The official options
The failure-to-FILE penalty is much larger than failure-to-PAY. Filing on time with $0 attached is strictly better than hiding.
Short-term and long-term IRS installment agreements can be set up online for most balances. Interest continues but collection pressure stops.
The IRS settles for less only when full payment is genuinely unlikely — check the official OIC pre-qualifier, not a billboard's promise.
'Currently Not Collectible' pauses collection when paying would prevent basic living expenses. Documented, official, free to request.
Protect yourself
The FTC has repeatedly acted against tax-relief mills charging thousands for free-to-request statuses. If it's on daytime TV, read the FTC page first.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) represent qualifying taxpayers in IRS disputes free or nearly free; VITA files current returns free.
State revenue departments run their own payment plans — same rule: official site first.
Fuentes: IRS — Payment plans and installment agreements · IRS — Offer in Compromise · Taxpayer Advocate — LITC directory