Printable Form 2026

IRS Form 433-F – Collection Information Statement

IRS Form 433-F – Collection Information Statement – If you owe back taxes and the IRS has contacted you about a payment plan, hardship relief, or collection action, you may need to submit IRS Form 433-F. This short, two-page form provides the IRS with a clear picture of your finances so they can determine how much you can realistically pay.

This guide (updated for 2026) explains everything you need to know: what the form is for, who must complete it, how to fill it out correctly, IRS Collection Financial Standards, common mistakes, and submission options.

What Is IRS Form 433-F?

Form 433-F (Rev. 7-2024) is the official Collection Information Statement used by the IRS to gather current financial data from wage earners and self-employed individuals. The IRS uses this information to evaluate your ability to pay outstanding tax liabilities and decide on the best collection resolution.

The form is deliberately concise (only two pages) compared with the longer Form 433-A. It is most commonly used by the IRS Automated Collection System (ACS) for straightforward cases.

When Do You Need Form 433-F?

You will typically be asked for Form 433-F in these situations:

  • You want an installment agreement but do not qualify for a “streamlined” plan (or the IRS says the minimum payment is too high).
  • You are requesting Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status due to financial hardship.
  • An IRS notice or revenue officer specifically requests financial information.
  • You are applying for a partial-pay installment agreement or other special collection relief.

Note: Form 433-F is not filed with your tax return. It is submitted only when the IRS requests it or when you proactively seek collection relief.

Form 433-F vs. Form 433-A: Which One Do You Need?

Feature Form 433-F Form 433-A
Length 2 pages 6 pages
Best for ACS cases, simpler situations Revenue Officer cases, complex finances, higher debts
Detail level Basic Very detailed (separate business section)
Common trigger Phone/notice requests In-person revenue officer or large balances

Most taxpayers start with 433-F. If the IRS later needs more detail, they will request the full 433-A.

How to Download the Latest Form 433-F?

Current version: July 2024 (posted April 2025)
English PDF: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f433f.pdf
Spanish PDF: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f433fsp.pdf

Always download directly from IRS.gov to ensure you have the latest revision.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete IRS Form 433-F?

General instructions (from the form itself):

  • Write “N/A” for anything that does not apply.
  • Use additional sheets if needed.
  • All information is under penalty of perjury — accuracy matters.
  • The IRS may later request supporting documents (pay stubs, bank statements, bills, etc.).

Top Section – Personal & Contact Information

  • Name(s), address, county, SSN/ITIN (yours and spouse’s)
  • All phone numbers
  • Number of dependents (under/over 65)
  • If self-employed: business name, EIN, type of business, number of employees

Section A – Accounts / Lines of Credit

List every bank, credit union, IRA, 401(k), brokerage, mutual fund, CD, etc. — even if balance is $0. Include business accounts.

Section B – Real Estate

List every property you own or are buying (primary home, rental, vacation, timeshare). Include current value, balance owed, equity, monthly payment, year purchased, and refinance details.

Section C – Other Assets

Vehicles, boats, RVs, whole-life insurance policies, jewelry, collectibles, business equipment, inventory, etc. Show make/model/year for vehicles and equity (value minus loan).

Digital Assets (Cryptocurrency)

Newer section — list wallets, exchanges, coins, current USD value.

Section D – Credit Cards

List every card, even with $0 balance.

Section E – Business Information (if self-employed)

  • Accounts receivable
  • Credit-card merchant accounts (including digital-payment processors)

Section F – Employment Information

Current employer(s), pay frequency, gross pay, taxes withheld, hire date (attach recent pay stub if easier).

Section G – Other Household Income (monthly)

Alimony, child support, net self-employment (attach profit & loss), rental income (attach Schedule E-style statement — no depreciation), pensions, Social Security, unemployment, interest, dividends, etc.

Section H – Monthly Necessary Living Expenses

This is the most important section. The IRS compares your expenses to Collection Financial Standards.

How to use the standards (effective April 21, 2025 – remain in effect until June 2026):

  • National Standards (Food, clothing, housekeeping, personal care, miscellaneous + out-of-pocket health care) → You may claim the full IRS standard amount without question for your family size.
  • Local Standards (Housing & utilities + Transportation) → You may claim the lesser of your actual expense or the IRS standard for your county and family size.
  • If your actual expense exceeds the standard, you must provide documentation showing the extra amount is necessary for health, welfare, or income production.

You can view current standards here:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/collection-financial-standards

Expense categories on the form:

  1. Food / Personal Care (actual vs. IRS standard)
  2. Transportation (gas, insurance, maintenance, public transit)
  3. Housing & Utilities (rent/mortgage, electric, water, phone, cable, internet, property taxes/insurance if not in mortgage)
  4. Medical (health insurance + out-of-pocket)
  5. Other (child care, estimated taxes, term life insurance, required retirement, court-ordered payments, student loans, delinquent state taxes, etc.)

Pro tip: Convert non-monthly expenses (quarterly ÷ 3, weekly × 4.3, etc.).

Final Section

  • Proposed monthly payment amount and date
  • Maximum down payment you can make (larger down payments often help approval and reduce penalties/interest)
  • Signature(s) and date

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Form 433-F

  • Omitting accounts or assets (even zero-balance ones)
  • Claiming expenses above standards without documentation
  • Forgetting to attach profit & loss statements (self-employed) or rental statements
  • Using gross instead of net self-employment income
  • Not including digital assets or whole-life insurance cash value
  • Submitting without supporting documents when requested

What Happens After You Submit Form 433-F?

  1. IRS reviews your information (usually 2–8 weeks).
  2. They may request additional verification.
  3. Possible outcomes:
    • Approved installment agreement
    • Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status (collection paused, but debt + interest/penalties continue)
    • Partial-pay installment agreement
    • Referral to a revenue officer for further review (may then request full 433-A)

How to Submit Form 433-F?

Best options (2026):

  • Online — If applying for an installment agreement, use the IRS Online Payment Agreement tool (attach 433-F if required).
  • With Form 9465 — Mail both forms together to the address listed in your IRS notice or on the 9465 instructions.
  • ACS (Automated Collection System) — Fax or provide information over the phone when an ACS representative calls.
  • Revenue Officer — Deliver or mail directly to the officer assigned to your case.
  • Mail — Use the address on your IRS notice or the form instructions. Certified mail with return receipt is recommended.

Always keep copies of everything you send.

Need Help? When to Call a Professional

Completing Form 433-F correctly can mean the difference between an affordable payment plan and aggressive collection actions (levies, liens). Consider professional help if:

  • You are self-employed with complex income/expenses
  • You own significant assets or rental properties
  • You want to request CNC or an Offer in Compromise (different forms required)
  • You have received a final notice or levy

A tax relief professional or enrolled agent can review your numbers, maximize allowable expenses, and negotiate directly with the IRS.

Final Thoughts

IRS Form 433-F is your opportunity to show the IRS your true financial picture so they can work with you instead of against you. Accuracy and completeness are critical — the form is signed under penalty of perjury.

Next steps:

  1. Download the latest form: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f433f.pdf
  2. Gather 1–2 months of bank statements, pay stubs, bills, and asset statements.
  3. Complete every section carefully.
  4. Submit through the channel requested by the IRS.

If you owe federal taxes and cannot pay in full, acting quickly with a properly prepared Form 433-F is one of the most effective ways to stop collection pressure and create a realistic path forward.

Important disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on official IRS resources as of February 2026. Tax laws and forms change; always verify the latest version and instructions directly on IRS.gov or consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation.

Download the form here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f433f.pdf

Need more help? The IRS Collection Financial Standards page is an excellent free resource: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/collection-financial-standards

Stay proactive — the sooner you provide accurate financial information, the sooner you can resolve your tax debt on manageable terms.