I have my return right here. I owe, but I can’t afford to pay. What should I do?
Go ahead, mail in (or e-file) your return. Pay as much as you can now. You’ll get credit for the payment and will only owe penalties and interest on the unpaid part. By filing now, you’ve eliminated the late filing penalty and any amount you pay reduces the interest and penalties charged.
You’ll get a bill from the IRS for the balance due. If you can pay then, fine. If you still can’t, you might need to file Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request. The IRS lets you pay in payments, but on top of all the interest and penalties, they’ll charge you an extra $43 to $105 fee for a payment plan.
