What if You Can’t Pay?

If you can’t pay the full amount shown on line 37 when you file, you can ask for:

An installment agreement, or

An extension of time to pay.

Installment agreement.

Under an installment agreement, you can pay all or part of the tax you owe in monthly installments. However, even if an installment agreement is granted, you will be charged interest and may be charged a late payment penalty on the tax not paid by the due date of your return (not counting extensions)—April 15, 2026, for most people. You must also pay a fee. To limit the interest and penalty charges, pay as much of the tax as possible when you file. But before requesting an installment agreement, you should consider other less costly alternatives, such as a bank loan or credit card payment.

To ask for an installment agreement, you can apply online or use Form 9465. To apply online, go to IRS.gov/OPA .

Extension of time to pay.

If paying the tax when it is due would cause you an undue hardship, you can ask for an extension of time to pay by filing Form 1127 by the due date of your return (not counting extensions)—April 15, 2026, for most people. An extension generally won’t be granted for more than 6 months. You will be charged interest on the tax not paid by April 15, 2026. You must pay the tax before the extension runs out. If you do not pay the tax by the extended due date, penalties and interest will be imposed until taxes are paid in full. For the most up-to-date information on Form 1127, go to IRS.gov/Form1127 .