# IRS problem--any advice? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 18, 2017, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irs-problem-any-advice/784751 "2017-04-18T23:54:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![medstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@medstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medstar)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2017, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irs-problem-any-advice/784751/1 "2017-04-18T23:54:12Z")
Hey everyone, my taxes are done and I owe more to the feds than I thought. I don’t have enough money to write a check or put on my credit card, so I’m trying to get a payment schedule started. The only thing is that the instructions say you can’t do another payment schedule if you did one in the last five years. I did one about three years ago and paid everything I needed to. How likely do you all think that the IRS will refuse to accept my payment schedule and demand full payment at once, and why would this be a problem for them? I will be in lots of trouble if they try to pull the full $2,500.00 out of my checking account. Please let me have your best advice in this situation. TIA ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irs-problem-any-advice/784751/2 "2017-04-19T00:01:38Z")
Call them and find out. That’s really all you can do. Though they have several different plans, and I suspect that you can just use an alternate plan with less stringent requirments. They want their money, and are willing to work with you if it increases the chances of you sending that money. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irs-problem-any-advice/784751/3 "2017-04-19T00:19:10Z")
Yes, just call them. You may be surprised how willing they are to work with you. All they want is the money, and they are willing to wait for it if they have to. I did not see anything about the 5 year thing on the IRS site or the form they provide online. The only eligibility requirement I’ve found is: > [@IRS website](#): > > **You may be eligible to apply for an online payment agreement** > [ul] > [li]Individuals must owe $50,000 or less in combined individual income tax, penalties and interest, and have filed all required returns.[/li][/ul] And just below that: > [@IRS website](#): > > **Even if you’re ineligible for an online payment agreement, you can still pay in installments** > [ul] > [li]Complete and mail Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request (PDF) and Form 433-F, Collection Information Statement (PDF);[/li][li]Call 800-829-1040 or the phone number on your bill or notice[/li][/ul] > **[Online payment agreement application | Internal Revenue Service](https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application)** > > If you are a qualified taxpayer or authorized representative (Power of Attorney) you can apply for a payment plan (including installment agreement) online to pay off your balance over time. Note: Once you complete your online application you will... ---
**Author:** ![medstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@medstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medstar)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irs-problem-any-advice/784751/4 "2017-04-19T00:32:54Z")
> [@DCnDC](#): > > Yes, just call them. You may be surprised how willing they are to work with you. All they want is the money, and they are willing to wait for it if they have to. > > I did not see anything about the 5 year thing on the IRS site or the form they provide online. The only eligibility requirement I’ve found is: > > And just below that: > > [Online payment agreement application | Internal Revenue Service](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/payment-plans-installment-agreements) Thanks, DCnDC, I fit into those requirements, so I’ll just keep on with the payment schedule I have, and call them in a few days. ---
**Author:** ![Buttercup\_Smith](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buttercup_smith/32/473_2.png) [@Buttercup\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buttercup_Smith)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irs-problem-any-advice/784751/5 "2017-04-19T01:43:58Z")
Don’t overpay though. We did a payment plan for years and when I called to do a settlement the statute of limitations had run out and they owed me money. Imagine my surprise. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irs-problem-any-advice/784751/6 "2017-04-19T14:47:51Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > They want their money, and are willing to work with you if it increases the chances of you sending that money. Who is this _They_? It’s we, all of us taxpayers.