Ten Things You Should Know About Making Federal Tax Payments

April 5, 2011 – IRS Tax Tip 2011-67

Are you making a payment with your federal tax return this year? If so, here are 10 important things the IRS wants you to know about making tax payments correctly.

Never send cash!
If you file electronically, you can file and pay in a single step by authorizing an electronic funds withdrawal via tax preparation software or a tax professional.
Whether you file a paper return or electronically, you can pay by phone or online using a credit or debit card.
Electronic payment options provide an alternative to paying taxes or user fees by check or money order. You can make payments 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov and search e-pay, or refer to Publication 3611, IRS e-File Electronic Payments for more details.
If you itemize, you may be able to deduct the convenience fee charged for paying individual income taxes with a credit or debit card as a miscellaneous itemized deduction on Form 1040, Schedule A, Itemized Deductions. The deduction is subject to the 2 percent limit.
Enclose your payment with your return but do not staple it to the form.
If you pay by check or money order, make sure it is payable to the "United States Treasury."
Always provide your correct name, address, Social Security number listed first on the tax form, daytime telephone number, tax year and form number on the front of your check or money order.
Complete and include Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher, when mailing your payment to the IRS. Double-check the IRS mailing address. This will help the IRS process your payment accurately and efficiently.
For more information, call 800-829-4477 and select TeleTax Topic 158, Ensuring Proper Credit of Payments. You can also find out more in Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax and Form 1040-V, both available at http://www.irs.gov.

Links

Electronic Payment Options
Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher (PDF 72.2K)
Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals (PDF 273K)
Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (PDF 4.09MB)

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Upcoming Tax Dates

June 10 — Employees who work for tips: If you received $20 or more in tips during May, report them to your employer - Details
June 17 — Individuals: If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien living and working (or on military duty) outside the United States and Puerto Rico, file Form 1040 and pay any tax, interest, and penalties due. If you want additional time to file your return, file Form 4868 to obtain 4 additional months to file - Details
June 17 — Individuals: Make a payment of your 2013 estimated tax if you are not paying your income tax for the year through withholding (or will not pay in enough tax that way). Use Form 1040-ES. This is the second installment - Details
June 17 — Corporations: Deposit the second installment of estimated income tax for 2013 - Details