Dealing With the IRS
What to Say When Calling the IRS About Back Taxes: Scripts That Work (2026)
The short answer: when calling the IRS about back taxes, give your name, Social Security number, and the tax years. Then say: "I'd like to resolve my balance. Can you tell me the total I owe by year, and what payment options I qualify for?" Stay calm, answer only what's asked, and write down the agent's name and ID number.
⏱ Before you dial: if you got a notice with a "respond by" date — often 21 to 30 days from the notice date — call before that date. Calling on time can pause the automated collection sequence. Waiting past a Final Notice deadline can trigger levies and garnishments within 30 days.
Why a phone call is worth it
Knowing what to say when calling the IRS about back taxes turns a scary phone call into a short, useful one. Most people who owe can fix their situation over the phone — set up a payment plan, ask for a hold on collection, or simply confirm what they owe. The IRS won't arrest you for calling. The agents handle balance-due calls all day, every day.
The trick is preparation. A confused, unprepared call wastes your time on hold and can lead you to agree to a payment you can't afford. A prepared call, with a script in front of you, gets you a clear answer and a plan.
What to have ready before you call
Pull these together first so you're not scrambling while an agent waits:
- Your Social Security number (and your spouse's, if you filed jointly).
- Any IRS notice you received — keep it in front of you. Each notice, like a CP14 notice or a CP504 notice, has a specific phone number and a notice number the agent will ask for.
- A prior-year tax return — the IRS verifies your identity with details from a past filing.
- The tax years you owe for and roughly how much.
- Your monthly income and expenses — at least a rough number — if you plan to ask for a payment plan or a hardship hold.
- Pen and paper. Write down the date, the agent's name and ID number, and what they tell you.
The main individual line is 1-800-829-1040, open weekdays. But if you have a notice, call the number printed on it instead — it routes you to the right department faster. The IRS lists all its numbers on the IRS "Let Us Help You" page.
The best time to call
Hold times are real. To shorten yours:
- Call right at opening — usually 7:00 a.m. your local time.
- Pick midweek — Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. Mondays and the day after a holiday are the worst.
- Avoid late March and early April if your issue can wait — the weeks before the filing deadline are jammed.
- Block out an hour. Even on a good day, you may wait 30 minutes or more.
Scripts that work
Read these almost word for word. Calm and short beats clever every time.
Opening the call
"Hi, my name is [name]. I received a notice about a balance on my taxes, and I want to take care of it. I have my notice and my information ready."
That one sentence tells the agent you're cooperative. After identity verification, ask:
"Can you tell me the total balance I owe, broken down by tax year, including penalties and interest?"
Asking for a payment plan
"I can't pay the full amount today. I'd like to set up a monthly payment plan. Based on my situation, I can pay about $[amount] a month. What can you set up for me?"
If you owe under $50,000 and your returns are filed, the agent can often set up a streamlined installment agreement right there. Then say:
"Can you confirm my monthly amount, my due date, and send me that in writing?"
If you truly can't pay anything
"My income barely covers my basic living expenses right now. I don't think I can make any payment. Can you review me for Currently Not Collectible status?"
This asks the IRS to pause collection because of hardship. Learn what that looks like in our guide to Currently Not Collectible status. The agent may ask for income and expense numbers, so have them ready.
If you have unfiled returns
"I know I have returns I haven't filed. I want to get caught up. Which years do you need from me, and can you tell me what income the IRS already has on file for those years?"
You can't usually get a payment plan until missing returns are filed, so this matters. The agent can tell you which years are open.
Closing the call
"Thank you. Can I get your name and ID number, and a reference number for this call?" Write it all down. If something goes wrong later, that record protects you.
What not to say
The agent is not your enemy, but the call is still a record. Protect yourself:
- Don't volunteer extra information. Answer the question asked, then stop. You don't need to explain your whole financial life unless they ask.
- Don't guess at numbers. If you're not sure, say "I'd need to check that and call back" rather than giving a figure that could lock you into a payment.
- Don't agree to a payment you can't make. A plan you'll default on just leads to a CP523 notice and starts the trouble over again.
- Don't argue or get heated. If you disagree with the balance, say so calmly and ask how to dispute it.
How to respond, step by step
- Gather your documents — Social Security number, notice, prior-year return, and your income and expense numbers.
- Decide your goal before you dial — confirm the balance, set up a plan, ask for a hold, or get caught up on filing.
- Call at opening, midweek, using the number on your notice if you have one.
- Verify your identity, then read your opening script and ask for the balance by year.
- Ask for the option that fits — payment plan, hardship status, or guidance on unfiled years.
- Write down the agent's name, ID number, the agreed terms, and a call reference number.
- Ask for it in writing and confirm the terms match when the letter arrives.
Nervous about making the call?
You don't have to do it alone. An experienced tax professional can review your notices, tell you exactly what to expect, and — with your authorization — even handle the IRS call for you. The first consultation is free, confidential, and no pressure.
Calling the IRS about back taxes: common questions
What information do I need before I call the IRS about back taxes?
Have your Social Security number, the exact tax years involved, any notice you received, a prior-year return for identity verification, and a pen and paper. If you want a payment plan, know roughly what you can pay each month before you call so you can answer that question on the spot.
What is the best time to call the IRS to avoid long hold times?
Call right when the lines open, usually 7:00 a.m. your local time, on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. Mondays, Tuesdays, and the days right after a holiday are the busiest. Avoid calling in the final weeks before the April filing deadline if you can wait.
Can I set up a payment plan over the phone with the IRS?
Yes. If you owe under $50,000 and your returns are filed, the agent can usually set up a streamlined installment agreement on the call without detailed financial forms. Ask for the monthly amount and due date in writing, and get the agent's ID number before you hang up.
What should I not say when calling the IRS about back taxes?
Don't volunteer extra details about income, assets, or spending unless asked, don't guess at numbers, and don't admit to anything you're unsure about. Answer the question that was asked, then stop. If a question makes you uncomfortable, say you'd like to consult a tax professional before answering.
Does the IRS call you about back taxes?
The IRS almost always contacts you by mail first, not by phone. A surprise call demanding immediate payment by gift card, wire, or app is a scam. When you owe back taxes, you call them at the number on your notice — they don't cold-call you threatening arrest.
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice for your specific situation. Eligibility for IRS programs depends on individual facts and circumstances; no outcome is guaranteed.