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November 27, 2021

How to Make a Payment to the IRS

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Filing your taxes each year is a necessary part of adulting. Most of the time, you'll receive money back due to the overage you've likely paid to the federal government over the course of the year. Around 80% of filers fall into this category and subsequently receive a refund on their income tax return. But if you aren't in that 80% and find that you actually owe money, how do you submit your payment to the IRS?

Check Your Tax Return Records

When you submitted your filing either online or with a tax preparer, you should receive a copy of the full return for your records. This document typically includes instructions on how to submit any payments owed and information on when those payments are due. Referring back to that copy should provide you with specific payment instructions for your situation. For those who make estimated payments throughout the year, the return document should outline what to do in that situation as well.

Check Your Mail

If you have missed a payment deadline or owe past the normal April 15 due date, you will receive a statement by mail. This letter should include a return address for sending payments back to the IRS.

Be aware that legitimate phone calls from the IRS are rare. If a real IRS agent contacts you by phone, they will likely have already contacted you by mail first. Scam callers may claim to be the IRS in order to get your personal information, so be wary if you are contacted without prior notification by mail. The IRS will never contact you by email, text message or through social media.

Pay Online

By visiting irs.gov/payments, you can make a payment online. As with fake IRS phone calls, be careful about imposter websites and make sure that you are on a site with the .gov suffix. Online payment options include direct debit from a checking or savings account or payment via debit or credit card. While the direct debit option is free, there is a small fee for paying by card. You will receive an email confirmation of the transaction once it is complete.

Send Check or Money Order by Mail

Although this is not the preferred method, you can mail your check or money order directly to the IRS. This will take longer to process, and you may not receive timely notification when your payment is received. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, social security number and the tax year on your method of payment. This will ensure that it is routed to the correct account. The required mailing address may differ depending on your tax situation. You can refer to the irs.gov/payment webpage to find the correct address for your mailing.

Pay Cash with a Participating Retail Location

7-Eleven stores in 34 participating states accept cash payments for IRS bills. To use this service, visit the IRS payments page and select the option "Other Ways You Can Pay." You will be sent an email confirming your information, and after your information has been verified, you will receive a second email with a payment code and instructions on how to pay at a nearby 7-Eleven. This method takes between 5-7 business days, meaning it should be done well in advance of any deadlines, and it requires a small fee. However, you do receive confirmation once your payment is fully processed.

Set Up a Payment Plan

If you are not able to pay your full balance in one payment, monthly payment plans are available. You will need to qualify for this option and can submit a brief application to see if you meet the criteria. Generally, you must owe more than $10,000 to be able to set up a monthly payment plan. Based on the amount you owe, there may be a set up fee for this service, and/or accrued interest over the time covered in the payment agreement.

Harry Bhars1967