Yes. The IRS offers several installment agreement options, and for most people, this is the simplest way to resolve a tax debt. Which type you qualify for depends on how much you owe.

Guaranteed Installment Agreement (owe $10,000 or less): If your total tax debt is $10,000 or less, the IRS must approve your request as long as you've filed all returns, haven't had an installment agreement in the past 5 years, and can pay the balance within 3 years. You don't need to disclose your income or assets. Apply online, by phone, or with Form 9465.

Streamlined Installment Agreement (owe $10,001 to $50,000): Available if your combined balance (tax, penalties, and interest) is $50,000 or less. You get up to 72 months to pay. No detailed financial disclosure required. You can set this up online at irs.gov/payments. Setup fee is $31 if you choose Direct Debit, $130 if you don't. Low-income taxpayers may qualify for reduced fees.

Non-Streamlined Installment Agreement (owe $50,001 to $100,000): For balances between $50,001 and $100,000, you may still qualify for an installment agreement without full financial disclosure, but the terms are stricter. You generally need to pay the balance within the lesser of 84 months or the time remaining on the 10-year collection statute.

Financially Verified Installment Agreement (owe over $100,000 or need longer terms): For debts over $100,000, or if you need more time than standard agreements allow, the IRS will require full financial disclosure using Form 433-A or 433-F. They'll review your income, expenses, and assets to determine what you can afford to pay monthly. The IRS uses their own expense standards (called Collection Financial Standards), which may not match your actual expenses.

Important details:

Interest and penalties continue to accrue during the agreement. The failure-to-pay penalty is reduced from 0.5% to 0.25% per month while you're in an active agreement, but it doesn't stop entirely.

You must stay current on all future tax filings and payments. If you file late or owe on a new return, your installment agreement can be defaulted.

Any future refunds will be applied to your balance. Don't count on getting a refund check while you're in an installment agreement.

If your financial situation changes (job loss, medical emergency), contact the IRS to modify your agreement before you miss a payment. A modified agreement is much easier to arrange than reinstating a defaulted one.