IRS employee here:

I recommend you keep trying to reach IRS customer service in response to your notice, or visit your local Taxpayer Assistance Center.

File your 2014 federal return timely, and make the largest payment you can comfortably afford with the return. Assuming you e-file, your first notice should be issued in the third week of May.

In the interim, have a look at Form 433-F Collection Information Statement. This is the document IRS requests from Taxpayers who owe more than our Streamlined Installment Agreement (IA) criteria allow.

Think of this as a loan application. You have already described many of your monthly expenses, and that will be useful when completing the form. You are asked to describe yous income and assets, as well.

IRS uses National and Local Collection Standards when determining allowable monthly expense amounts. If you claim any expense that exceeds a given standard, you may be asked for justification (4 teenage boys = higher monthly food expense) and substantiation (3 months of bank statements identifying what you actually spend on food).

You will be asked if you have attempted to borrow against equity in any property you own. If you have, and have been denied, IRS will need written proof.

Expenses on your list that will not be considered when determining your ability to pay:

life insurance: $130

investment: $50

credit cards: $400

mortgage on my parents home: $750

After you receive your first balance due notice, submit your Installment Agreement Request on Form 9465 with the completed Form 433-F. After the Service receives and reviews your request, you may receive correspondence asking for paystubs, bank statements, or other documents substantiating your income, assets, or expenses. Respond to any request as soon as possible.

Until your Installment Agreement request is accepted, make voluntary payments on the tax year for the notice you described above.

Once your IA has been accepted, be prepared for a Notice of Federal Tax Lien.

Thank you for reading.