Guide to Resolving Indiana Back Taxes & Other Tax Problems

Similar to the IRS, the Indiana Department of Revenue regulates taxation at the state level, including situations where a taxpayer owes unpaid or unfiled taxes. The Indiana DOR is committed to helping taxpayers find the best resolution possible for dealing with back taxes owed.

Indiana residents who find themselves unable to pay their taxes shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to the Department of Revenue for help. Depending on your individual financial situation, you may be able to set up an installment payment plan, settle your taxes owed for less or defer payment if you’re experiencing a financial hardship.

INTax Payment Arrangements

The Indiana Department of Revenue encourages taxpayers to pay their tax bill in full if possible but if you can’t, you may be able to set up a payment arrangement. If you owe between $100 and $500, you can make arrangements to pay your bill over a 12 month period. If you owe more than $500, you can extend the payment period for up to 24 months. You’ll need to be able to put at least 20% down to set up a payment plan and interest and penalties will continue to accrue until the liability is satisfied.

To set up a payment plan, visit the INTax Pay website, and create a username and password to log in. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can also set up a payment plan by calling the Department of Revenue at (317) 232-2165.

Indiana Offer in Compromise (OIC)

The Indiana Tax Advocacy Office works with taxpayers who need help with their tax bills, including those who are seeking an Offer in Compromise (OIC). An Offer in Compromise is an agreement that allows you to settle your tax liability for less than what’s owed. Any offer you make must represent a reasonable amount based on how much you owe and your earning potential.

To make an Offer in Compromise, you’ll need to fill out Form FS-OIC and submit it to the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate using the address listed below:

Indiana Department of Revenue
100 N. Senate Avenue, Room 202, MS 106
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2273

Submitting an offer doesn’t guarantee that it will be accepted and interest and penalties will continue to accrue while your application is being evaluated. If your offer is accepted, you’ll have to put 20% down if you’re planning to make payments rather than a lump-sum.

Claim for Hardship

In cases where there’s a severe financial hardship preventing you from paying your taxes owed, you can request a claim for hardship to defer payment or establish an extended payment plan based on your needs. To qualify for a hardship claim, there are two criteria that must be met.

1. You must be experiencing a terminal or critical illness within your immediate family or facing a threat to your financial livelihood which has rendered you unable to pay.
2. You must be able to prove that a state filed tax warrant or lien is creating an additional hardship for you, your spouse or your dependents. If there’s a lien on your vehicle or a protest filed on an employment license, you must be able to prove that these actions are hindering your ability to earn income to pay the tax.

To apply for a hardship claim, you need to fill out Form FS-H and submit it to the Tax Advocacy Office at PO Box 6155, Indianapolis IN 46206-6155.

Our Simple Tax Relief Process