I owe way too much in taxes… what are my options

I finally filed my 2023 and 2024 taxes, and now I owe $11,000 for each year. That’s $22,000 total. I don’t have that kind of money and still need to handle my bills.

What should I do? Should I call one of those tax relief companies? Set up a long-term plan with the IRS? Is there some other option? I’m feeling really overwhelmed and could use some advice.

Don’t call Optima. They charge a lot, and you’ll probably still owe the full $22,000. Here’s a thread someone shared about their experience: https://www.thisforum.com/r/tax/comments/1byg2u0/i_used_to_work_at_optima_tax_relief_here_is_the/

@Poe
So it’s more like Optima Tax Headache instead of relief, huh?

First, are you self-employed? If so, are you making estimated payments?

Second, does that $22,000 include penalties? The final amount could end up closer to $30,000 with penalties and interest.

If you can afford about $450 a month, you could qualify for a streamlined IRS installment plan. You can set that up online: Online payment agreement application | Internal Revenue Service

But you MUST focus on paying your 2025 taxes as you go. If you can’t cover your basic expenses and pay down your debt, you might qualify for a reduced payment plan or be placed in “Currently Not Collectible” status. Both of these require financial details, which you’d submit using Form 433-F: Currently Not Collectible (CNC) - TAS

Make sure you file all future taxes on time, even if you can’t pay. This will help you avoid failure-to-file penalties, which are harsh. You might also qualify for a first-time penalty waiver: Administrative penalty relief | Internal Revenue Service

@Nori
Great advice. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly.

Reese said:
@Nori
Great advice. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly.

No problem! Happy to help.

@Nori
$8,000 in penalties seems high. It might be closer to $4,000 for now, but it’ll keep growing if you don’t address it.

Ashton said:
@Nori
$8,000 in penalties seems high. It might be closer to $4,000 for now, but it’ll keep growing if you don’t address it.

You’re probably right—I might’ve overestimated a bit!

Avoid tax relief companies. They’ll just charge you for things you can do yourself. Go online and set up a payment plan with the IRS. It’s simple and will save you a lot of headaches.

Kellen said:
Avoid tax relief companies. They’ll just charge you for things you can do yourself. Go online and set up a payment plan with the IRS. It’s simple and will save you a lot of headaches.

Doing it online is way cheaper and faster.

Kellen said:
Avoid tax relief companies. They’ll just charge you for things you can do yourself. Go online and set up a payment plan with the IRS. It’s simple and will save you a lot of headaches.

How do people end up in situations like this?

@Reagan
For me, I started a business and didn’t know I had to make estimated tax payments. Now I owe a ton in back taxes. Not everyone learns this stuff growing up.

@Reagan
Not paying taxes isn’t a mistake—it’s a choice. But lots of people just don’t know the rules.

I owed $12,000 in taxes and set up a $404 monthly plan on the IRS website. Don’t bother with offers in compromise—they rarely work.

RefundReaper2 said:
I owed $12,000 in taxes and set up a $404 monthly plan on the IRS website. Don’t bother with offers in compromise—they rarely work.

Student loans, taxes, and child support… the worst debts you can have. They follow you forever.

Avoid those tax relief companies—they promise a lot and rarely deliver. Here’s what you can do instead:

  1. File all your missing returns (the IRS won’t work with you unless you’re caught up).
  2. Fix what caused the issue—like setting up estimated payments or adjusting your withholding.
  3. Set up an installment plan with the IRS. You can do it online or over the phone.

If you’re really struggling, there are options like ‘Currently Not Collectible’ status or an offer in compromise. But these require proof of your finances. For help, look into:

Set up a payment plan with the IRS. It’s straightforward and keeps the penalties from piling up.

Don’t call Optima. You can do all of this yourself. Look into offers in compromise directly with the IRS or just set up a payment plan online. It’s not as hard as it sounds.

  1. File your returns ASAP.
  2. Work with the IRS directly.
  3. Don’t let this happen again for 2025.

The IRS is reasonable as long as you don’t ignore them. Their interest rates are pretty low, so work out a plan with them.