Paying the Piper
If you owe the IRS, there are several ways to settle your bill.

We talk a lot about the 100 million or so Americans who get tax refunds every spring, admonishing you to adjust your payroll withholding so that less is taken out of your paychecks every payday.
But what about the 35 million or so who actually have to pay extra tax with their returns? If you're among that minority, how should you handle things?
You could, of course, pay the old fashioned way by writing a check. If you do, make it out to the U.S. Treasury. Congress decided a few years ago that because so many folks think IRS is a dirty word, you shouldn't have to write it on your checks. (Also, it's easy for a crook to change IRS to MRS and add a name to make it look like the check is made out to a married woman.) If you send a check, the IRS would like you to include a 1040-V form to help the agency process your payment more efficiently.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
If you are among the growing army of taxpayers who file electronically, you have the option of simply telling the IRS to dip into your bank account for the amount due. If you choose the direct debit option, you can file as soon as your return is done and tell the government not to take the money until April 15. That's not quite as much "float" as if you drop the check in the mail at the midnight deadline, but the convenience should count for something.
Another choice is available whether you file electronically or on paper: You can charge your bill to a credit card. We think this is usually a bad idea because you have to pay a "convenience fee" to pay your taxes. We bet you're paying enough already. If you owe more than you can afford to pay, you should consider using the IRS installment plan. More about that later.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

-
New 2026 Income Tax Brackets Are Set: What to Know Now
Income Tax The IRS has adjusted federal income tax bracket ranges for the 2026 tax year to account for inflation. Here's what you need to know.
-
Claiming the Standard Deduction? Here Are Five Tax Breaks for Retirement in 2025
Tax Tips If you’re retired and filing taxes, these five tax credits and deductions could provide thousands in relief (if you qualify).
-
Claiming the Standard Deduction? Here Are Five Tax Breaks for Retirement in 2025
Tax Tips If you’re retired and filing taxes, these five tax credits and deductions could provide thousands in relief (if you qualify).
-
New Tax Rules: Income the IRS Won’t Touch in 2025
Income Taxes From financial gifts to Roth withdrawal rules, here’s what income stays tax-free under the new Trump 2025 tax bill, and some information on what’s changed.
-
Three Popular Tax Breaks Are Gone for Good in 2026
Tax Breaks Here's a list of federal tax deductions and credits that you can't claim in the 2026 tax year. Plus, high-income earners could get hit by a 'surprise' tax bill.
-
Tax Brackets 2025 Quiz: How Much Do You Know?
Quiz Test your knowledge of IRS rules that impact how much money you keep in your wallet.
-
Retirees Face a Growing Capital Gains Tax Trap: What's Next?
Home Sales A changing housing market and unchanged IRS exclusion amounts can add up to a headache for many homeowners. Will Congress offer a fix?
-
New York Inflation Refund Checks Are Coming Soon: What to Know Now
Tax Relief Inflation relief checks are on the way for over 8 million New York taxpayers. Here's a full breakdown of who gets a payment and when you may expect yours.
-
IRS Phasing Out Paper Checks: What Happens After September 30?
Tax Changes Avoid delays when IRS tax refunds and Social Security paper checks are cut off. Here’s what to know.
-
The Most Tax-Friendly States for Investing in 2025 (Hint: There Are Two)
State Taxes Living in one of these places could lower your 2025 investment taxes — especially if you invest in real estate.