IRS Tax Payment & Extension Instructions
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 identity using taxpayer's (not spouse's) SSN & 1040 filing history.
- Print the confirmation page and save as PDF
- Option 2: Debit Card, Credit Card, or Digital Wallet
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 identity using taxpayer's (not spouse's) SSN & 1040 filing history.
- Print the confirmation page and save as PDF
Note: Estimated tax payments must be made quarterly and on time. A filing extension to October 15 only extends the time to file, not the time to pay. Any tax due must still be paid by April 15 to avoid interest and penalties. Late or underpaid taxes may accrue about 8% interest plus a 6% penalty, or roughly 14% annually on unpaid amounts.
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 identity using taxpayer's (not spouse's) SSN & 1040 filing history.
- Print the confirmation page and save as PDF
Note: Estimated tax payments must be made quarterly and on time. A filing extension to October 15 only extends the time to file, not the time to pay. Any tax due must still be paid by April 15 to avoid interest and penalties. Late or underpaid taxes may accrue about 8% interest plus a 6% penalty, or roughly 14% annually on unpaid amounts.