This article is for information only and is not tax advice.
An installment agreement is a payment plan with the tax office. It lets you pay a tax debt in monthly payments if you cannot pay the full amount at once. You can request a plan from the IRS for federal tax. The IRS uses Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request, for this request.
Does Sprintax provide an installment agreement?
No. Sprintax does not handle installment agreement applications. You make the request yourself with the IRS. Sprintax does not handle your tax liability. You are responsible for paying it as the taxpayer.
What can I do if I owe tax and cannot pay in full?
File your tax return on time, even if you cannot pay the full balance.
Pay as much as you can by the filing deadline.
Ask the IRS for a payment plan for the rest.
Make each monthly payment on time, and file all later returns on time.
What types of IRS payment plans exist?
| Plan | What it is | Who can apply online |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term payment plan | A plan to pay in 180 days or less. | Individuals who owe less than $100,000 in combined tax, penalties, and interest. |
| Long-term payment plan (installment agreement) | A plan with monthly payments over a longer period. | Individuals who owe $50,000 or less in combined tax, penalties, and interest, and have filed all required returns. |
The IRS can change these limits. Check the IRS payment plan page for the current rules and to see if you qualify.
How do I ask the IRS for an installment agreement?
Online: Use the IRS online payment agreement application on IRS.gov if you qualify.
By Form 9465: Complete Form 9465 and send it to the IRS. The Form 9465 instructions show where to send it.
By phone or in person: The IRS also accepts requests by phone or in person. The IRS payment plan page shows the details.
The Form 9465 instructions say not to use the form if you want to apply online.
Does the IRS charge a fee for a payment plan?
The IRS can charge a setup fee for a long-term payment plan. The fee depends on your payment method and on how you apply. For example, direct debit from your bank account and applying online are the lowest-cost options. The IRS can reduce or waive the fee for low-income taxpayers. Check the IRS payment plan page for the amounts.
Do interest and penalties continue on a payment plan?
Yes. The IRS charges interest and a late payment penalty on unpaid tax after the due date. This applies even if the IRS grants your request. These charges continue until you pay the balance in full.
Paying the full amount by the deadline avoids the setup fee. It also reduces or avoids penalties and interest.
What if I miss a payment?
To avoid default, pay at least the minimum monthly amount when it is due, and file all required returns on time. The IRS can charge a fee to reinstate a defaulted plan.
Does a payment plan cover my state tax?
No. Your federal and state returns are separate, so you pay each tax office separately. A federal payment plan does not cover state tax. Contact your state tax office to ask about its payment options.
When is my tax payment due for the 2026 tax return?
For most individuals, the federal payment deadline is April 15, 2027. A payment plan does not move your filing or payment deadline.
Where do I find my payment instructions in Sprintax Returns?
Your Sprintax tax return PDF includes payment instructions. They are generally at the beginning of the PDF. Sprintax provides a payment voucher for payment by check or money order, and instructions for bank transfer and card payment.
What are the key facts about installment agreements?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is an installment agreement? | A payment plan that lets you pay a tax debt in monthly payments. |
| Does Sprintax provide installment agreements? | No. You request one from the IRS yourself. |
| Which IRS form requests an installment agreement? | Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request. |
| Can I apply online? | Yes, if you qualify. Use the IRS online payment agreement application. |
| Is there a fee? | The IRS can charge a setup fee. It depends on how you apply and how you pay. |
| Do interest and penalties continue? | Yes, until you pay the balance in full. |
| Must I file on time? | Yes. File on time even if you cannot pay in full. |
| Does a federal plan cover state tax? | No. Contact your state tax office separately. |
| What is the federal payment deadline? | For most individuals, April 15, 2027. |