Paying Your Taxes; Tips to Remember

The IRS offers several payment options if you owe federal tax. Here are some 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 make a tax payment. You can pay online, by phone or with your mobile device.
2. When paying with your mobile device use the IRS2Go app and make payments with Direct Pay, and by Debit or Credit Card. IRS2Go is the official smartphone app of the IRS.
3. Check out IRS Direct Pay online at IRS.gov or with the IRS2Go app to pay directly from your bank account. It’s secure and free. You will get instant confirmation that you have submitted your payment.
4. You can pay taxes electronically 24/7 on IRS.gov. Just click on the ‘Payments’ tab for access to IRS Direct Pay and other payment options. 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. 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.
6. You may also enroll in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. You can use the 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.
7. If you can’t pay electronically, you can still pay by a personal or cashier’s check or money order. Do not send cash. Make your check or money order, 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.
8. 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/formsat any time.
9. Remember to include your payment with your tax return but do not staple or clip it to any tax form.
10. Even if you can’t pay your tax in full, you should file your tax return on time. You should pay as much as you can with your tax return. That will help keep your penalty and interest costs down. You have options such as an installment agreement, which allow you to pay the balance over time. The Online Payment Agreement application is available on IRS.gov.

Each and every taxpayer has a set of fundamental rights they should be aware of when dealing with the IRS. These are your Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Explore your rights and our obligations to protect them on IRS.gov.