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. How to file back taxes.
2. Read the notice and note the deadline. Look it up on the IRS notice page. If it is a Final Notice of Intent to Levy, see IRS wage garnishment and levies.
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 48 contiguous states and D.C.; Alaska and Hawaii have higher figures). Each clinic decides whether you qualify. Clinics are independent of the IRS. Find a clinic.
• Taxpayer Advocate Service: an independent organization within the IRS that may be able to help with a tax problem you have not been able to resolve with the IRS, and its service is free if you qualify. Useful when a problem is causing hardship or the normal IRS channels have not worked. Taxpayer Advocate Service.