IRS ‘Direct Pay’ option unavailable on tax day

Those waiting until Tuesday, the last day to file taxes without potentially paying a penalty, may experience a few problems if they intend to use the Direct Pay option online at IRS.gov. CBS News reports although online payments are partially down, the government still expects its money.A page on the IRS website that allows taxpayers to make a payment is not working for many as of Tuesday morning. Clicking on “Make a payment” on the payments page redirects the user to a page titled “unplannedOutagePage.” “Note that your tax payment is due although IRS Direct Pay may not be available,” the page notes.

Acting Commissioner David Kautter acknowledged the issue Tuesday morning in a House Oversight Committee hearing. He says “We are working to resolve the issue and taxpayers should continue to file as they normally would”.

Tuesday is the deadline for Americans to pay any taxes owed to the U.S. Treasury this year. It’s also the deadline for business owners and freelancers to pay their estimated taxes for the first quarter of 2018.

While Direct Pay isn’t the only way to make a payment, it’s one of the few that doesn’t cost extra. Paying with a credit card through the IRS’ site will cost around 2 percent of the payment amount, starting at $2.50.

For taxpayers who use software to file their returns, it’s also possible to pay through the tax filing service itself. Tax preparers like TurboTax and H and R Block allow users to set up a link to their bank account to pay taxes due when they’re finished filing.

Local H and R Block owner Marshella Norell has more.

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Taxpayers who are expecting a refund can request a six-month extension to file, but any taxes owed are due by the end of Tuesday.

Paper filings must be postmarked by Tuesday.

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Mountain Home Post Office Supervisor Paul Edwards says paper returns need to be in the mail by their usual closing time at 4:30.

Call 1-800-275-8777 for detailed information on tax day post office extended hours, collection boxes and mail pick ups in your area.

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