Owing back taxes is stressful, but the IRS offers several ways to resolve tax debt. Here are the main options and how to apply.
Installment agreement
A payment plan (Form 9465) lets you pay your tax debt over time in monthly installments — the most common solution for those who can pay, just not all at once.
Offer in Compromise
An Offer in Compromise (Form 656 with 433-A) lets qualifying taxpayers settle for less than the full amount when paying in full would cause hardship. It requires detailed financial documentation.
Other options
Currently-not-collectible status, penalty abatement, and filing any delinquent returns first — you generally must be current on filings before the IRS will negotiate.
How Curbside Legal helps
We prepare installment-agreement and Offer-in-Compromise packages, plus back-tax returns. See tax pricing or start your intake.
Curbside Legal is a legal document preparation service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal or tax advice.