WASHINGTON - If you do not pay your taxes when due, you may have to pay a failure-to-pay penalty. To avoid this penalty, the IRS suggests several ways to pay your taxes. You can pay by check, money order, credit card or use the direct debit method.
CHECK OR MONEY ORDER: If you choose to pay by check or money order, make it out to “United States Treasury.” Please show your correct name, address, Social Security number, daytime telephone number and the tax year and form number on the front of your check or money order.
CREDIT CARD: You can charge your taxes on your American Express, MasterCard or Discover Card. To pay by credit card, call one of the service providers listed below and follow the recorded instructions. You can also pay by credit card over the Internet using the service provider's Web site. These service providers charge a convenience fee based on the amount you are paying. Do not add the convenience fee to your tax payment.
DIRECT DEBIT: You can file electronically and pay in a single step by authorizing a direct debit (automatic withdrawal) from your checking or savings account. This option is available through tax software packages, tax professionals and TeleFile. You will need to have your account number, your financial institution's routing transit number and account type (checking or savings). You can schedule the payment for any future date up to and including the return due date (April 16, 2001).
For more information about filing and paying your taxes, refer to Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax. You may request a copy of this publication by calling 1-800-829-3676 or you may download it from the IRS Web Site at www.irs.gov. You may also call the IRS with specific questions toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-829-1040.
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