Paying Your Taxes
If you owe federal tax here are a dozen key points to keep in mind when you pay your taxes this year.
1. Never send cash.
Electronic payment options are the quickest and easiest way to pay your tax.
2. Check out IRS Direct Pay to pay directly from your bank account.
Access Direct Pay on IRS.gov. It’s secure and free. You will get instant confirmation that you have submitted your payment.
3. You can pay taxes electronically 24/7 on IRS.gov. Just click on the ‘Payments’ tab near the top left of the home page for details.
4. Pay in a single step by using your tax software when you e-file.
If you use a tax preparer, ask the preparer to make your tax payment electronically.
5. Whether you e-file your tax return or file on paper, you can choose to pay with a credit or debit card.
The company that processes your payment will charge a processing fee.
6. You may be able to deduct the credit or debit card processing fee on next year’s return. It’s claimed on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions.
7. Enroll in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.
You can use EFTPS to pay your federal taxes electronically.
You have a choice to pay using the Internet, or by phone using the EFTPS Voice Response System.
8. If you can’t pay electronically, you can still pay by a personal or cashier’s check or money order.
Make it payable to the “U.S. Treasury.” Be sure to write your name, address and daytime phone number on the front of your payment.
Also, write the tax year, form number you are filing and your Social Security number. Use the SSN shown first if it’s a joint return.
9. If you pay by paper check, complete Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher.
Mail it with your tax return and payment to the IRS. Make sure you send them to the address listed on the back of Form 1040-V.
This will help the IRS process your payment and post it to your account.
You can get the form on IRS.gov/forms at any time.
10. Remember to include your payment with your tax return but do not staple or clip it to any tax form.
