IRS Payment Plans: How a Southern California Tax Attorney Can Help You Avoid Collection Actions

IRS payment plans illustration showing clipboard, money, calculator, and calendar

If you owe back taxes to the IRS and can’t pay the full amount right away, you might be feeling stressed and overwhelmed. The good news is, you may qualify for an IRS payment plan — also called an Installment Agreement — that lets you pay off your balance over time. But not all payment plans are created equal, and choosing the wrong one could cost you more in the long run.

As a Southern California tax attorney specializing in tax resolution services, I help individuals and businesses find the best payment plan for their situation, while protecting their assets and stopping aggressive IRS collection actions.

What Is an IRS Payment Plan?

An IRS payment plan is an agreement between you and the IRS that allows you to pay your tax debt in smaller, more manageable amounts over time. This option can help you avoid:

• Wage garnishments

• Bank account levies

• Federal tax liens

  
  

Types of IRS Payment Plans

The IRS offers several types of payment plans:

1. Short-Term Payment Plan – For tax balances under $100,000 that can be paid within 180 days.

2. Long-Term Payment Plan (Installment Agreement) – For balances under $50,000, allowing you to pay monthly for up to 72 months.

3. Partial Payment Installment Agreement (PPIA) – Lets you pay a reduced amount over time if you can’t afford the full balance.

4. Offer in Compromise (OIC) – Not technically a payment plan, but an option that allows you to settle your debt for less than the full amount owed.

   
   

Why Work with a Tax Attorney Instead of Applying Alone

While you can request a payment plan online, the IRS will not necessarily offer you the best option available. A tax attorney can:

• Negotiate for lower monthly payments based on your actual ability to pay.

• Prevent IRS levies and liens while your case is pending.

• Identify if you qualify for penalty abatement or an Offer in Compromise instead of a payment plan.

• Represent you in all communications so you never have to speak directly to the IRS.

  
  

Local IRS Help Across Southern California

Our firm helps clients in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and beyond. With virtual consultations and in-person meetings at multiple local offices, we make it easy to get the help you need.

Take Action Before the IRS Does

The longer you wait to set up an IRS payment plan, the more penalties and interest can add up — and the greater the risk of wage garnishment or bank levy.

📞 Call Rona Law Firm today at 818.964.1829

 or request a free consultation online. Let’s find the best IRS payment plan for your situation and put you back on the path to financial stability.

#IRS Payment Plans: How a Southern California Tax Attorney Can Help You Avoid Collection Actions