@Chris1976 If you elected to pay over three years, you should have paid your first installment last year. If you didn't that could be part of why you owe so much this year. If you do end up owing more than you can afford to pay, you won't be in any trouble or anything, but you will be required to set up a payment plan with the IRS. You can pay the balance off over time (I've been doing it for years!) It's not fun, but it's not the worst either.
