An IRS payment plan costs $22 to $178 to set up
If you can pay within 180 days, a short-term IRS plan has no setup fee. A long-term plan costs $22 to set up online with direct debit, $69 online without it, $107 by phone or mail with direct debit, and $178 by phone or mail without it. Low income filers pay $0 or $43.
IRS payment plan setup fees
| Short-term plan (up to 180 days), any way you apply | $0 |
|---|---|
| Long-term, direct debit, apply online | $22 |
| Long-term, direct debit, apply by phone, mail or in person | $107 |
| Long-term, direct debit, low income | Waived |
| Long-term, other payment, apply online | $69 |
| Long-term, other payment, apply by phone, mail or in person | $178 |
| Long-term, other payment, low income | $43 (may be reimbursed) |
| Change or restart a plan online | $10 |
| Change or restart a plan by phone, mail or in person | $89 |
| Online with direct debit versus phone without it, you save | $156 |
|---|
Penalties and interest keep adding up until the balance is paid in full. Card payments carry their own processing fees. Sources: IRS, Payment plans (installment agreements).
What this price covers
The setup fee is small next to the interest and penalties that keep running on the balance. Paying the balance down faster saves more than the fee.
What changes your price
- Short or long term. Paying within 180 days means no setup fee.
- Direct debit or not. Direct debit cuts the fee a lot.
- Online or phone. Online is cheaper.
- Income. Low income filers pay less or nothing.
Ways to pay less
- Apply online and choose direct debit for the $22 fee.
- If you can clear the balance in 180 days, take the free short-term plan.
- Pay on time. Restarting a plan by phone costs $89.
How we got these numbers
Every fee on this page comes from the IRS website or an IRS form. Where we show a total, we only add up the IRS's own fees so you can see the full amount in one place. We do not add our own guesses, and tax preparer or lawyer fees are not included. Fees can change, so check irs.gov before you pay. We last checked on September 26, 2026.
Common questions
How much does an IRS payment plan cost?
$0 for short-term, and $22 to $178 to set up a long-term plan.
What is the cheapest way?
Apply online with direct debit for $22.
Is there a fee to change a plan?
$10 online, $89 by phone or mail.