For many small businesses, falling behind on payroll taxes can quickly become a major problem. The IRS takes trust fund taxes, withheld from employees’ paychecks for Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes, very seriously. If your business has trust fund tax debt, the In-Business Trust Fund Express Installment Agreement (IBTF Express IA) provides a simplified solution for repaying what you owe, without the need to submit excessive paperwork or face intrusive financial scrutiny.
This IBFF Express IA is specifically designed for small businesses that are still in operation and owe relatively modest amounts of trust fund taxes. If you qualify, you may be able to enter into a payment agreement with the IRS quickly and with minimal documentation.
Key Takeaways
- The IBTF Express Installment Agreement is designed for operating businesses that owe $25,000 or less in payroll taxes.
- To qualify, your business must be current on all filings and federal tax deposits, and you must agree to full repayment within 24 months.
- For balances over $10,000, the IRS requires direct debit payments.
- No financial statements or supporting documentation are needed, making it one of the easiest IRS payment plans to qualify for.
- If you default or fall out of compliance, the IRS may terminate the agreement or require a full financial review before reinstating.
- Other IRS payroll tax payment plans are available if you don’t meet IBTF Express IA requirements, but they often require more documentation and oversight.
Who Qualifies For Payroll Tax Payment Plans
To be eligible for an IBTF Express IA, your business must be operating and owe $25,000 or less in total tax debt when the agreement is set up. Total tax debt includes assessed payroll taxes, interest, and penalties. If your balance exceeds that limit, you may be able to pay down the liability to get under the threshold before applying. The IRS also requires that your business be current with all tax return filings and deposit obligations at the time of the request. This means you can’t have any unfiled employment tax returns or missed federal tax deposits for the current quarter.
You must also agree to pay off the entire debt within 24 months or before the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED), whichever comes first. For balances over $10,000 and up to $25,000, the IRS typically requires payments to be made through a Direct Debit Installment Agreement (DDIA), ensuring on-time, automated monthly payments.
Unlike other types of IRS installment plans, the IBTF Express IA does not require you to submit a financial statement such as Form 433-B, which makes it one of the least burdensome resolution options for qualifying businesses.
Why This Agreement Matters
One of the most significant benefits of this program is its simplicity. With no need for income and expense breakdowns, bank statements, or asset schedules, the process of applying and getting approved is much faster and less invasive than other IRS collection alternatives. That can be a significant relief for businesses already under pressure.
This agreement also helps you avoid aggressive IRS collection actions such as levies and asset seizures, provided you stay in compliance. Because trust fund taxes involve money withheld from employees, the IRS prioritizes the collection of these debts. Entering into a formal agreement, especially one that requires no additional documentation, can offer vital protection during a financially uncertain period.
For small businesses with limited resources and no ability to pay in full, the IBTF Express IA can serve as a critical bridge to financial recovery.
Applying for the IBTF Express IA
Businesses that meet the qualifications can request the installment agreement in several ways. The most straightforward option is to apply online or by calling the IRS directly. You can call either the number listed your letter or notice or by contacting the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. In addition, you can request the IA through the mail.
When you call, be prepared to verify that all required returns have been filed and all tax deposits are current. If your business owes more than $10,000, you’ll also need to provide banking information for setting up the required direct debit payments.
What Happens After Approval?
Once your IBTF Express IA is approved, the IRS will expect monthly payments to begin almost immediately. Your agreement will remain in good standing as long as you make timely payments, file all future returns on time, and stay current on tax deposits going forward. Missing any of these obligations could cause your agreement to default, which might reopen the door to collection actions, including levies or the filing of a federal tax lien.
That said, if your business does default but still qualifies under the original rules, the IRS may allow you to reinstate the agreement without going through a full financial review. The key is to act quickly and reach out to the IRS before the situation worsens.
If You Don’t Qualify
If you owe more than $25,000 or can’t commit to paying the balance within 24 months, the IBTF Express IA will not be available to you. However, other options exist, including non-express installment agreements, currently not collectible status (CNC), or an offer in compromise.
Unlike the IBTF Express IA, these options require detailed financial disclosure using Form 433-B or 433-B (OIC). You’ll need to provide a comprehensive overview of your business’s income and expenses, assets and liabilities.
If your business is granted CNC status, collection actions will stop temporarily, but you must stay current with your filing and payment requirements. The IRS will periodically review your financial condition to determine if you can start making payments on your back taxes. A Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) investigation must be completed, and a recommendation of the TFRP will be made.
To have the IRS consider an offer in compromise for less than the total payroll taxes owed, you must first pay the trust fund portion of the tax. Alternatively, the IRS must have assessed the TFRP against all individuals it deems potentially responsible.
Pros and Cons of the IBTF Express IA
This plan is appealing for several reasons, including quick approval, no financial documentation, and reduced IRS oversight. However, it’s not without limits. The short 24-month repayment term can be a challenge for businesses with cash flow problems, especially if they’re also managing current payroll tax deposits.
There’s also no room for negotiation; you either meet the IRS’s terms or you don’t qualify. And if your debt increases later, or you fall behind again, the IRS may no longer offer this simplified route.
Nonetheless, for businesses with manageable balances and a desire to resolve the issue quickly, the IBTF Express IA provides a clear, straightforward path.
Get Help with Payment Plans for Payroll Taxes
Trust fund tax debt is one of the most serious liabilities a business can face. The IRS is aggressive in collecting it, but it also offers solutions for those willing to come into compliance. The In-Business Trust Fund Express Installment Agreement, a payment plan for payroll taxes, is one of the most taxpayer-friendly tools available. It’s designed to help small businesses stay afloat without the added stress of document-heavy negotiations.
If your business is struggling with payroll tax debt, act quickly. Confirm your eligibility, correct any compliance issues, and consider this straightforward agreement before the IRS takes further action. The sooner you engage, the more control you’ll retain in resolving your tax obligations. To set up a free consultation, contact us today.
Payroll Tax Debt Payment Plan FAQs
Will the IRS file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien?
The IRS is not required to file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) for an In-Business Trust Fund Express IA. However, a revenue officer will consider filing an NFTL if the entity has:
- Defaulted on an installment agreement in the current or prior calendar year.
- Has a history of pyramiding trust fund taxes.
Can I be liable for the payroll taxes if an installment agreement is established?
The trust fund penalty will not be assessed against responsible persons if the entity qualifies for the IBTF Express IA and the outstanding liabilities are limited to the current or prior calendar year.
If the trust fund recovery penalty was assessed before the IRS approved the installment agreement, all is not lost. The revenue officer has the option to defer any further action on collecting the penalty during the term of the installment agreement.
What happens if my business defaults on the IBTF-Express IA?
If payments are missed or the business incurs new payroll tax debt, the agreement will be in default. The IRS may reinstate the agreement, or a new agreement may be granted if:
- The Collection Statute Expiration Date is protected.
- Taxpayers owe less than $10,000.
- The taxpayer continues to meet the other criteria for an IBTF-Express IA.
Can the business designate payments be applied to trust fund taxes first?
No, payments made under an IBTF-Express IA cannot be designated by the taxpayer. The IRS will apply the payments as it deems to be in the best interest of the government.
However, if the business makes payments not required by the agreement, it can designate those payments to trust fund taxes.
Does entering into this agreement affect my business credit?
The IRS does not report installment agreements directly to credit bureaus, but if a Notice of Federal Tax Lien is filed, it will appear in public records, which lenders can access.