Do I Make a Federal Tax Check Out to the IRS or the Department of Treasury?

You must include certain information on your federal tax paymment check for it to be processed.

Federal taxes can be paid in many ways. Technology and the many different software titles available can make sending payments to the Internal Revenue Service quick and easy. Many people still prefer to file their taxes on paper and make payments using checks. The IRS accepts payments via check, and you will need to make it out to the U.S. Treasury. They will not accept payments via check made out to the IRS. In addition to ensuring you make your payment out to the U.S. Treasury, there are other items that must accompany the payment or be done to ensure that your payment can be applied accurately and without error.

What to Put on Payment Check

The IRS needs certain information ito process your payment successfully and efficiently. Taxpayers must include their correct name, address and Social Security Number that is listed first on the tax form. The payer must also include a daytime phone number, the tax year the payment is for, and the form that the taxpayer has filed.

Form to Include

The taxpayer must include Form 1040-V along with their payment and tax return. This form will allow the IRS to process your payment effectively. Payment must be included with this voucher, however if you are to attach your check to this form, you must not use a staple per IRS rules. A paperclip would be a better option, as it would ensure that your check does not get separated and not prevent processing.

Where to Send Payment

Where to send your payment will depend on what part of the country you live in. If you are a wage earner and not self employed there are four different locations that you may send your payment to. If you live in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah or Wyoming you will send your payment to Internal Revenue Service Center, Austin, TX 73301-0010. If you live in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, or Tennessee you will send your payment to Internal Revenue Service Center, Atlanta, GA 39901-0010. If you live in Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont or Washington you will send your payment to Internal Revenue Service Center, Fresno, CA 93888-0010. If you live in Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Maryland, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia or Wisconsin you will send your payment to Internal Revenue Service Center, Kansas City, MO 64999-0010.

Other Payment Options

While many people send payments to the IRS in the form of a check, the IRS has many other options to make payments. Payments for federal taxes will be accepted via credit or debit card through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. A fee will be charged to utilize this system. Taxpayers can also utilize an electronic funds transfer, which makes the payment directly out of your checking account. A taxpayer can also pay over the phone by dialing 800-555-3453 and following the prompts to sign up for this service. Visiting the IRS website EFTPS.gov will also allow you to sing up online.

References

• IRS.gov: 10 things to know about making federal tax payment by check
• IRS.gov: Where to Send Tax Payments
• IRS.gov: How to enroll to make payments by phone

Resources

• IRS.gov: Electronic Federal Tax Payment System