of charge. Useful when a problem is causing hardship or the normal IRS channels have not worked. Taxpayer Advocate Service.