If you owe tax when filing Form 1040 or 1040-SR, the amount due is shown on the return as “Amount You Owe” (current Form 1040, typically Line 37), which is calculated by subtracting total payments (including withholding, estimated tax, and refundable credits) from total tax liability.
If the resulting amount is $1 or more, it is due by the federal filing deadline (generally April 15 of the following year, or the next business day if it falls on a weekend/holiday). Paying late may result in interest and penalties.
If you cannot pay in full, the IRS offers payment options such as installment agreements.
Payment Options
Pay Online
- IRS Direct Pay (bank account debit)
- IRS Online Account payments
- Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW) when e-filing
IRS Direct Pay and EFW generally do not charge IRS fees (bank processing fees do not apply for Direct Pay/EFW, though third-party software may charge fees for filing services).
See IRS.gov/Payments.
Pay by Debit or Credit Card
- Payments are processed through IRS-authorized third-party payment processors
- A processing fee is charged by the processor (not the IRS)
- Payments are initiated online or by phone through approved providers listed on IRS.gov
Pay by Mobile Device
- Payments may be made using IRS Direct Pay or authorized IRS payment apps/services
- IRS2Go app provides access to IRS payment tools and account information
Pay by Check or Money Order
- Payable to “United States Treasury”
- Include Form 1040-V payment voucher if required
- Mail to the address listed in the Form 1040 instructions for your location
Pay by Cash
- Cash payments are accepted only through IRS-approved retail partners
- Do not send cash directly to the IRS by mail
What If You Can’t Pay?
Installment Agreement
- Apply online at IRS.gov/OPA or submit Form 9465
- Allows monthly payments over time
- Interest and penalties generally continue until paid in full
- A setup fee may apply (reduced or waived for eligible low-income taxpayers depending on method)
Short-Term Extension to Pay
- The IRS may grant a short-term extension to pay (up to 180 days) if you qualify
- This is typically requested by contacting the IRS or through approved online options
- Interest and penalties continue to accrue until paid
Penalties and Fees
Dishonored Payment (Returned Check or Failed Payment)
- A penalty may apply if a payment is returned unpaid
- Generally the penalty is the greater of:
- $25, or
- 2% of the payment amount
- Additional bank fees may also apply
See IRS Tax Topic 206.
Estimated Tax Penalty
- Applies if withholding and estimated payments are insufficient during the year
- Computed separately on Form 2210
- Generally applies when:
- Underpayment occurs relative to required installment payments, or
- Safe harbor thresholds are not met (e.g., 90% current-year tax or 100%/110% prior-year tax depending on AGI)
This penalty is reported on Form 1040 (typically Line 38 in recent versions) and included in the total amount due.
Source:
Form 1040 Instructions (2025)
Disclaimer: Always verify details with current Federal or State Department of Revenue Forms and Instructions. For complex situations, consult a CPA or tax attorney.