This is my first year owing taxes. It gave me an option to have payback in installments, does that mean they'll give me my tax return then I can pay it back?

[cherm575]

How does it work?

[DoninGA]

If you owe taxes you do not get anything back, you do not have a tax refund.  You pay the taxes owed on a monthly basis until the tax debt is satisfied. 

[xmasbaby0]

You are filing a tax return---that is the Form 1040 you are sending to the IRS.  If you are getting money back, that is not a "return"---- it is called a "refund."   A refund means you get money FROM the IRS.

  If you OWE money to the IRS you are not getting any refund.  None.   It cannot be both.  You just owe.  And you pay.     

Look at your tax return----What does it show you on line 35a?   What does it show you on line 37?   You will not have amounts on both of those lines.  You will only have an amount on one of them.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901539-how-do-i-preview-my-turbotax-online-return-before-filing

Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the screen. Click on Tools. Click on View Tax Summary. Click on Preview my 1040 on the left side of the screen.

Line 35a shows a refund.    Line 37 shows the amount you owe and have to pay.

[fanfare]

If you choose an installment plan,

the amount you owe must be at least the IRS minimum amount, and you will pay interest.