How to Write a Check to the IRS

When you pay a balance due for income taxes or estimated taxes, you want to be sure your account is credited properly. Notations on your check help both you and the IRS track your payments.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ballpoint Pens
• Envelopes
• Checks
• Electronic Personal Organizers
• Calendars
• Postage Stamps

1. Make your check or money order payable to the United States Treasury.

2. Fill in the date and amount of the check as you would any payment.

3. Write clearly in the memo section of your check your Social Security number, the tax year to which the payment applies, and the tax form related to the check (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ - or ES for estimated payments).

4. Sign the check and put it in an envelope with your tax return or voucher.

5. Address the envelope to the proper IRS service center.

6. Mail your check so that it is postmarked by the due date of the tax return or of the estimated payment.

Tips & Warnings

• Your check will be accepted if you use other payees, such as the Department of the Treasury or Internal Revenue Service.
• If you are married and filing a joint return, use the Social Security number of the first person listed on your tax return - termed the "primary taxpayer."
• If you are writing a check for another person, also include, at the least, the first four letters of that person's last name. The IRS identifies a taxpayer by matching the Social Security number and those four letters.
• IRS service centers are based on geographical location. Taxpayers living outside the country file at the Philadelphia center.
• Estimated payments go to separate IRS offices - not where you mail your income tax return or balance-due check. Call a local tax preparer or the IRS, at [phone], if you cannot find the address in your area.
• To prevent having your check diverted by unauthorized persons, avoid writing merely "IRS" as payee.
• Keep records of your payment for four years or until you are absolutely sure your account has been credited.

[jull14]

on 4/16/2009 How to write a check to the IRS, great article for this time. Many people will like to write this article these days, since almost 60 % f people owed money to the IRS. great article. Julia

[vaner09]

on 4/23/2008 What happens if you don't put the SS# or tax year? I was traveling when I wrote the check and did not read all the instructions... it was sent on 15th and has not been cashed yet and I am worried.

[arrianarose]

on 12/10/2006 As an IRS employee, I often see misapplied payments. This is not all you need to do. See a separate posting from me.