The IRS Online Payment Agreement (OPA) is a convenient tool that lets eligible taxpayers apply for a payment plan online through the IRS website.
In general, taxpayers who owe $50,000 or less in combined tax, penalties, and interest can use the Online Payment Agreement application to determine eligibility, submit a request, and often receive an immediate decision from the IRS.
The application is available directly through the IRS website and can be a faster alternative to submitting an installment agreement request with your tax return.
Why Apply for an IRS Payment Plan Online?
One of the biggest advantages of applying online is speed.
When you submit an Online Payment Agreement request, the IRS typically provides an immediate response indicating whether your payment plan has been approved.
If you request an installment agreement through your tax return instead, the IRS generally reviews the request separately and sends a letter by mail notifying you whether the agreement has been accepted.
What Information Do I Need to Apply for an Online Payment Agreement?
Before you begin, gather the following information:
- Your name exactly as it appears on your most recently filed tax return
- A valid email address
- The address shown on your most recently filed tax return
- Your date of birth
- Your filing status
- Your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Your current balance due, if required for the type of agreement you're requesting
Identity Verification Requirements
To confirm your identity, you'll also need one of the following:
- A financial account number
- A mobile phone registered in your name
- An activation code received by postal mail from the IRS (this can take 5 to 10 business days to arrive)
Can I Make Changes to My Online Payment Agreement?
Yes. The IRS allows taxpayers to manage and update many aspects of an existing payment plan online.
You may be able to:
- Change your monthly payment amount
- Change your monthly payment due date
- Convert an existing agreement to a Direct Debit Installment Agreement
- Update the bank routing number or account number used for direct debit payments
- Reinstate an agreement that has gone into default
What Information Can I View About My Current Payment Plan?
After signing in to the IRS Online Payment Agreement tool, you can review important details about your existing arrangement, including:
- The type of agreement you have
- Your monthly due date
- The payment amount required by the IRS
To access or revise your agreement, use the Apply/Revise option available through the IRS Online Payment Agreement website.
How Do I Know If the IRS Approved My Installment Agreement?
If you request an installment agreement through our software rather than through the IRS Online Payment Agreement tool, the IRS will generally notify you by mail once your request has been reviewed.
In many cases, the IRS responds within approximately 30 days after receiving the request, although processing times can vary.
If your agreement is approved, the IRS may contact you for additional financial information or documentation to verify your ability to make the proposed payments.
For additional details about installment agreements and payment plans, visit the IRS website.
Need More Time to Pay Your Taxes?
An IRS payment plan can help you stay compliant even if you can't pay your full tax balance right away. Keep in mind that penalties and interest may continue to accrue until the balance is paid in full, even when you're making installment payments.
Applying online is often the quickest way to find out whether you qualify and to start managing your payment plan immediately.