topic I had a unexpected tax debt that is more than I can pay right now. What is the best way to resolve this? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

I had a unexpected tax debt that is more than I can pay right now. What is the best way to resolve this?

jjenk442 — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:11:56 GMT

Re: I had a unexpected tax debt that is more than I can pay right now. What is the best way to resolve this?

DoninGA — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 22:54:24 GMT

Set up a payment plan with the IRS.

Go to this IRS website for an online payment plan application - https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application

Re: I had a unexpected tax debt that is more than I can pay right now. What is the best way to resolve this?

Mike9241 — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 22:57:16 GMT

there is also offer in compromise which if approved will allow you to settle the debt for less than the full amount. use the IRS tool to see if you qualify.

https://irs.treasury.gov/oic_pre_qualifier/

Re: I had a unexpected tax debt that is more than I can pay right now. What is the best way to resolve this?

Opus 17 — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 22:59:20 GMT

If you have not filed your tax return yet, you can file your return without including a payment by selecting “I will pay by check“ as your option.

Then, to minimize the penalties and interest you will owe, make the largest payment you can at www.irs.gov/payments. Be sure to select 2022 Form 1040 as the reason for the payment, and not 2023 estimated payments.

then, if you can pay off the debt within four months, I would not suggest a payment plan. Just make the payments as fast as you can at the IRS website. The IRS will send you a bill for interest and penalties. You may be able to request a waiver of the penalty for cause, or if this is the first time you have ever owed a penalty. The interest can’t be waived, but it may be recalculated if the penalty is reduced.

if it will take you more than four months to pay the remaining balance, you may want to request a payment plan from the IRS website. Payment plans have a nonrefundable application fee, so it is not always worth paying the application fee if you can pay the balance off within three or four months. But if it will take longer, go ahead and apply for a payment plan. You will still accumulate interest on the unpaid balance, but the accumulated penalties will be reduced after going on the payment plan.