Need an IRS Installment Agreement in Orange County? Here’s What to Know Before You Apply
IRS payment plan types explained
If you can’t pay your full IRS tax debt, an Installment Agreement may be your best path forward — especially if you're not eligible for an Offer in Compromise. At Boulanger CPA, we work with taxpayers across Orange County to establish affordable payment plans with the IRS and resolve tax debt without levies, garnishments, or liens. In this guide, you'll learn how IRS Installment Agreements work, the different types (including partial pay), who qualifies, and what it takes to get approved.
But before you rush into applying, it’s critical to understand the process, eligibility, and how to set yourself up for success. At Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, we specialize in helping Orange County residents and business owners navigate the IRS maze with clarity and confidence.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know — with a local expert’s touch.
What Is an IRS Installment Agreement?
An IRS Installment Agreement is a formal arrangement with the IRS that allows you to pay your tax debt in monthly installments instead of all at once. It’s one of the most common IRS tax resolution options, and it can provide significant relief when handled correctly.
There are several types of installment agreements:
- Guaranteed Installment Agreements (for balances under $10,000)
- Streamlined Installment Agreements (balances under $50,000)
- Non-Streamlined Agreements (balances over $50,000)
- Partial Payment Installment Agreements (when you can’t afford to pay the full amount over time)
Each option has its own rules, documentation requirements, and risks — and choosing the right one is key.
Why Orange County Taxpayers Should Think Twice Before Applying Alone
Yes, you can apply for an IRS installment agreement online — but should you?
Here’s the reality: while the IRS makes it seem simple, most taxpayers don’t realize they’re locking themselves into a payment plan that:
- Doesn’t account for future cash flow issues
- May include penalties and interest
- Can be defaulted with one missed payment (and then you’ll need to know what happens if you default on an IRS installment agreement)
- Could have been avoided with a better resolution strategy
At Boulanger CPA, we help Orange County clients avoid these common pitfalls by thoroughly evaluating their financial situation before choosing the best IRS resolution option.
Who Qualifies for an IRS Installment Agreement?
Qualification depends on several factors:
- The total amount you owe
- Whether your tax filings are up to date
- Your ability to pay
- Whether you have any prior installment defaults
The IRS also emphasizes tax compliance as the key to resolving tax debt. If you’re not filing and paying your ongoing taxes, even the best payment plan will fail. Our firm helps Orange County taxpayers stay compliant and secure an agreement that fits their budget.
How Do I Apply for an IRS Installment Agreement in Orange County?
To apply for an IRS installment agreement, make sure all required tax returns are filed. Then, submit Form 9465 to request a payment plan. If you owe more than $50,000, you’ll also need to complete Form 433-A or 433-F for a full financial disclosure. Working with a local CPA, like Boulanger CPA in Orange County, can increase your chances of approval and ensure the plan fits your budget.
If you’re wondering how to qualify for an Offer in Compromise, our team can also review whether that option — or alternatives like penalty abatement — may reduce your debt more effectively than an installment plan.
🎥 Prefer to Watch Instead? Here’s a Quick Video Explanation
If you’d rather watch than read. here’s a short video where we walk you through how to apply for an IRS installment agreement — and how we help Orange County taxpayers do it the right way.
We help California taxpayers negotiate IRS Installment Agreements that actually work — no guesswork, no call centers. Schedule your consultation today.
Step-by-Step Process
Here’s what the typical process looks like when you partner with Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC:
Step 1: Tax Compliance Review
We start by ensuring all your required tax returns are filed. The IRS won’t approve any payment plan unless you’re current.
Step 2: Financial Analysis
We’ll evaluate your:
- Monthly income and expenses
- Assets and liabilities
- Business vs. personal cash flow (if applicable)
This helps us avoid overcommitting you to an unaffordable payment.
Step 3: Proposal Submission
We submit your payment plan proposal directly to the IRS — whether online, by phone, or via written request (Form 9465 and Form 433-A/OIC when needed).
Step 4: IRS Response & Negotiation
In some cases, the IRS may counter-propose or request more documentation. We handle all back-and-forth on your behalf to avoid delays or rejections.
Step 5: Ongoing Compliance Support
We’ll help you stay on track with:
- Monthly IRS payments
- Estimated tax payments (if self-employed)
- Annual tax filings
How Much Will You Pay?
That depends on:
- Your total balance due
- The type of agreement you qualify for
- Whether you’re subject to penalties and interest
Here’s a sample scenario:
Example: You owe $42,000 and qualify for a Streamlined Agreement over 72 months.
Your monthly payment = $583.33 + ongoing interest.
But with penalties and interest, you could end up paying closer to $48,000 over time.
We help clients explore all options to reduce this burden — including California FTB installment agreements for state taxes, penalty abatement, or an Offer in Compromise.
Avoiding IRS Collections While Your Installment Agreement Is Active
When you’re under an active Installment Agreement, the IRS usually suspends:
- Wage garnishments
- Bank levies
- Tax liens (in some cases)
However, if you miss a payment, you risk defaulting and triggering collections again.
Our Orange County clients rely on us for regular check-ins and alerts to make sure their agreements stay in good standing.
Can a Local Orange County CPA Really Make a Difference?
Absolutely. Here's why working with a local expert like Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC beats national tax firms or going it alone:
1. Personalized Strategy
We don’t use a one-size-fits-all formula. Every financial situation is different — we build your case from the ground up.
2. IRS Representation
We’re licensed to speak with the IRS on your behalf. That means no more intimidating phone calls or confusing letters.
3. Local Knowledge
Being based in Orange County, we understand the unique tax challenges facing local entrepreneurs, homeowners, and high-income earners in the area.
4. Fast Access
Want to meet face-to-face? Come to our Orange County office and get the peace of mind that comes with having a trusted tax advisor nearby. We primarily meet with clients virtually via Zoom for convenience, but in-person appointments at our Orange County office are available by request.
Why Choose Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC
- 15 years of tax resolution experience
- Dedicated IRS representation for individuals and businesses
- Transparent pricing and clear communication
- Trusted by Orange County taxpayers to solve IRS issues quickly and effectively
Don’t wait for IRS notices to escalate. The sooner you act, the more options you have.
Ready to Resolve Your IRS Debt? Contact Your Orange County Tax Experts Today
If you're dealing with IRS debt and want a payment plan that actually works for your financial situation, don’t go it alone. A smart strategy today can save you thousands in the long run.
Call Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC at
657-218-5700
or
Book your free
consultation at www.orangecounty.cpa
We’re here to help Orange County residents and business owners move forward — one payment at a time. To learn more about protecting your finances and options, explore more in Defend What’s Yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IRS installment agreement?
An installment agreement is a monthly payment plan that lets you pay your IRS tax debt over time instead of in a lump sum. It helps avoid levies and garnishments.
Who qualifies for an IRS installment agreement?
Most taxpayers with up to $50,000 in tax debt and current filings qualify for streamlined agreements. Larger balances may require financial disclosures on Form 433.
What types of installment agreements are available?
Options include guaranteed, streamlined, regular, and partial-pay installment agreements. The right choice depends on your balance and ability to pay.
Can an installment agreement stop IRS levies?
Yes. Once your agreement is accepted and you make payments, the IRS generally halts enforced collection such as bank levies and wage garnishments.
What happens if I default on an installment agreement?
If you miss payments or fall behind on new filings, the IRS can terminate the agreement. You’ll then face penalties, interest, and renewed enforcement actions.
Can I change my installment agreement later?
Yes. You can request modifications if your financial situation changes, but you must stay current on tax filings to remain eligible.
Does California’s FTB offer installment agreements too?
Yes. The California Franchise Tax Board allows installment agreements for state tax debt, though terms and eligibility differ from the IRS.
Should I hire a CPA to set up an installment agreement?
Yes. Professional guidance ensures you choose the best plan, avoid default, and protect against unnecessary penalties or enforcement.
📣 About the Author
Marc Boulanger, CPA is the founder of Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, a boutique tax resolution firm based in Orange County, California and trusted by high-income individuals and business owners across Southern California.
He is the author of Defend What’s Yours: A California Taxpayer’s Guide to Beating the IRS and FTB at Their Own Game, available now on Amazon. The book offers a step-by-step plan for resolving IRS and FTB tax debt without losing your business, your home, or your peace of mind.
With over a decade of experience resolving high-stakes IRS and State tax matters, Marc brings strategic insight to complex cases involving wage garnishments, bank levies, unfiled returns, and six-figure tax debts. He is known for helping clients reduce or eliminate tax liabilities through expertly negotiated settlements and compliance plans.
Marc is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in California and Oklahoma and holds the designation of Certified Tax Representation Consultant. He is a member of the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS) — the national organization founded by the educators and practitioners who have trained thousands of CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys in IRS representation strategy.
Every case is handled with discretion, proven methodology, and direct CPA-led representation — not call center scripts.
📍 Learn more at www.orangecounty.cpa or call (657) 218-5700.
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