Where to Get Tax Debt Assistance: IRS Resources and Professional Help

Owing the IRS more than you can pay can feel overwhelming, but you have options. The key is to act early, use official resources, and avoid companies that promise to “erase” tax debt for a large upfront fee.

Start with the IRS

The IRS’ Get help with tax debt page is the best first stop. It explains ways to manage a balance, including paying what you can, setting up a payment plan, requesting a temporary delay, or applying for penalty relief. 

If you have an IRS notice, scan its QR code or call the number printed on it. For individual tax questions, the IRS lists 800-829-1040; for business tax questions, it lists 800-829-4933.

Payment Plans

If you cannot pay in full, an IRS installment agreement may let you pay over time. The IRS offers short-term and long-term payment plans, and applying online is often the fastest option for eligible taxpayers.
 

Before agreeing to a plan, review the total cost. Interest and applicable penalties can continue to accrue while you pay, so paying more than the minimum when possible may reduce the overall cost.

Offer in Compromise

An Offer in Compromise (OIC) may settle eligible tax debt for less than the full amount owed, but it is not automatic. The IRS evaluates your ability to pay, income, expenses, and asset equity.

Be cautious with ads that guarantee an OIC. The IRS decides eligibility based on your financial situation, not on what a private company promises.

Temporary Delay and Penalty Relief

If paying now would prevent you from meeting basic living expenses, ask the IRS about a temporary delay in collection. This does not eliminate the debt; interest and penalties may continue to accrue.

You may also qualify for penalty relief in certain situations. The IRS’s tax-debt page includes information on requesting relief from penalties when you meet its requirements.

Free IRS and Nonprofit Help

You do not necessarily need to pay a private tax-relief firm to get help. The IRS sponsors free programs for qualifying taxpayers:

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance): Free basic return preparation and tax help for eligible low- to moderate-income taxpayers, people with disabilities, and taxpayers with limited English.

TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly): Free tax help, with a focus on pensions and retirement-related issues, particularly for people aged 60 or older.

IRS Free File: Free federal return preparation and filing through guided software for taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $89,000 or below; fillable forms are also available.

Use the IRS VITA locator tool to find a nearby site, or call 800-906-9887. 
 

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics

If you have a dispute with the IRS, such as an audit, collection issue, appeal, or court matter, a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) may help. LITCs are independent from the IRS and can represent eligible taxpayers for free or a small fee.

LITCs can also explain taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages. Find a clinic through the IRS Low Income Taxpayer Clinics page or IRS Publication 4134. 

Taxpayer Advocate Service

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS. It may help when a tax problem is causing financial hardship, the IRS has not responded as promised, or normal IRS channels have not resolved the issue. 

TAS assistance is free. You can use the TAS Qualifier Tool, submit Form 911, or call 877-777-4778.

When to Hire a Professional

A qualified tax professional can be worthwhile if you have complex finances, unfiled returns, an audit, a large balance, or a collection issue. Look for a CPA, enrolled agent, or tax attorney, professionals authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS.

Before hiring anyone:

1. Ask about credentials, experience with IRS collection matters, and total fees.

2. Get the engagement terms in writing.

3. Avoid anyone promising guaranteed debt elimination, “pennies on the dollar” results, or immediate IRS protection.

4. Never give someone access to your IRS account without understanding what they will do.

5. The IRS provides guidance on choosing a tax preparer through its Choose a Tax Preparer resources and tax-help tools. 

Avoid Tax-Relief Scams

Be skeptical of companies that demand large upfront payments, guarantee a specific settlement, or tell you to stop communicating with the IRS. Legitimate help usually starts with reviewing your IRS account, tax returns, income, expenses, and collection notices.

For official information, rely on IRS.gov, USA.gov, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service, not unsolicited calls, texts, or social-media ads.

Take the First Step

If you owe taxes, do not ignore IRS notices. Review the balance, gather recent tax returns and financial records, and contact the IRS or a qualified professional promptly.

The sooner you address tax debt, the more options you may have. Start with the IRS tax-debt help page, then consider free VITA/TCE assistance, an LITC, TAS, or a reputable tax professional based on your situation.