The IRS phone number for payment plans is 1-800-829-1040

Call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time) to discuss a payment plan for taxes you owe. This is the main IRS customer service line, and it routes to representatives who handle installment agreements. Have your Social Security number, tax year, and the amount you owe ready before you call.

Wait times can be long, especially during tax season (January through April) and around the October 15 extension important date. The IRS publishes current wait times on its website before you call, so you can decide whether to call back later. If you reach a representative, they can tell you whether you may have access to for a payment plan and what your monthly payment would be.

You do not have to call to set up a payment plan. The IRS also lets you set one up online through its website, by mail, or through a payment processor. Calling is fastest if you want to speak with someone about your options, but it is not the only way.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS payment plan phone line is 1-800-829-1040, open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your time zone.
  • Have your Social Security number, the tax year in question, and the amount owed before you call.
  • You can also set up a payment plan online at IRS.gov, by mail, or through an approved payment processor without calling.
  • Wait times are longest during tax season and around extension important date, so calling outside those periods usually means shorter holds.

What to expect when you call

When you reach a representative, they will ask you to verify your identity using your Social Security number and date of birth. They will then pull up your tax account and show you what you owe, including penalties and interest added since the original due date. This is the first time you will see the actual total, so ask the representative to explain any amounts you do not recognize.

The representative will then ask about your income and expenses to determine what you can afford to pay each month. Be honest about what you can actually pay — if you understate your ability to pay, the IRS may reject the plan, and if you overstate it, you may miss payments later. The representative can suggest a monthly amount based on what you tell them, or you can propose one yourself.

Once you agree on a monthly payment, the representative will confirm the plan details: the payment amount, the due date each month, and the total number of months. They will also explain what happens if you miss a payment (the plan can be terminated, and the full amount becomes due when ready). Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.

Setting up a payment plan online instead

If you do not want to call, you can set up a payment plan through the IRS website at IRS.gov. Go to the "Payments" section and look for "Set Up a Payment Plan." You will need to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and the amount you owe. The system will show you available monthly payment amounts and let you choose one.

Online setup is faster than calling and does not require you to wait on hold. However, you cannot discuss your situation with a person or ask questions about why you owe what you owe. If you have questions about the debt itself or need help understanding the charges, calling is the better option.

The online system will give you a confirmation number when ready. Write it down or take a screenshot — you will need it if you have questions about the plan later or if you need to make changes.

Payment processors and third-party services

The IRS approves certain payment processors to collect installment payments on its behalf. These include companies like PayUSA, Official Payments, and others. You can find the full list on IRS.gov under "Payment Options." These services charge a fee (usually $25 to $225, depending on the payment method and processor) on top of your monthly payment.

Using a payment processor is optional. You can pay directly to the IRS through the IRS Direct Pay system (no fee) or through an approved processor (with a fee). If you use a processor, the fee is added to your first payment or charged separately — ask before you commit. The advantage is convenience: some processors let you set up automatic monthly payments, so you do not have to remember to pay each month.

What documents you need before calling

Gather these items before you dial 1-800-829-1040. You will move through the call faster if you have them ready, and the representative will not have to ask you to look them up while you are on the phone.

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your date of birth
  • The tax year you owe for (for example, 2023 or 2024)
  • The amount you believe you owe, if you know it
  • A copy of the tax notice the IRS sent you (if you have one)
  • Information about your current income and monthly expenses

If you do not have the exact amount you owe, the representative can look it up using your Social Security number and tax year. If you do not have a recent notice, the representative can tell you what the IRS has on file. You do not need to be perfect — the representative will help you find what you need during the call.

If you cannot reach anyone or the wait is too long

The IRS phone lines are often busy, especially during tax season. If you cannot get through after waiting 30 minutes, hang up and try again later in the day or on a different day. The IRS publishes current wait times on its website, so you can check before calling.

If you need to set up a payment plan but cannot reach the IRS by phone, use the online system at IRS.gov instead. It is available 24 hours a day and does not have wait times. You can also mail a Form 9465 (Installment Agreement Request) to the IRS address shown on your tax notice. Mailing takes longer — usually 30 to 60 days — but it works if you cannot call or use the website.

If you are having trouble with the IRS or believe you were treated unfairly, you can contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service. This is a free service within the IRS that helps resolve disputes. Call 1-877-777-4778 or visit TaxpayerAdvocate.irs.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my payment plan after it is set up?

Yes. Call 1-800-829-1040 and ask to modify your plan. You can increase or decrease your monthly payment, change the due date, or extend the length of the plan. The IRS may charge a fee to modify the plan, usually $25 to $225 depending on how you modify it.

What if I miss a payment?

Contact the IRS when ready at 1-800-829-1040. Missing one payment does not automatically end the plan, but if you miss payments regularly, the IRS can terminate it and demand the full amount. If you know you cannot make a payment, call before the due date and ask about your options.

How long can a payment plan last?

It depends on how much you owe. Short-term plans (120 days or less) are available for smaller amounts. Long-term plans can last up to 72 months (six years) for larger debts. The representative will explain what is available for your situation.

Do I have to pay interest and penalties while I am on a payment plan?

Yes. Interest and penalties continue to accrue on unpaid taxes even while you are making payments. Your monthly payment covers part of the principal, but interest and penalties are added each month until the debt is paid in full.

Is there a fee to set up a payment plan?

The IRS charges a fee to set up an installment agreement, usually $31 to $225 depending on your income and how you set it up. The fee is added to your first payment. If you set up the plan online and your income is below a certain threshold, the fee may be lower or waived.