Owing taxes can be stressful, especially if you can’t pay the full amount immediately. However, the IRS offers several options to help taxpayers manage their payments without facing severe penalties.

1. Installment Agreements:
   • What They Are: Allows you to pay your tax debt over time in manageable monthly installments.
   • How to Apply: Use the IRS Online Payment Agreement tool or submit Form 9465.
2. Offer in Compromise (OIC):
   • What It Is: Settles your tax debt for less than the full amount owed.
   • Eligibility: You must demonstrate an inability to pay the full amount. Use the IRS’s pre-qualifier tool to see if you qualify.
3. Temporary Delay of Collection:
   • What It Is: If you’re facing significant financial hardship, the IRS may temporarily delay collection until your financial situation improves.
   • How to Apply: Contact the IRS to discuss your situation and provide documentation of your financial status.
4. Penalty Relief:
   • What It Is: The IRS may waive penalties if you have a reasonable cause for not paying on time.
   • How to Apply: Submit a written request explaining your circumstances, or call the IRS to discuss your situation.
5. Credit Options:
   • Credit Cards or Loans: Using credit cards or personal loans to pay your tax bill might be an option, but consider the interest rates and terms carefully.

If you can’t pay your tax bill in full, don’t panic. Explore these options, and choose the one that best fits your financial situation. Always communicate with the IRS to avoid additional penalties and interest.