The user can even specify the date for a debit to the account, and tax due can be paid as late as April 16, 2001. Form 4868 has details on required information and how to pay a balance by phone. Telephone filers get a confirmation number at the conclusion of the call, telling them that their return or extension request has been accepted. More than 400,000 people paid their federal taxes by direct debit or credit card last year. There is no fee for a direct debit, but direct debit is not available for paper return filers.
Taxpayers can make credit card payments through tax software, by phone, or via the Internet.
The IRS does not set or collect any fees for credit card payments, but the private sector processors do impose convenience fees. The tax payment to the U. S. Treasury and the convenience fee will be listed separately on the cardholder's credit card statement. Each company has its own fee schedule and each offers both phone and Internet payment services. Any individual may use these services to charge taxes to an American Express, Discover Card or MasterCard account. A person may file early and wait until April to make the credit card charge.