Can IRS Debt Be Discharged in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy? What You Need to Know

Understanding Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and Whether IRS Debt Can Be Discharged in Chapter 13

Can IRS debt be discharged in Chapter 13 bankruptcy? The answer depends on the type of tax debt you owe and how it fits within the structure of your Chapter 13 repayment plan. To fully understand how this works, it’s important to first grasp what Chapter 13 bankruptcy is and how tax obligations are treated under this form of debt relief.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a legal process that allows individuals with a steady income to reorganize and repay their debts over a period of three to five years. Unlike Chapter 7, which involves liquidating assets to pay off debts, Chapter 13 sets up a manageable repayment plan approved by the bankruptcy court. This plan helps protect your property from being sold and gives you time to catch up on missed payments—including taxes. 

When it comes to IRS debt, Chapter 13 handles it based on how the debt is classified. Tax debt falls into one of three main categories:

• Priority tax debt: This includes recent income taxes and certain penalties. Priority debts must be paid in full during the Chapter 13 plan and typically cannot be discharged.
  Secured tax debt: This occurs when the IRS has placed a lien on your property. These debts are treated similarly to other secured debts and must be addressed in your repayment plan.
• Unsecured tax debt: These are older tax debts that meet specific requirements and may be eligible for discharge under Chapter 13.

Knowing the type of IRS debt you owe is essential, as it directly impacts whether it can be reduced, repaid over time, or potentially discharged entirely through bankruptcy. 

Which Types of IRS Debt Can Be Discharged in Chapter 13?

When asking can IRS debt be discharged in Chapter 13, it’s important to know that not all tax debts are treated the same. Some IRS debts qualify for discharge, while others must be fully repaid through your repayment plan.

Dischargeable IRS Tax Debt

IRS debt may be discharged under Chapter 13 if all of the following conditions are met:

• The tax debt is from a return that was due at least three years before filing.
• You filed the related tax return at least two years ago.
• The IRS assessed the tax 240+ days before you filed.
• The debt does not involve fraud or tax evasion.

If these criteria are satisfied, the debt may be included in your plan and discharged at the end.

Nondischargeable IRS Tax Debt

The following types of IRS debt cannot be discharged:

• Recent tax debts (less than three years old)
• Unfiled or late-filed returns without IRS approval
• Payroll or trust fund taxes
• Debts tied to fraud or intentional evasion

Even if nondischargeable, these debts can often be repaid over time through Chapter 13, with collections paused during the plan.

IRS Rules for Chapter 13: What You Need to Know

If you’re wondering can IRS debt be discharged in Chapter 13, it helps to understand how the IRS treats tax debt in bankruptcy. The IRS follows its own rules, especially regarding repayment and debt classification.

In most cases, the IRS is included in your Chapter 13 repayment plan. Priority tax debts (like recent income taxes) must be paid in full. Nonpriority tax debts—typically older obligations—may be partially repaid or even discharged if they meet eligibility requirements.

Your bankruptcy trustee oversees the repayment process, ensuring funds go to creditors like the IRS. The court reviews your plan to confirm it meets legal and IRS standards.

Priority vs. Nonpriority Tax Debt

• Priority debts include recent tax returns (within 3 years) and must be fully repaid.

• Nonpriority debts, such as older taxes tied to timely filed returns, may be discharged at the end of the plan.

How your IRS debt is classified will determine what you must repay—and what might be eliminated.

Penalties and Interest

• Penalties and interest on priority debts often continue to accrue.

• For nonpriority debts, some interest and penalties may be discharged if the tax qualifies.

Chapter 13 doesn’t remove all penalties, but it limits enforcement while providing a path to resolution.

When Can IRS Debt Be Discharged in Chapter 13?

If you’re wondering when can IRS debt be discharged in Chapter 13, the answer depends on very specific rules. The IRS doesn’t automatically forgive tax debt through bankruptcy. Instead, certain conditions must be met for that debt to qualify for discharge.

The Tax Debt Must Be at Least Three Years Old

To be eligible for discharge, the tax debt must relate to a return that was due at least three years before you filed for Chapter 13. This includes any extensions. If your tax return was due in April 2020, for example, you typically cannot discharge that debt unless you file for bankruptcy after April 2023.

You Must Have Filed the Tax Return at Least Two Years Ago

The IRS requires that the tax return associated with the debt was filed at least two years before your bankruptcy case. If you didn’t file the return or filed it very late, the IRS may consider that debt nondischargeable.

The IRS Must Have Assessed the Tax at Least 240 Days Before You Filed

This means the IRS must have officially recorded and calculated how much you owe at least 240 days prior to your bankruptcy filing. If the IRS recently audited you or made a new assessment, that tax debt might not be eligible for discharge yet.

No Fraud or Intentional Tax Evasion

If the IRS determines that your tax debt resulted from fraud or willful evasion—such as filing false returns or hiding income—the debt will not be discharged, even if it meets the other timing requirements.

You Must Be in Full Compliance with Tax Filing Requirements

To be eligible for any bankruptcy protection involving IRS debt, you must be current on all tax filings. This means:

• All required returns have been submitted.
• You have cooperated with any ongoing IRS requests.

Failing to comply could result in the IRS objecting to discharge or the court dismissing your case entirely.

How Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Affects Your IRS Tax Debt

Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy can significantly change the way you manage and repay your IRS tax debt. If you’re asking can IRS debt be discharged in Chapter 13, it’s also important to understand what happens during the repayment plan and after it ends.

During the Chapter 13 Repayment Plan

When you file for Chapter 13, the court creates a structured repayment plan lasting three to five years. This plan allows you to pay off certain debts in manageable monthly installments—including some or all of your tax debt. Here’s how it works:

• Priority tax debts (like recent income taxes) must be paid in full throughout the plan. These cannot be discharged.
• Nonpriority tax debts, such as older IRS debts, may only be partially repaid—or not at all—if they meet the discharge rules.
• IRS collections stop. While you are in Chapter 13, the IRS cannot garnish your wages, levy your bank account, or take other collection actions.

After the Chapter 13 Plan Is Completed

Once you make all your payments as agreed, you reach the end of the repayment period. At this point:

• Any remaining balance on eligible, dischargeable IRS debt is wiped away.
• You receive a discharge order, releasing you from the obligation to repay certain debts included in the plan.
• You emerge with no IRS collections pending and a clean slate on the discharged portion of your tax debt.

Steps to Take If You Want to Discharge IRS Debt in Chapter 13

If you’re wondering can IRS debt be discharged in Chapter 13, follow these key steps to improve your chances of success:

• Check your tax filing status
  All required tax returns must be filed. The IRS won’t consider discharge if filings are missing.
• Review tax debt age
  Eligible debts must be from returns due at least three years ago.
• Consult a bankruptcy attorney
  A lawyer can assess your eligibility and help structure a compliant plan.
• File Chapter 13 and submit your plan
  Your proposed plan should include IRS debt and follow repayment rules.
• Work with the trustee
  Once approved, make payments as scheduled. The trustee distributes funds to creditors, including the IRS.

By following these steps, you can pursue real relief. When done properly, IRS debt can be discharged in Chapter 13, helping you move toward financial recovery.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with IRS Debt in Chapter 13

Knowing how IRS debt can be discharged in Chapter 13 is only half the battle. Avoiding common mistakes is key to a successful case.

• Missing deadlines
  Bankruptcy and IRS timelines are strict. Missed deadlines can delay or derail your case entirely.
• Not filing tax returns
  Unfiled or missing returns make IRS debt nondischargeable. All returns must be current.
• Misclassifying IRS debt
  Confusing priority vs. non priority tax debt can lead to incorrect payments or denial of discharge.
• Not seeking legal help
  Navigating Chapter 13 alone increases your risk of errors. A bankruptcy attorney ensures your plan meets both court and IRS standards.

While IRS debt can be discharged in Chapter 13, these mistakes often prevent full relief. Careful preparation and legal guidance are critical to success.

When Chapter 13 May Not Discharge IRS Debt

Many people ask, can IRS debt be discharged in Chapter 13, but not all tax debts qualify. Some are automatically considered nondischargeable, no matter your repayment plan.

IRS Debt That Cannot Be Discharged:

• Recent tax debts
  Income taxes due within the past three years must be paid in full and are not dischargeable.
• Unfiled or late returns
  If you never filed or filed very late without IRS approval, the debt typically can’t be discharged.
• Fraud or tax evasion
  Debts tied to fraud, false returns, or intentional evasion are excluded from discharge.
• Payroll and trust fund taxes
  Business-related taxes like withheld payroll funds are never dischargeable under Chapter 13.

Even if these debts can’t be wiped out, Chapter 13 can still help by stopping collections, reducing penalties, and allowing structured repayment.

Alternative Option: Offer in Compromise

If your tax debt doesn’t qualify for discharge, consider an Offer in Compromise (OIC). This IRS program lets qualifying taxpayers settle for less than the full amount owed due to financial hardship—no bankruptcy required.

Can IRS Debt Be Discharged in Chapter 13? Final Thoughts

So, can IRS debt be discharged in Chapter 13? Yes—if it meets specific conditions. Your tax debt may be eligible if it’s old enough, properly filed, assessed on time, and not tied to fraud or evasion.

Key Points to Remember:

• The debt must be at least three years old, with returns filed two years prior.
  The IRS must have assessed the debt 240+ days before filing.
• Debts from fraud, recent returns, or unfiled taxes cannot be discharged.
• Priority tax debts must be fully repaid; nonpriority debts may be discharged.

Even if your debt isn’t dischargeable, Chapter 13 can still help by stopping collections and offering a structured repayment plan.

Because tax law and bankruptcy rules are complex, consult a qualified bankruptcy attorney. The right guidance can help you use Chapter 13 to regain financial control and move forward with confidence.

Get Help Discharging IRS Debt in Chapter 13 Now

If you’re struggling with back taxes and asking yourself, Can IRS debt be discharged in Chapter 13, now is the time to take the next step. While Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers a real path to financial relief, successfully discharging IRS debt requires detailed planning, accurate paperwork, and a clear understanding of both IRS rules and bankruptcy law.

A qualified bankruptcy lawyer or debt relief expert can review your tax history, determine which debts qualify for discharge, and help you create a repayment plan that meets court and IRS requirements. Professional guidance ensures you avoid costly mistakes and gives you the best chance of eliminating eligible tax debt.

Don’t navigate this process alone. With the right support, you can settle your tax obligations, protect your assets, and move toward lasting financial stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Can IRS debt be discharged in Chapter 13 after 3 years?

Yes, but only if additional requirements are met. Besides being at least three years old, the tax return must have been filed at least two years before your bankruptcy filing, and the IRS must have assessed the debt at least 240 days prior. The debt must also not be related to fraud or tax evasion.

2. What tax debts qualify for discharge in Chapter 13?

IRS tax debts that may be discharged in Chapter 13 include older income tax obligations that meet age, filing, and assessment criteria. These debts must be classified as nonpriority and free of fraud-related issues. Recent taxes, payroll taxes, and penalties from unfiled returns do not qualify.

3. Is Chapter 13 better than Chapter 7 for IRS debt?

It depends on your situation. Chapter 13 allows for structured repayment of non-dischargeable IRS debt over time, which can protect your assets and avoid collections. Chapter 7 may wipe out qualifying tax debts more quickly, but you must meet stricter means tests and risk asset liquidation.

4. How do I know if my IRS debt will be discharged in Chapter 13?

You’ll need to review the type of tax debt, filing and assessment dates, and your filing compliance history. A bankruptcy attorney can help analyze these factors and determine if your IRS debt can be discharged in Chapter 13 based on current IRS and bankruptcy court guidelines.

5. Can penalties and interest be discharged along with IRS debt in Chapter 13?

Yes—if the underlying tax debt qualifies for discharge, related penalties and some interest may also be discharged at the end of the repayment plan. However, penalties tied to non dischargeable tax debts usually remain payable.

Key Takeaways

• Certain IRS debts can be discharged in Chapter 13—but only if they meet strict requirements related to age, filing history, and assessment dates.
• Priority tax debts must be repaid in full, while older, nonpriority debts may qualify for discharge if all conditions are met.
• Tax returns must be properly filed at least two years prior to bankruptcy to be considered for discharge eligibility.
  IRS debt tied to fraud, recent filings, or unfiled returns is not dischargeable, but may still be paid off over time in a structured plan.
• Working with a bankruptcy attorney increases your chances of successfully discharging IRS debt and avoiding costly mistakes during the process.