IRS Tax Payment & Extension Instructions
Note: Use the taxpayer’s information (not the spouse’s, if applicable) when making a tax payment or filing an extension.
A. How to make Tax Payment:
- Visit IRS.gov
- Click "Pay" near the top of the page.
- Choose payment method
- Option 1: Bank Account
- Click "Direct Pay with bank account"
- Click "Pay individual tax"
- Select "Make a Payment"
- Reason "Balance Due"
- Apply Payment To "Income Tax - Form 1040"
- Tax Period for Payment "Tax Year"
- Verify your identity using taxpayer's SSN & 1040 filing history
- Print the confirmation page and save as PDF
- Option 2: Debit Card, Credit Card, or Digital Wallet
- Follow the instructions on IRS.gov
B. How to make Estimated Tax Payment:
- Visit IRS.gov
- Select "Pay" near the top of the page.
- Choose Payment Method from Bank Account
- Select "Direct Pay with bank account"
- Click "Pay individual tax"
- Click "Make a Payment"
- Reason "Estimated Tax"
- Apply Payment To "1040ES (for 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ)"
- Tax Period for Payment "Tax Year"
- Verify your identity using taxpayer's SSN & 1040 filing history
- Print the confirmation page and save as PDF
C. How to file Tax Extension:
- Visit IRS.gov
- Select "Pay" near the top of the page.
- Choose Payment Method from Bank Account
- Select "Direct Pay with bank account"
- Click "Pay individual tax"
- Click "Make a Payment"
- Reason "Extension"
- Apply Payment To "4868 (for 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ)"
- Tax Period for Payment "Tax Year"
- Verify your identity using taxpayer's SSN & 1040 filing history
- Print the confirmation page and save as PDF