COVID! That’s the new excuse for anything that isn’t working. So if you didn’t do something right, just say, “COVID” and usually your problems will go away. Driver’s license expired? “COVID” Forgot to pay your rent on time? “COVID” and on and on and on. Well, what if the IRS mail system has been overwhelmed. “COVID” What if you mailed something by a certain date, but the IRS didn’t open their mail for six months? “COVID.” Same for owing the IRS $$ and you mailed it to them, but they didn’t open their mail to cash it for six weeks? “COVID.” Problem is, the IRS computer is working just fine and consistently spits out notices telling you that they are going to seize your bank account because you didn’t pay your tax on time. If you owe the IRS and want to get their computer off your back, do NOT mail a check to the IRS. The solution? Direct pay. Taxpayers are able to pay amounts due, estimated tax payments or notices without a pin number (which businesses must have) through the “IRS Direct Pay” system. To access it, go to an internet browser search box and type in “IRS Direct Pay.” Make sure you select the one that has the URL https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay. On the left screen will be many boxes for choosing the method of payment, such as “Bank Account (Direct Pay)”; “Pay by Debit or Credit Card”; “Payment Plan”; etc. Click on the method of payment you want to use, then click the blue box in the middle of the screen that is entitled “Make a Payment.” Now just fill out the form that pops up. You will be asked for the reason (select from the pull down menu) and then choose the “Apply Payment To” from the pull down menu that shows up based upon the “reason” you chose. Finally, choose “Tax Period for Payment” from the pull down menu that shows up. Be sure to put in the correct year. Click “CONTINUE” and keep providing requested information until you have completed the process. Are you afraid of give the IRS your personal credit card or bank information? Trust me! They already have the ability to know it if they wanted to. Think of it this way, if you mailed them a check, everything about your bank account is on the check! Same if you authorized them to collect their payment via credit card. So why not make it easy on you and them by paying online through Direct Pay instead through the U.S. Mail? Did you hear? 2 Kings 4:7b says, “…pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.” Kelly Bullis is a Certified Public Accountant in Carson City. Contact him at 882-4459. On the web at BullisAndCo.com Also on Facebook.
