As the April 15 tax deadline nears, the IRS urged taxpayers to use electronic filing and payment options available on its website to help avoid late filing and interest fees. (IR 2025-32, 3/12/2025)
IRS Free File.
Taxpayers who need more time to file their taxes can use IRS Free File to electronically request a six-month extension by the April tax filing due date.
There is no income limit for filing Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, through IRS Free File. Filing an extension gives taxpayers until October 15, 2025, to file returns without incurring failure-to-file penalties.
However, the IRS clarified that taxpayers must still pay what they owe by April 15, regardless of any filing extension unrelated to disaster relief. Interest and a late payment penalty may apply to any 2024 tax payments made after April 15.
IRS Online Account.
Taxpayers can use their IRS Online Account to access important information when preparing tax returns, managing payments, or following up on notices.
The platform enables users to view their adjusted gross income, payment history and any scheduled or pending payments, payment plan details, and digital copies of select IRS notices.
Through their Online Account, taxpayers can also securely make a same-day payment for 2024 tax balances, pay quarterly estimated taxes, or request an extension to file a 2024 return.
More e-payment options.
Other electronic payment options available to taxpayers include Direct Pay, which offers a free way to pay taxes directly from a checking or savings account without any fees or registration. Users can also schedule payments up to 365 days in advance.
Alternatively, taxpayers can pay through IRS2Go, the official mobile app of the IRS, or through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) that allows them to pay individual and business taxes by phone or online.
Another free option is Electronic Funds Withdrawal, which permits taxpayers to file and pay from their bank account when using tax preparation software or a tax professional. This is available only when electronically filing a tax return.
Individuals can also make tax payments using debit cards, credit cards, and digital wallets through an IRS authorized payment processor. While processors charge a fee for their services, the IRS said it doesn’t receive any fees for these payments.
Online self-service payment plans.
Most individual taxpayers can use the IRS online payment agreement to set up a payment plan to pay off an outstanding balance over time.
Plan options include a short-term payment plan for total balances under $100,000 and a simple payment plan for total balances under $50,000.
The IRS noted that while interest and late-payment penalties continue to accrue on any unpaid taxes after April 15, the failure-to-pay penalty rate is cut in half while an installment agreement is in effect.
Help for taxpayers.
The IRS recommends that taxpayers who cannot pay in full explore available payment options for remaining balances, including taking out a loan. According to the agency, loan costs are often lower than the combination of interest and penalties that the IRS must charge under federal law.
It also advised taxpayers to act promptly, since tax bills accumulate more interest and fees the longer they remain unpaid.
For all payment options, visit the IRS’ Make a Payment page.
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