If you owe back taxes to the IRS or the State of Ohio and can’t pay the full amount immediately, a structured payment plan is your most critical step toward peace of mind. Ignoring the debt only leads to aggressive collection actions like wage garnishments, bank levies, and tax liens.
Our experienced Ohio tax attorney specializes in negotiating and securing the most favorable Installment Agreements (IAs) and payment plans with the IRS and Ohio Department of Taxation. We assess your unique financial situation to find a monthly payment you can actually afford, often saving you thousands in penalties and interest.
An Installment Agreement is an official, long-term payment plan between you and the taxing authority (IRS or Ohio) that allows you to pay off your outstanding tax liability in manageable monthly payments.
While you can technically apply for these plans on your own, having a qualified tax debt attorney on your side is the only way to ensure:
Our Ohio tax law firm helps individuals and businesses navigate the full spectrum of IRS and state of Ohio payment options:
Tax Payment Option | Description & Benefit | Who Qualifies? |
IRS Full Pay Installment Agreement | The most common plan. Allows you to pay off your entire tax debt (up to $50,000 for individuals or $25,000 for businesses) over up to 72 months (6 years). | Taxpayers who have filed all required returns and can pay the full balance before the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED). |
IRS Partial Payment Installment Agreement (PPIA) | A powerful option where monthly payments are set so low that the full debt will not be paid off before the CSED. The remaining balance may be wiped clean. | Taxpayers who are “current and compliant” and can demonstrate genuine financial hardship through a detailed financial statement (Form 433). Subject to future financial review by the IRS. |
IRS Short-Term Payment Plan | Allows up to 180 days to pay your tax liability in full. This option often has a lower or no setup fee and minimizes interest and penalties. | Individuals who owe less than $100,000 and can pay within 180 days. |
Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Status | This is not a payment plan, but an IRS determination that you are in financial hardship and unable to make any payments. All collections cease, but interest and penalties continue to accrue. | Taxpayers whose income minus allowable expenses leaves them with little to no disposable income. Requires filing of all delinquent returns. |
Ohio State & City Payment Plans | Similar to the IRS, the State of Ohio and certain municipalities offer installment plans to resolve state income tax, sales tax, or commercial activity tax (CAT) debt. | Varies by taxing authority, but typically requires current tax filings and a proposal for monthly payments. |
Getting an IRS or Ohio payment plan approved is not as simple as filling out a form. A mistake on your financial statement (Form 433) could lead to an unfairly high monthly payment, or even the rejection of a Partial Payment Installment Agreement (PPIA) that could have saved you tens of thousands of dollars.
We provide a proven process to secure your relief:
Don’t wait for a levy or garnishment…. Your fresh start begins now!
Can I get an Installment Agreement for my Ohio state or city taxes?
Yes. Both the Ohio Department of Taxation and most local taxing authorities offer payment arrangements. We can negotiate these state and local agreements on your behalf, just as we do with the IRS, to ensure your financial relief is comprehensive.
What happens if the IRS rejects my installment agreement?
If you apply on your own and are rejected, you often lose valuable time and may face immediate collection action. When we handle your case, we work proactively to prevent rejection by submitting a thorough, professionally prepared application. If an agreement is rejected or proposed for termination, we can appeal the decision or quickly pivot to a different resolution strategy like an Offer in Compromise or Currently Not Collectible status.
Will an Installment Agreement stop a wage garnishment or bank levy?
In most cases, yes. Once the IRS or State of Ohio officially accepts your Installment Agreement request, they will generally stop collection activities like levies or garnishments. However, the collection process moves fast, which is why acting quickly with an attorney is essential to prevent a levy in the first place.
How much do your tax relief services cost?
We offer transparent, hourly and flat-rate legal fees for our tax resolution services, with no hidden costs. We will clearly outline your options and our fee structure after your initial free case analysis. We believe that professional tax help should be affordable.
Sheppard Law Offices is dedicated to providing effective, local tax debt resolution for individuals and businesses across Ohio.
Call Now: 614.523.3106 or Click to Request a Free Case Analysis *(We offer remote and in-person consultations throughout central Ohio)*
