You know you owe taxes.   And, because you don’t have the money you are considering NOT FILING.  That is about the dumbest response to your predicament.

IF you don’t file, you will be subject to additional fees and costs. Starting with the “failure to file” penalty.  And, then, there’s the failure to pay.   Which also means there will be interest added on to your indebtedness.

No.  You need to file.  And, you can at least address (this is not really a solution) your problem by agreeing to (and following) a plan to pay the IRS in monthly installments.

Now, you might want to consider opening up a new bank account- at a different bank than you normally use.  Make sure there are enough funds in that bank each and every month the IRS is withdrawing your payment

In previous times, proposing a payment plan meant you added a Form 9465 to your tax return (or sent it in separately).  As long as you don’t owe $ 25000 or more, the acceptance is automatic.  (OK.  If you failed to pay taxes before and didn’t make timely payments, you might have a problem.  But, let’s assume that’s not the case.)  Let’s also assume you continue to file all your tax forms and payments.  Because if you don’t, the IRS will render your payment plan in default and come after you.  With a vengeance.

What you need to know now, though, is the situation will now require you to have the payment automatically withdrawn from your account.  No more will the IRS rely upon you mailing in a check- or having to send you a monthly reminder.

The other change- you now must pay your total indebtedness within 6 years.  (The form actually requires you to compute the minimum payment [dividing the indebtedness by 72, the number of months in 6 years.)   If your payment is not over this minimum, you will need to fill out form 433B, a special collection form.  Trust me, that’s a really bad idea.  A document that only should be used when the straits are dire.

And, you should know you are not alone.  Some ½ million taxpayers have payment plans in effect with the IRS.

So, file your tax return.  And, arrange for a payment plan.  Being in compliance saves you headaches, credit damage- and, if you need a security clearance- a means to maintain your security level and your employment.

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