Tax day is never anyone's favorite time of the year, but the IRS has taken measures to ensure the payment process is as (theoretically) painless as possible. These days you can submit your information online or over the phone in addition to the traditional mail-in method. If you find yourself in a bit of a financial bind, installment plans are available.

Paying By Mail

The option to mail in your tax form is still one of the most popular choices if you have prepared your information for the IRS in advance. Exactly where you send your information depends on a myriad of factors--where you live, what kind of forms you'll be filing and whether you're paying in full at the time of filing. The IRS website. irs.gov. has a complete listing of these addresses, categorized with these factors in mind.

Paying By Phone

If using the phone is more convenient for you, the IRS has set up two official toll-free numbers you can use to pay your taxes. The first is (800) 272-9829 run by Official Payments Corporation. The other is Link2Gov at (888) 729-1040. When you call, you can pay with a credit card after giving your Social Security number or EIN and your tax information. These are the only officially accepted phone numbers by the IRS to pay your taxes; if you see advertisements directing you to call any other number, the odds are high it's a scam attempting to steal your credit card and Social Security information. If you choose to pay by phone, you will be charged a convenience fee based on the amount of taxes you owe.

Paying Online

Paying your taxes online works very much as it does over the phone. The same IRS-approved companies you can call have website counterparts where you can enter the same information--officialpayments.com and pay1040.com. As with the phone, you need your Social Security number or EIN and a credit card. Also like the option to pay by phone, you will be charged a convenience fee that's based on what you owe. If you make less than a certain amount during the year, you can file federal taxes on the IRS website for free. The amount changes each year. This free offer doesn't apply to state taxes.

Payment Plans

If you find you can't pay the entire sum you owe the IRS up front, it does allow payment plans. If you owe $25,000 or less combined, you can use the Online Payment Agreement (OPA) or call the number you're given on your invoice. When you call, you need to give information from the invoice along with your Social Security number. If you prefer to mail a request, use Form 9465 in the OPA; you can print it out and mail it with your invoice. If you owe more than $25,000, you might still qualify for a payment plan, but you should call the number on your invoice for more information. If you want to mail the request, you need to include Form 433F (Collection Information Statement) along with Form 9465.

Source:

IRS Tax Return Addresses

OfficialPayments.com

Pay1040.com

More Information:

IRS E-File Homepage

Online Payment Agreement (OPA) Application