Struggling with tax debt? Learn how the IRS determines what you can truly afford to pay! Facing a significant tax debt can be one of the most stressful financial situations a person can experience. The arrival of a notice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) often brings with it a wave of anxiety and a seemingly impossible question: How can you possibly pay this amount? Many people mistakenly believe they must pay the entire balance immediately, a prospect that can feel overwhelming and hopeless.