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Personal Loans to Pay Off Taxes

Get personalized rates in 60 seconds for personal loans to pay off taxes with no impact to your credit score

How To Get a Personal Loan to Pay Back Taxes

Can you get a personal loan to pay taxes?

Yes, you can use a personal loan to pay taxes, as these loans generally have few spending restrictions. A personal loan provides a lump sum of cash that you repay over time in fixed monthly installments, often with a fixed interest rate. This can be a helpful option if you need to pay off a large tax bill quickly and want the predictability of structured payments.

However, it’s also worth exploring whether you qualify for a payment plan directly through the IRS or your local tax authority. These plans may offer lower fees or interest rates compared to a personal loan, depending on your situation. Comparing both options can help you choose the most cost-effective and manageable path to paying off your taxes.

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What types of loans can I use to pay my taxes?

Taxes can catch you off guard, but the good news is there are financing options that can help you cover the bill and pay over time. Here are two common solutions:

  • Personal loans: Personal loans can be a flexible way to pay your taxes, especially if you prefer a fixed repayment schedule. They’re typically unsecured, meaning no collateral is required, and you can receive funds as a lump sum. With loan amounts and offers that vary by lender and borrower qualifications, this option may offer faster access to cash when time is of the essence.
  • Payment plan: If you owe federal taxes, the IRS can offer installment agreements that let you pay your balance over time. These plans usually have lower interest rates and fees compared to alternative loan options, but approval is not guaranteed, and there may be limitations based on how much you owe. Many state and local tax agencies offer similar programs.

Ultimately, whether you go with a personal loan or a government payment plan depends on your financial situation, timeline, and credit profile. Exploring both options can help you make the most informed choice.

Where can I get a loan to pay taxes?

If you're looking for a loan to cover your tax bill, the internet is a valuable tool for accessing both local and national lenders that offer personal loans for this purpose. To help streamline the process and increase your chances of finding a competitive offer, Acorn Finance has created a secure lending platform that connects you with a network of fully vetted, top national lending partners. You can check personalized rates in just seconds—with no impact to your credit score—making it simpler and faster to find a loan that fits your needs and budget.

Will taking a loan to pay taxes affect my credit score?

Yes, taking out a loan to pay taxes can affect your credit score in both positive and negative ways. Initially, you might see a slight dip in your score due to a hard credit inquiry and the addition of new debt. However, as you begin making on-time payments, your credit score can improve—often surpassing where it was before the loan.

Consistently managing your loan responsibly shows lenders that you're a reliable borrower, which can strengthen your credit profile over time. Regularly monitoring your credit score can also help you stay informed and better understand what influences it.

How quickly can I get a personal loan to pay taxes?

You can often get a personal loan to pay taxes within a few business days, especially when applying online. If you submit complete and accurate information and respond quickly to any lender requests, the process can move faster. Once approved, funding can happen in as little as 1–2 business days, though timelines can vary by lender.

Before receiving funds, you’ll typically go through a few steps: submitting an application, getting pre-qualified, and completing the approval process. This may include a hard credit pull, uploading supporting documents, and providing any necessary clarifications. Being proactive and organized during this stage can help speed things up.

Can I get a personal loan to pay back taxes if I have a bad credit score?

Yes, you may still be able to get a personal loan to pay back taxes even with a bad credit score—but it can be more challenging. The key is finding the right lender, which often means comparing offers from multiple sources. Most lenders evaluate factors like credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and overall credit history.

Some lenders, such as OneMain Financial—an Acorn Finance lending partner—focus more on your broader financial picture rather than just your credit score. In fact, OneMain Financial has no minimum credit score requirement, offering more flexibility for borrowers who may need a second chance.

Using Acorn Finance’s secure online platform, you can check rates from a network of top national lenders—with no impact to your credit score. While paying off back taxes is often time-sensitive, taking steps to boost your credit score or applying with a co-signer can increase your chances of qualifying and getting better offers.

See also:

How do I get a personal loan to pay off taxes?

If you need a credit card consolidation loan you should consider Acorn Finance. Acorn Finance partners with dozens of reliable lenders that can help all credit types with debt consolidation loans. You can submit one application, which does not affect your credit score. Within seconds you can receive multiple personalized debt consolidation loan offers. This can help you confidently select the best offer available while saving you tons of time and headaches.

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What can I do with a $10,000 personal loan?

A $10,000 personal loan has a number of uses, including (but not limited to):
Home improvement Buying a car Wedding costs
Debt consolidation Medical bills Startup business costs

Still have questions?

Yes, you can use a personal loan to pay back taxes from previous years. Personal loans offer flexibility with few spending restrictions, allowing you to consolidate and pay off older tax debt in a lump sum. This can be especially helpful if you're facing penalties, interest, or collection efforts from the IRS or your state tax authority. Before proceeding, it’s a good idea to compare the total cost of the loan against any available IRS installment plans, as well as confirm how much you owe. A personal loan may be a faster solution, especially if you're trying to avoid liens, wage garnishment, or further penalties.

Before turning to a loan, it’s wise to explore all available options—especially payment plans offered by the IRS or your local tax authority. These plans may come with lower interest rates or fewer fees compared to a personal loan, and they’re designed specifically to help individuals manage tax debt.

While it might feel uncomfortable to reach out and acknowledge you’re struggling to pay, contacting the appropriate agency could lead to a more affordable and manageable solution. If a payment plan isn't available or doesn't meet your needs, then a personal loan may be a viable alternative—but keep in mind that you'll likely pay interest and possibly fees, meaning the total cost will be higher than your original tax bill.

Before committing, compare your options, evaluate the total cost of borrowing, and ensure the monthly payment fits comfortably within your budget.

Acorn Finance makes it simple to explore your options when you need a personal loan to cover back taxes. Instead of applying with multiple lenders separately, you can submit a quick, secure form and instantly compare personalized offers from a network of top national lenders—all with no impact to your credit score. Whether you're dealing with IRS debt or state and local taxes, Acorn Finance helps you save time, stay organized, and potentially find a more affordable loan. With transparent offers, competitive rates, and fast funding options, Acorn Finance gives you the tools to take control of your tax situation without the added stress.

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