Which number do I call to set up an ATO payment plan, and what do I say?
Short answer
Call 13 11 42, the ATO's lodge and pay enquiry line, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday. If you owe $200,000 or less, you may not need to call at all: an ATO payment plan can be set up through ATO online services or the automated self-help phone service on 13 72 26. Have your TFN or ABN ready, plus a figure you can actually afford.
Which channel to use
| Your situation | Use this |
|---|---|
| Owe $200,000 or less, no recent defaults | ATO online services (myGov or Online services for business), or the automated self-help line 13 72 26 |
| Owe $200,000 or more | Lodge and pay enquiry line 13 11 42 |
| Two defaulted or cancelled plans in 12 months | 13 11 42 |
| Need more than 2 years, in hardship, insolvent or in dispute | 13 11 42 |
| Received a firmer action or legal warning in the last 6 months | 13 11 42 |
| Small business wanting an interest free activity statement plan | Business enquiries 13 28 66 |
| The ATO asked you to call back | The call back number on the letter or text (1300 880 217 is a genuine one) |
Anything that looks like the ATO but asks you to call a different number, click a link to pay, or pay by gift card or crypto is a scam. Report it on 1800 008 540. See is this ATO call real if you are unsure.
What to have ready before you dial
- Your TFN or ABN, and a way to prove identity (voice authentication if set up, otherwise details from a recent notice).
- The total owing on each account. Income tax and activity statement debts are separate accounts and usually need separate plans.
- An upfront amount you can pay this week, even if it is modest.
- An instalment figure based on your worst recent month, not your best.
- For larger debts: a rough picture of income, expenses, assets, liabilities and whether you have tried to get finance. The ATO will ask about capacity to pay.
- Confirmation that all returns and BAS are lodged. If they are not, expect that to be the first topic.
Rather have someone make the call for you?
Specialists deal with the ATO every day and know what a plan needs to include.
What to say on the call
You do not need a speech. The officer wants a clear, realistic proposal. Something like:
- "I have a debt of $X on my activity statement account. My lodgements are up to date. I want to set up a payment plan."
- "I can pay $Y upfront this week, then $Z a fortnight by direct debit, which clears it in about N months."
- "I would also like to request remission of the general interest charge because of [the reason]." Ask even if you expect a no. See GIC remission for grounds that work.
- Before you hang up: "Can you confirm the plan reference, the first debit date, and that this is recorded on my account?"
If the officer says the instalment is too low, ask what figure they would accept and whether a longer term is possible rather than agreeing to something you cannot sustain. A plan that defaults is worse than a slightly longer plan you keep. For more on the negotiation itself, see how to negotiate a payment plan.
What to do next
- Check your debt on ATO online services and note the balance on each account.
- Work out an upfront amount and an instalment you could keep paying in a bad month.
- Set the plan up online if you are under $200,000, otherwise call 13 11 42 with the script above.
Related questions
Is 13 11 42 a genuine ATO number?
Yes. 13 11 42 is the ATO's lodge and pay enquiry line for debts, payment plans, overdue lodgements, penalties and interest. Individual enquiries are 13 28 61 and business enquiries are 13 28 66. If a caller gives you a different number to ring back, look it up on ato.gov.au before you do.
Can I set up a payment plan after hours?
Yes, if you owe $200,000 or less and have not defaulted twice in the last year. ATO online services and the automated self-help phone service on 13 72 26 do not depend on an operator. Anything that needs negotiation or evidence has to wait for 13 11 42 during business hours.
Rather have someone make the call for you?
Specialists deal with the ATO every day and know what a plan needs to include.
Get help nowMore questions: 26 ATO payment plans questions answered · Full guide: ATO payment plans